Ebonyi: The Race For Elechi's Successor
By Simon Agbo
Ebonyi State governor, Chief Martin Nwancho Elechi is expected to vacate office on May 29, 2015 when he would have spent eight years or two terms in office.
Expectedly, the political temperature of the state that prides itself as “Salt of the Nation” has risen with anxiety mounting over who succeeds Elechi.
Statistics reveal that Ebonyi State is the poorest of the five south-eastern states. It is one of the poorest in the country. Majority of its people are involved in subsistence farming. This sector is responsible for over 90 percent of the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
A part of the defunct Eastern Nigeria, Eastern Region, and old Anambra State, it wasn't until October 1, 1996, that the Late Head of State, General Sani Abacha decreed Ebonyi State.
Three years later, in 1999, Dr. Sam Ominyi Egwu became the first democratically-elected governor of the state. As a new state, Egwu was saddled with the task of building the state virtually from the scratch.
After eight years, Egwu, who tried his best, ensured that Elechi, a foundation member of All Peoples Party (APP)-turned PDP member emerged his successor.
At the time, Elechi's candidacy had ruffled several feathers in the PDP. Egwu stuck to his gun, insisting that being a founding father of the state, it wouldn't be difficult for Elechi to key in on his achievements, and even build on them.
And true to Egwu's expectations, the Elechi-led administration has demonstrated an uncommon commitment
and zeal to further improve the fortunes of the people of the state. Some have given the administration credit for ensuring the actualization of the dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers of the state.
With a first-class team of experts, Elechi brought in the best hands to drive
his administration. This has translated to tons of benefits to the generality of the masses.
Under Elechi, Ebonyi State has experienced an unprecedented transformation spanning the economy, agriculture, education, health care, infrastructure, among other sectors.
However, with less than four months into another election year, political watchers are disturbed that Elechi, unlike his predecessor hasn't openly indicated interest in any candidate. This failure to groom a successor may have an unfortunate sequel for the young state, as whoever eventually becomes governor may not share the same vision with the outgoing governor.
Aside unconfirmed media reports that some family members were rooting for his brother in-law, Senator Chris Nwankwo, the governor has kept sealed lips on his choice.
Even though not a common political culture in Nigeria, many believe the idea of Chief Executives handing their deputies the baton of leadership would help strengthen democracy. Such succession culture, they also believe, would help stabilize the local economies by sustaining development.
To maintain the current tempo of development in Ebonyi State, some analysts argue that supporting deputy governor Dave Umahi may be the state's best bet.
As a vibrant and dynamic deputy, Umahi has managed to
comport himself- all the while avoiding anything that would haul him on collision course with his boss.
As an apostle of Elechi, he has religiously kept a tab on the developmental strides of his boss.
With the added advantage of being an engineer, Umahi is at home with most of the projects being executed by his boss, the governor.
Such projects include the Ofurekpe and Ukawu water schemes, the international market, the Ocho-Udo
City, the Rice Hotels, among several others.
Umahi is said to have leveraged on his engineering background to save the state huge sums of money in terms of costing of projects, just as he practically monitors their implementation.
The deputy governor, it may be recalled, was state chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Under his watch the party built a state secretariat in Abakalik, the capital.
So impressed was President Goodluck Jonathan with the secretariat that he, on the occasion of its commissioning, declared the secretariat the best by any party in the country. No accolade could be more presidential.
An impressed President Jonathan followed up by
handing Umahi a $10,000 cash gift. The then party chairman promptly ploughed back the president's laurel into beautifying the edifice.
Umahi was to repeat the feat when Elechi upgraded him to the position of deputy governor. He changed the looks of the deputy governor with a fantastic marble finishing. A man not used to settling for below-average things, Umahi extended the same touch to his official residence leaving several wondering if it was the same building he inherited.
I have taken the pains to list a few examples of what Umahi has done- from which we can project his abilities if given the opportunity.
Umahi has, beyond doubt proven to be a good manager of men and resources, and like the wise river, hasn't forgotten his source.
Like all humans, the deputy governor sure has his drawbacks. There are those who, for instance, erroneously believe that he is haughty. A chance meeting however would make this false impression fall flat in the face.
There is a world of difference between arrogance and confidence, particularly from a man who has made modest accomplishments in his profession, business and politics.
Governor Elechi had at a particular forum described Umahi as the “all conquering David Umahi”. Coming from a man not given to rhetoric, this testimonial speaks volume about the persona of the deputy governor.
Governor Elechi had also on several occasions, without any iota of reservations, gladly allow Umahi keep watch over the state for him. The governor never had cause to complain of any untoward conduct by his deputy. This is the level of confidence, cordiality and respect which has become the hallmark of Umahi's relationship with his gracious and father-figure boss.
To be sure, there are those who out of malice, envy or both would go to any length to ensure Governor Elechi never anointed his loyal deputy as successor. This is life.
This may have accounted for the gossips being peddled- all in a desperate bid to drive a wedge between Umahi and his boss.
Fortunately, Governor Elechi isn't a man given to such under hand tactics. As a man so blessed by God, he has garnered sufficient experience as a father, politician and leader of people to be able to sift the wheat from the chaff.
As a principal founding father of Salt of the Nation, it is most unlikely that Governor Elechi would fall for the antics of those who do not wish our dear state well.
Naturally, the deputy governor would have been ill at ease on the form his next political move would be having served as party chairman and deputy governor. This waiting game, to my mind, is needless.
Having gained the confidence of his boss, the least that is expected of Governor Elechi is to break his silence and announce whom to back as a worthy successor.
Such a position, not only would help douse the anxiety on 2015, but would help prepare the minds of the people on whom to expect as governor after Elechi. This is the least that is expected of Statesman Martin Elechi.
Agbo writes from Abakaliki
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