Ifeanyi Ubah, The Barkin Zuwo Of Our Time!

Remember him? For those too young to know and those with short memories, Alhaji Barkin Zuwo was the Kano State governor during the second Republic of Alhaji Shehu Shagari's era. Zuwo was an honest man, a good-intended leader of his dear state…but amongst many qualities, basic education eluded the successful businessman. He became a 'celebrity', a press delight because of his common ignorance of basic terms and misplacement of English meanings of words, sentences and phrases.

When asked about his running mate…the PRP-installed first citizen of the state quickly referred to his NPP counterpart, ''that boy, Rimi, he has been chasing me all around.'' Asked if his state had any minerals of note as part of natural resources, the governor fired back, ''kai … mineral berekete for Kano…akwoi Fanta, akwoi Coke, akwoi…''

Trust the press…Zuwo became a subject of every day mischievous ridicule! Then Buahri and Idiagbon struck, bringing to an end the comedy of many hilarious moments flowing out of Kano State Govt House … for Zuwo even banked at home…his numerous bedrooms were full of bags of cash – state money!

Today, we have one of the candidates lined out to occupy the Anambra apex table molded in exactly same foil! It's two decades gone and states swapped…but 'Dr' Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah cuts same jib as Zuwo. You may dress immaculately, comport yourself articulately, even add exquisite table manners to make any keen observer conclude you belong , yes. But when you open your mouth to speak…my brother…tenses start their utmost betrayal. Yes, tenses!

Before I go any further, let me make it very clear. I have nothing against 'Capital Oil'. I'm even proud of his exploits in the oil sector. Yes, as an Igbo man, I'm proud he could break into the cabal that is Nigeria's Oil business. With his obvious limited background in education, he must have been a genius to achieve his wealth and fame, whatever methods he employed. As well, I'm not bothered about his problem with Coscharis. They're both from Nnewi and history has it they'll always find a way to settle. Neither is it any skin off my nose whatever amount he owes the banks. If they were crazy enough to lend him such gigantic sums without solvable collateral, then let them stew in their own juice…and about time too.

And, believe me, it is never in my character to mock anyone with some sensitive things like education. While growing up, most of us from Anambra were only privileged to go to school. Including my very self, we became graduates by His special grace. It never really was that those that didn't go to school were not intelligent enough. It's only in this era that people started affording such luxury like sending all your kids to secondary and tertiary institutions. With such experience, I'm therefore very convinced that Ifeanyi Ubah would have excelled academically if he chose that route.

But in the name of God, what is Ifeanyi Ubah looking for in Anambra Govt House? Fame? Money? Control? Oh, yes…POWER! This is the modern era…even Kano State would never stoop so low again to unearth another Zuwo, how then Anambra State of all states?

When international press notice our own governor make statements like…I does not want; Obi and Obiano has no power; Ngige did not came; I eats akpu everyday as an Igbo man bringing up at home; etc, etc…then the CNN, BBC, Aljazeera, etc would be flocking Anambra every day for interviews!

Ndi be anyi…Umu Anambra…anyi a kaligo this level! We should NEVER allow this modern caricature to infiltrate our general well-being.

'Capital Oil' bu dike for having attained his business level and fame. I hear he is a philanthropist too. Great. But he should mind his business. And his business is nowhere near Anambra State Govt House.