Obike Egbo: Ugwuanyi’ll Make a Name for Himself if He Focuses on Rural Roads
Chief Obike Egbo is a founding member of Nomeh Unateze Political Forum, a grassroots political organisation in Enugu State. In this interview with journalists in Lagos, Egbo, who is the author of Nomeh Unateze Heritage, explains why his group endorsed the
Do you have any fears concerning the forthcoming general election? There is nothing to be scared of, for it was God that united Nigeria to live as one nation. Nigeria as a country has gone through trying and more turbulent times, yet we survived. Even at the last national conference, there was no fear as to whether Nigeria will breakup or not. As for the rumours, people will always talk, as Nigerians are used to coming to a conclusion at sensing slightest danger.
What is your opinion on the emergence of Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as the PDP governorship candidate in Enugu State?
Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is a well-known and respected person in both his senatorial zone and the state at large. He will perform very well as the governor of our dear state. Nomeh Unateze Political Forum is identifying with him and we share the belief that he will be the one to take Nomeh to the next level.
Do you think that the present PDP government in the state has done well?
Yes, PDP has embarked on and carried out tangible projects in the state. One of them is the housing project, which was handled by Chief Ikeje Asogwa, who is the present PDP state chairman. It has made available low cost houses to the people of Enugu metropolis. Again, we have the creation and construction of new road networks in the state, which has helped greatly in decongesting the major roads in the state, thus, reducing to a very considerable extent the amount of traffic jam that we used to be experienced in the state. Also we have the creation and building of more health centres, scattered all over the state. With these foundation already put in place, Hon. Ifeanyi would have a wonderful starting point. Looking even deeper, Nkanu East, where I come from, is a good example of an agrarian society that cultivates lots of rice, cassava and yam (in plantations), but the basic problem this community has is lack of access roads to transport these food and cash crops from the point of harvest to the market where it will get to the final consumers. Though, we learnt that a contract sponsored by the World Bank has been awarded to construct roads into these communities Nenwe, Nomeh, Mburubu to Nara; it is our earnest hope that these roads will be started and completed. Now if Hon. Ugwuanyi can shift his attention to the rural areas, especially since the outgoing government has done a very good job in Enugu metropolis, then it will be a great move in the right direction. By this I am certain Hon. Ifeanyi will write his name on the sand of time and be the governor that will construct Nomeh Unateze road.
Do you think PDP would win the governorship election in Enugu State, particularly, given the emergence of other strong parties in the state?
Enugu, as you know, is a PDP state. So I am certain that we will win the election. On our own part, we have started mobilising for Hon. Ugwuanyi, through Nomeh Unateze Political Forum, to ensure grassroots political participation, also to create the needed awareness, to ensure that people come out en-masse to vote for him. The intention for supporting Hon. Ifeanyi is our belief that he will not forget Nomeh Unateze and that he will pay special attention to the access road to Nomeh as it is usually not motorable during raining season. The railway used to serve as alternative means for moving out farm produce from Nomeh Unateze but have not been working for a very long time and so there is total reliance on land transport. Every year, farmers in Nomeh Unateze lose a lot due to non-accessibility, people are suffering and sometimes cannot leave the community for months due to bad road network.
What is the mission of Nomeh Unateze Political Forum?
I am a foundation member of the forum. The forum was formed basically to create massive awareness on electoral processes; educate the masses on the importance of voting and selecting their leaders; and the importance of collecting and safe keeping of their permanent voter cards. We started initially hoping that our in-law, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, will win the PDP governorship ticket, but the party has spoken. We respect the decision of PDP and have since thrown our weight behind the candidature of Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
How would you compare INEC of today with that of eight years ago?
Well, INEC has improved greatly over the years. With the recent happenings in the elections in Ekiti, Osun and Anambra states, you would notice a huge difference from the election process of the past years. The major problem in election is now distribution and collection of the PVCs rather than rigging. Though, there are still fears from some quarters concerning the capability of INEC handling the entire election due to the PVC challenges. We encourage INEC to do their best and ensure that all eligible voters are allowed to vote and the wish of the people is respected.
What is your advice to the people of Enugu State ahead of the general election?
My advice is that the people of Enugu should not give credence to deceitful politicians, who would make them unrealistic and unattainable promises. They should endeavour to collect and safeguard their PVCs, to enable them exercise their political rights. They should note the promises made to them and hold their leaders accountable after election.
Are you satisfied with the level of development that has been brought to your area by the current government?
The rural electrification project that was brought to my community was vandalised by criminals. After some many years (about 10 years), the state and local governments brought it back, but this time it could not go round. I urge the incoming government of Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to look into the matter and come to our rescue. Also it would be great if our maternity centres are upgraded to proper maternity hospitals. Like I said earlier, of greater important to Nomeh Unateze community is the access road to Nomeh.