2007 and the Diasporas
ACHO ORABUCHI
Dallas, Texas
Sunday, September 17, 2006
The incessant call for credible leadership in Nigeria has awakened many Nigerians in the Diaspora to make their political foray in the uncharted political terrain in a country so endowed with natural and human resources, but engulfed in a petrifying squalor. Many from the Diaspora have made their intensions known concerning their decision to run for various elective offices in Nigeria. Some of the candidates from the Diaspora are former World Igbo Congress Chairman, Dr. K. K. Diogu, Barrister Osamwonyi Osagiede, Chief Kingsley Megwara, Chief Victor Ide Okoye, Prince Daniel Edobor Ovabor, and Mr. Osagie Odeh.
As Prince Daniel Edobor Ovabor goes for Edo State House of Assembly (Esan South-East L.G.A.), Mr. Osagie Odeh is eyeing Oredo LGA Chairman.
In informing Nigerians about his interest in contesting for the chairmanship of his local government, Mr. Osagie Odeh said, “My fellow PDPian, let me use this forum to inform you that after speaking and attending successful meetings with PDP political giants in Benin City and in Abuja, [and] as a result, I have decided to enter the race for the Chairmanship of OREDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA IN EDO STATE. I have tested the sweet water in the political arena in EDO STATE and I think I am equal to the task. My campaign will focus on new directions for my people. I have the tools to bring about progress.”
Barrister Osamwonyi Osagiede, a candidate for governor of Edo State would be in a battle with the Special Assistant to President Obasanjo, Prof Julius Ihonvbere for Edo’s plum position.
Chief Victor Ide Okoye, candidate for Anambra Central Senatorial Seat currently held by Senator Ben Obi, has been gearing up for the race. Chief Okoye has stated that he would work hard to win PDP nomination for the senatorial seat.
While
Chief Emmanuel Ukpai is a candidate for Arochukwu/Ohafia constituency, Federal
House of Representative—a seat currently held by Hon. MAO Ohuabunwa who
is slated to be in the senate come 2007, Chief
Kingsley Megwara will be contesting for the Abia House of Assembly.
In a statement released recently by the Committee to elect Dr. K. K. Diogu as the next Governor of Abia State, the candidate said, among other things that he would actualize the moribund ideal of Obuaku City when he’s elected as the Abia State Governor. The excerpts of the statement:
“Finally, the speculation has been put to rest. The two-term, immediate past Chairman of the World Igbo Congress has confirmed his intention to lead Abia State from endemic misery to prosperity. Addressing the Abia State caucus at the 12th annual convention of the World Igbo Congress held in Boston, MA on September 2, 2006, Dr. Diogu confirmed speculation that he is ready to bring his brand of no-nonsense leadership skills to the service of Abia State as her next governor. According to him, a formal declaration of his candidacy will be made in October in his hometown, Okpo Ihechiowa in Arochukwu Local Government Area. Dr. Diogu holds a PhD degree in Electrical Engineering and has been a former Director of Engineering Services at the Semiconductor Sector of the multinational conglomerate Motorola.
In his speech, often punctuated by thunderous applause and chants of KKD as he is popularly known, Dr. Diogu announced that his key agenda would be the empowerment of Ndi Abia by giving back their government to them. Hear him: “Abia State needs an accountable and effective government and I will not let anybody forget that government is all about service in the interest of the people. I will unite the people of Abia State and the days of confrontation and division are now over. We need a leader who will develop the state by working closely with our local governments to develop our communities. Together, we will rebuild Abia State by bringing electricity, good roads, water, education, information technology, and business opportunities to our local communities and cities. We will rebuild Abia State by empowering our local governments and communities. Our people have suffered for too long. My campaign and governance will be about our people and not individuals. Let us for the first time think about our people. Abia State belongs to Ndi Abia and my mission is to deliver back the government and its benefits to its rightful owners.”
Some of the issues his administration will focus on include: quality education, unemployment, sanitation and hygiene education, roads, transportation management and regulation, clean water, electricity, security, healthcare, agriculture, and information technology as a way of bridging the “digital divide” between Abia state and the rest of the world. Dr. Diogu is convinced that his experience in business management, (working for companies like Motorola, AT&T Bell Labs, KkadiTEL, NASA Research University Centers) laced with a strong knowledge of the U.S. private sector; good knowledge of Nigeria’s political, economic and social environment; belief in grassroots participation and consultation in governance; understanding of the workings of the international financial and economic systems; volunteer service to the community and competence in concepts and tools of administrative competence and development, qualify him for the position of Governor of Abia State.”
The candidates are seemingly harping the chord—credible leadership. In a terrain of political violence we pray that these trailblazers do not capitulate in trepidation. In the past, nevertheless, electoral success has eluded people who returned from abroad to contest for elective offices due to several reasons that would be a subject for another day. However, it’s imperative that people in the Diaspora to work collaboratively to ensure electoral success of their comrades.