If you have been wondering about the continuous references to the Abia Charter of Equity, in the contentions for the 2015 governorship election in Abia State, Theo Nkire, former Attorney-General of Abia State, hangs the case of Ukwa-Ngwa on the equity the Charter enshrined at the creation of Abia State…
Sir, could you briefly introduce yourself?
Theo Nkire, lawyer, leader, Ukwa-Ngwa Professionals.
What does the organisation represent?
The organisation is an association of professionals of Ukwa-Ngwa origin who are committed to the development of Abia State, and who share in the conviction that Aba, the famous industrial and commercial hub, holds great potentials to support the development of Abia State
What are the major objectives of Ukwa-Ngwa Professionals?
The association seeks to achieve the development of the full potentials of Abia State with Aba as a pivot. It also seeks the election of an Abia State Governor of Ukwa-Ukwa extraction who will bring about rapid economic and social development of Abia State with Aba as the economic hub. To achieve our goals we seek a partnership with the Government of Abia State and leaders of Abia across our State.
How long has this organisation been in existence?
About two years
How is it different from other organisations in Ukwa-Ngwa?
It is a gathering of professionals. Secondly, because we are individuals with no personal political ambitions of our own, our goal is to serve our homeland and our state and we do so using our personal contributions
Why are there so many organisations in Ukwa-Ngwa?
Ukwa-Ngwa area covers nine out of the 17 Local governments of Abia State. It has exponentially more residents than the other one half of Abia State, so it necessarily should have more associations and groups.
Who are the sponsors of Ukwa-Ngwa Professionals?
The Ukwa-Ngwa Professionals, as a group, sponsors itself. It works with resources it members raise. It supports causes it believes in with members’ contributions.
Why is Ukwa-Ngwa Professionals at the forefront of the agitation for an Ukwa-Ngwa governor?
Since Independence, no person of Ukwa-Ngwa descent has had the opportunity to be Premier of a Region or Governor of our State in Nigeria, not Eastern Region, Imo State or since creation of Abia State. Abia was created from two Senatorial Zones of old Imo State, Aba Senatorial Zone and Umuahia Zone which included Afikpo and Ohaozara (now in Ebonyi State).The Ukwa-Ngwa area is currently made up of nine of the 17 Local Governments in the State. It is home to more than 60 per cent of the State population, and it is yet to produce a Governor. It is only fair, just and equitable that this happens. Our founding fathers agreed and laid a foundation for fairness and equity in the rotation principle they enshrined in the Abia Charter of Equity. This was the basis for the formation of the State. Those who work to destroy this foundation are against the peace in Abia State and this is why we commend His Excellency Dr. Theodore Orji for his consistency in affirming this principle of equity and fairness.
Is it constitutional to zone political office to a particular area?
I have said before and I will say it again that intrinsic in the federal character provision of the Constitution is the principle of zoning and rotation. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria established the quota system, and even went further to establish a Federal Character Commission to work to ensure equity in the employment and enhancement of public officers, it lays a foundation for each people to co-ordinate their affairs and manage their government in a way to ensure equitable and fair representation. Inherent in this principle is that areas in a State can and have often agreed and zoned offices using the mechanism of political parties because we are in a multi-party democracy
What is the Abia Charter of Equity that people keep mentioning in this case?
The Abia Charter of Equity is a child of circumstance. After the two Senatorial Districts of Aba and Umuahia of old Imo State decided to seek a State of their own, some disagreement arose between the two brothers that led to the breakaway of a large majority of the Aba people to form a Movement of their own – the Aba State Movement then led by Dr. George Wigwe. The Abia Charter of Equity was a fence mending measure adopted by the Movement to reassure what remained of the Aba group within its fold that the events that led to the breakup would never arise again. Indeed, the Abia Charter was extracted from the Umuahia (Bende) group led by Dr. M. I. Okpara by what remained of the Aba (Ukwa-Ngwa) group. After the breakup, Chief B. A. Wachuku was made Vice Chairman to Dr. Okpara and Dr. Moses Agbara became Secretary. These were measures to re-assure Ukwa-Ngwa of their place in the proposed State.
The Charter enshrined the principle of equity in distribution of political office and leadership and clearly stated that the position of Governor will rotate between the Aba and Bende zones of the State. Unfortunately this agreement was more honoured in breach than the observance until Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji decided that what is fair is fair and that the peace and development of Abia State required that equity and fairness be respected. He is a man who saw it fit to honour the agreement others chose to break with impunity.
Does the Charter support the agitation of Ukwa-Ngwa for a governor?
Of course, it does. The bedrock of the Charter is equity, justice and fairness. Some argue that the Charter pre-dates Ukwa-Ngwa agitation and therefore cannot support its case
What an idea! The Ukwa-Ngwa agitation for fairness and recognition started in colonial times. It came to the fore at the Willink’s Commission 1943 when aggrieved by the injustices of the time our people for the first time in our history were compelled to call for the creation of an Aba State. So how could the Abia Charter, which came into being almost 40 years later, in 1980, predate our agitation? Does the Abia Charter support our case? Of course, it does. Indeed, in the context of Abia State, the Charter does not only support our case; it is the foundation of our cause. The Charter is our reference point. Whenever the leaders neglect to do what is just and equitable, we remind them of the Charter.
The Charter is about equity, it is about fairness. Our case rests on the fairness of rotating power, which the Charter advocates, now (as the PDP has directed) among our three Senatorial Zones of Abia North (1999-2007), Abia Central (2007-2015) and Abia South from 2015. In Abia State, nobody who supports equity, fairness and justice would support that the governor should come from any zone other than Abia South.
Why is it important that the Abia State governor in 2015 is from Ukwa-Ngwa?
It is important because it is fair. It is important because it is just. It is important because it is equitable. It will give the Ukwa-Ngwa a true sense of belonging. That will be justice. That will be equity; it would be in line with the Abia Charter of Equity. It would fulfill the dreams of the founding fathers of Abia State, who authored the Charter, to clear any confusion that could arise from managing political offices in the State. They were wise; we cannot throw out their wisdom. We should learn from it.
What is your reaction to the fears of some that an Ukwa-Ngwa governor would marginalise other parts of the State?
That fear is laughable. Ukwa-Ngwa people are traditionally a peace loving and hospitable people. We extend our goodwill to all; with malice towards none. What powers do we have to marginalise anyone? He who wants equity must do equity. He who comes to equity must come with clean hands. Ukwa-Ngwa people want equity and they have come with clean hands; with malice towards none.
We are in a democratic dispensation. The Government has three arms an Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary. We have freedom of the press and courts, which settle disputes in Nigeria and Abia State. This is not a military regime with its hierarchical and command structure. A Governor who does not do well can be impeached as we are beginning to see all over. These fears are not founded. They are weak justification for people who want to maintain a domination that is unfair, unjust and that has hampered peace and development of Abia State. As a group, we will not support a Governor from anywhere in Abia State who incites divisions among our people. We seek a Governor who will see to the rapid development of Abia State as a whole and who will recognise and support the comparative advantages of the different parts of the State in a way that supports overall development, peace and good neighbourliness
How have Ukwa-Ngwa addressed these fears?
The Ukwa-Ngwa Professionals, as a group, has continued to consult with leaders of other communities in Abia, and to discuss, evaluate and allay these fears. This is why we have proposed to work with different groups and of course with the political leadership in the State, which is well disposed to ensure that no mistakes are made in this regard. I think that what needs to be done is that everyone in the state should get involved. It is our desire that we elect a Governor in 2015 who will serve Abia State well and improve upon the foundation for peace and unity that Ochendo has laid. Indeed, those fears are unfounded and it is our collective responsibility to work together to instill confidence in our people that government can be trusted to do what is right.
There are fears that Ukwa-Ngwa is divided over who will become the next governor and this could scuttle the agitation.
It is not true. Ukwa-Ngwa is united in the quest for a Governor of Ukwa-Ngwa descent in 2015. Who among us would be the Governor is a different matter. Political office is occupied through political contest. A multi-party democracy is intended to create competition. Though it has been zoned to Abia South, the office of Governor by our Constitution will be competitively sought. The huge interest is natural, it is expected, and it is not strange, but as the days go by, you will see that the selection process will continue to reduce the contestants until we all select one through the polls to be our Governor. That is what it ought to be and that is what it will be in this case.
Elections are run on party lines; along party platforms. The party determines its candidate. Until the party so determines, every member within the constituency is eligible to vie for the party ticket. I have no doubt whatsoever that when the party, for example, the PDP picks its candidate from Abia South, the other aspirants will queue behind him.
What deal did Ukwa-Ngwa reach with Governor Theodore Orji that makes him support the agitation?
None that I know of; if you know any, please tell me.
Some say you offered him the Abia Central senatorial seat to support the Ukwa-Ngwa cause.
The Abia Central seat is not ours to give. We are a State made up of different peoples. Politics is not a zero sum game; it is a give and take game. We preach equity and fairness, which means that you do not only consider your interest but you consider that of other groups. Abia Central Senatorial Zone is made up of six local governments – three from Ukwa-Ngwa and three from Umuahia. The local governments from Umuahia are entitled to produce a Senator for the zone, under an arrangement that enables the senatorial seat to rotate between Ukwa-Ngwa and Umuahia. This fair arrangement has been in place since 1999. We are a fair people; we come to equity with clean hands. We need to be commended rather than vilified.
To answer you directly, the Abia Central seat is not ours to give. You cannot give what you do not have. Ochendo is a great son of Abia State. If he expresses interest when the time comes, you can be in no doubt the support he will get will be overwhelming. The Ukwa-Ngwa local governments will all support him and the entire Abia Central Senatorial Zone will support him.
What is the Ukwa-Ngwa Professionals’ position on politicians outside Ukwa-Ngwa contesting the governorship?
It is undemocratic to shut anyone out in a political contest. In Jos in 1998, people like Abubakar Rimi from Kano State contested the presidential primaries of the PDP though the position was zoned to the South. The important thing is for the party to do the needful. You leave the rest to the individuals concerned. In our case, the party has done the right thing by zoning the position of Governor to Abia South. It is fair, it is just; it is equitable.
As a group and as a people, Ukwa-Ngwa is pleading with our brothers and sisters from Abia North and Abia Central to please, toe the party line. As loyal party members, they should obey the party and work together with us to achieve success. Without them, we cannot defeat the opposition. We must all work together in the PDP family to win. When next it is their turn, we promise to do the same; support them to win.
Would you like to share your biggest fear about 2015 as it relates to Ukwa-Ngwa?
My greatest fear is for myself. I wonder if I would be able to control my joy; my happiness. As for my people, the Ukwa-Ngwa people, I have no fear at all. Having spent their entire lives without a Governor of Ukwa-Ngwa extraction, they cannot but be grateful to God.
How would an Ukwa-Ngwa Governor be different from others the State had?
Every human being is different, in name, in outlook and in character. Will an Ukwa-Ngwa Governor be different from Ogbonnaya Onu? Certainly. Will he be different from Orji Uzor? No doubt. Will he be different from Ochendo? Sure, he will be; but he is sure to have this one great advantage over them all. He will have the great Ochendo platform to build on; the Ochendo legacy of peace and security in Abia State. Ochendo is not going away with the legacy projects. The next Governor does not need to re-invent the wheel. The template is already there.
A Governor of Ukwa-Ngwa origin would be different. He would be a beneficiary of a solid foundation. These and his character would make him different.
What is in this struggle for you as an individual?
Oh, my God! A great deal. A whole lot. There is so much in it for me as an individual. First, there is the joy, that ‘joy that passeth understanding’; the joy that in my lifetime, one of our own will be piloting the ship of state in Abia. Then my name will be AHUKANNA; for I would have seen more than Dr. Jaja Wachuku, I would see more than De George (Dr. George Wigwe). I would have seen more than Hon. H. M. J. Wachukwu. I would have seen more than my great friends and compatriots Engr. Frank Uzoma Azuogu, Diwa (Chief Enyinnaya Ihediwa) Dr. Nwanganga Ubani-Ukoma and the many others who were in the struggle with us but are no more with us today. My new name will be AHUKANNA; but I will still be in good company: Emma Adaelu will still be around, God willing. So will Dr. Asobie, Oji Alala and the numerous other people who have been with us from the beginning and those who have joined us over the years. I salute them all.
For me, the joy will be that in my lifetime Aba can assume its rightful place as the Japan of Africa. I weep whenever I hear people born in Aba, but of Nnewi parentage, refer to Nnewi as the Japan of Africa – a name specifically coined for Aba by our leader, Dr. George Azubuine Wigwe, in view of the then emerging indigenous technology for which Aba had become so very well-known across Africa and the world. What do they know about the name? Aba shall return! The Japan of Africa will rise again!
My joy shall know no bounds when I find myself part of a new Abia State wherein the new Governor, building on the solid foundations laid by his predecessors will embark on an all rounded development of our State with Aba as the focal point, the fulcrum of that development project.
How would you react to the thinking that you are priming yourself to be the godfather of the Ukwa-Ngwa Governor?
You have to be a god before you become a godfather. Luckily, for me, I am not a god. I cannot become a godfather. This generation of Ukwa-Ngwa people is not looking for a leader. This generation of Ukwa-Ngwa people is blessed with great leaders. In April 2006, we, the leaders, chose one of our own, Elder Emmanuel Onyemaobi Adaelu, MFR as leader of the Ukwa-Ngwa people. He is a great leader. I adore him. I respect him. He has led us ever since. I am confident, it will be his greatest joy (just as it will be mine, too) to live to see that day – 29 May 2015 – when an Ukwa-Ngwa son or daughter will be sworn in as Governor of Abia State. Godfather? Never. I do not even think of it. God is the one I worship; in whom I live and have my being. Godfather? No. Never.
Father? Sure, of great men and women who love me and I love them too.
What would be Ukwa-Ngwa reaction in 2015 if it does not produce the governor?
Ukwa-Ngwa shall produce the Governor of Abia State in 2015, God willing. See how it works. The PDP has zoned the position to Abia South. We are working hard to see that the other two important parties in the State namely the APC and APGA do the same. We are already in consultation with the leadership of those parties. If we succeed in those negotiations, then it means the candidates of the three major parties in the State will be Ukwa-Ngwa people and whoever wins then will be Ukwa Ngwa.
This is as far as human reasoning and human ability go; but God is the ultimate giver of power. He gives it to whoever he desires. Our simple prayer today is that He may give it to Ukwa-Ngwa in 2015.
