Olisa Metuh
THE QUINTESSENTIAL STATES MAN AT 50!
DemocraticTo win back Party’s power (P.D.P.)and protect rebrandingthe democratic exercise? gainsThat will that invariablywere achieved provide underan enablingP.D.P. administration. environment for investments both local and international for the growth of this economy. Do you think you will, sometime in the future be running for political office, yourself – and why?
At 50? No. I don’t think I will run for a political office and at 50, I think in my small way, I have contributed towards nation building. This is the time for me to go back to my private business and to my family. I have played my role in politics and I cannot help but thank the Almighty God for giving me the privilege and opportunity to play the little role I have played. As a trained Lawyer of decades’ long experience, what are your thoughts on Nigeria’s legal system and prevailing system of impunity in the country with politicians, public servants getting away with various wrongdoings?
That matter is subjective and because we are dealing with a noble profession like the legal profession, I will prefer that whatever thoughts one has should be channeled to the NJC and other bodies of the profession. It is not something to be discussed on the pages of a newspaper. What would you say are the things that keep you going in all that you do?
It is my striving for perfection and excellence. I try to work very hard and I spend a lot of time in doing my work. Often times, I drive myself and my team too hard that they feel I don’t appreciate their service, but I do. Failure is never an option for me, in everything that I do or people do, I still see room for improvement. Also the fact that I know that I have faith in God is my strength. If He can take care of the lilies in the field, then He can see me through. My fate remains in His hands and no man can change my destiny.
What would you like to be remembered for?
As someone who paid close attention to the needs of his family, his friends and the less privileged. Someone who yearned to serve God and humanity and someone who actually loved his neighboUr and was really a dependable friend and ally.
How are you celebrating this milestone age?
A 50th birthday is always a remarkable milestone and my family and friends wanted to have a party. They have actually gone far in making arrangements for a surprise birthday. But the truth of the matter is that our country is facing great challenges, we have the issue of the Chibok girls still not home, soldiers who are defending our democracy dying in the Northeast, global dwindling of the economy, I argued that it will be insensitive to be celebrating while all these are going on in our country. Even though you only turn 50 once in your lifetime, I have chosen to spend my birthday with the less privileged. I want to show appreciation for God’s blessings by sharing my day and resources with the displaced persons; visit the motherless babies’ homes and other charity agencies. Looking back are there certain things you did that you would not want your children to repeat?
Only one, they should never play politics. It is very distracting to business, it keeps you away from the family and it gives you a bad image. You will be greatly misunderstood in such a way that the negatives outweigh the positives you contribute to the society. Sometimes even looking at what one might feel he has achieved, I ask myself in my quiet moment, is it really worth it? But when I look at the people who are contributing to the development of the country, who I have worked with and who in my own little effort, I have assisted in getting into office, either as governors, senators or members of the House of Representative, and they are doing well, I get a bit satisfied that I have made some contributions to humanity.
Who are your mentors?
I will say first the person that introduced me to politics, that is Senator Mike Ajaegbo in 1998 when we started P.D.P., secondly I have to mention someone that I admire so much, who in spite of whatever issues we have had over the years, that really helped me in building a career in politics, that is Sir Emeka Ofor. He encouraged and supported fully my becoming a member of the National Executive Committee in 1999. A lot of people were against me because they felt I was too young, they felt I was naïve and that I did not know a lot but Sir Emeka Ofor stood like a rock behind me. God used him to assist me in becoming a member of the National Executive Committee.
Most importantly, people ask me; where do you get your strength and dogged spirit from and no matter what is thrown at you, you still fight on? I think I got that from my close association with Sir Emeka Ofor. He helped build my career, my resilience, my strength. Sir Emeka Ofor does not look at the obstacles and the problems; he only looks at the possibilities and the benefits. Then Dr. Sam Egwu, who as governor of Ebonyi state and a friend taught me the necessary skills for survival in politics. Through the three of them, I have been able to learn a lot in politics, but most importantly, I have removed sentiments and emotions from political battles. I only focus on the issues. Among Nigeria leaders, old and new, who do you admire most and why?
Well for the old one ones, I grew up having Chief Obafemi Awolowo as a role model. He was a client of my father who was then in the defunct UPN and I was particularly close to him. After consulting with my father, we will spend hours together during which he took time to discuss the Awoist ideals and what they stand for; the free education, the socialist ideology and their benefits. So for the old generation of leaders, I admire Chief Obafemi Awolowo very much.
Then for the new ones, my friends inspire me. I admire practical politicians. I admire people who are go-getters and who are not deterred by circumstances. One of them is my friend the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu. He is a strong practical politician who I nicknamed the Nostradamus of our generation. What advice would you offer to youths on leadership?
Stay on the path of truth. Be honest and hardworking. No matter the challenge, remain undaunted and always look up to God, with whom nothing is impossible. So be truthful to yourself and be honest with your dealings with others at all times.