Mercy Johnson: Married At Last

At last, star actress Mercy Johnson has dared the odds to tie the nuptial knots with her controversial lover boy, Prince Odianosen Okojie


By Chuks OLUIGBO

Mercy and Odianose

Disregarding the series of controversies that almost marred her wedding plans, Nollywood star actress, Mercy Johnson, finally walked down the aisle with her fiancé, Prince Odianosen Okojie, on Saturday, August 27, 2011. The wedding ceremony, which was witnessed by over 2,000 persons, took place at the Christ Embassy Church headquarters, 51/53 Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos. In the absence of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the man who reportedly staked his reputation to ensure that the wedding took place, the church service was officiated by Pastor Ton Obiazi, assisted by another pastor in the church. Reception thereafter took place at 10 Degree on Billingsway, also at Oregun, Ikeja.

Miss Johnson, who was driven into the church compound in a white limousine, wore a cream coloured wedding gown, while the groom also dressed in a cream coloured suit.

As expected, the wedding ceremony was all pomp and pageantry. It witnessed a gathering of who-is-who in Nollywood as many of Mercy Johnson’s colleagues came to identify with the actress in her moment of joy. Those present included Patience Ozokwor (Mama G), Genevieve Nnaji, Mike Ezuruoye, Stephanie Okereke, Segun Arinze, and KC Presh, among others. Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson, was the maid of honour; Chika Ike, Empress Njamah, Pop singer Goldie, Waje, and Queen Nwokoye were the bridesmaids; while sensational comedians AY and ‘I go die o’ were the official Masters of Ceremonies.

Not surprisingly, the gate of the wedding venue was manned by about 50 policemen and private security personnel who wielded dangerous armaments including electric baton and turned away uninvited guests to forestall any form of trouble at the event. Photojournalists from different media houses were also barred from entering the church auditorium and many had their camera seized by the security. Others were compelled to delete from their cameras photographs of the couple already taken. Lights in the church auditorium were also dimmed to prevent media men and other guests from taking photographs of the couple. It was alleged that the security measures had to be put in place because a women’s rights group had threatened to storm the venue of the wedding with chants of protests in sympathy with Lovely, Okojie’s supposed lawful wife.




Mercy making up

It would be recalled that as the preparations for the wedding were on top gear, a certain Lovely Okojie, a Nigerian lady based in Canada, had come out of the blues, claiming that she was the legal wife of Prince Odianosen Okojie, “the man Mercy Johnson is set to wed in a few weeks”. The mail she circulated to that effect read: “I used to have a sweet home but now Mercy Johnson is trying to destroy it. I’ve not been able to stop crying or sleep well for the past few months. I’m appealing to the world and whoever knows her to please tell her to leave my husband alone. I’m married to this man and there has never been any divorce paper signed. We are still legally married; he’s the love of my life and the father of my two lovely kids. We got married back in 2006 in Modena, Italy. Attached are pictures of the wedding. At the moment, he’s busy in Nigeria planning to wed Mercy Johnson, abandoning me and our children. Fellow women, is this fair? So with all the single guys out there, Mercy could not find herself one. How can a woman not care that she’s destroying the home of another woman, all in the name of getting married desperately? I’m in terrible pains. What do I tell my children?”

Lovely Okojie also claimed that when she initially confronted her husband about Mercy, he denied any affair and said they were just business partners. She further said that her embattled husband had been trying by all means to divorce her, and even posted online pictures of divorce petitions and court summons sent to her father in Benin, Edo State.

Many of Mercy Johnson’s fans were shocked to receive the news that her fiancé was formerly married. From then on, rumours began making the rounds that Miss Johnson may be calling off the wedding. Reports expressly stated that she had confided in close friends that she was considering calling off the wedding, saying that the story and pictures leaked by Lovely had opened her eyes and established that her husband-to-be lied to her about the nature and status of his relationship with Lovely and her two kids. That was after Mercy had bought all that needed to be bought, gone through marriage counseling in church, concluded on venues, catering and performances, and sent out invitations and the usual ‘aso ebi’.

At that point too, following the unfolding controversies, reports came that the Christ Embassy Church authorities had objected to holding the proposed wedding ceremony in the church pending when Prince Okojie produced proofs invalidating his first marriage with Lovely. Also, a member of the church was quoted as saying that “it is only a committed member of the church that can marry here. I haven’t seen Johnson worship here. I strongly doubt if the church will allow her wed here, especially with all the brouhaha surrounding the wedding,”

Some analysts also assessed the legal implications should she go ahead with the wedding. “If it is true that Mercy’s groom-to-be, Odi, is still legally married to another woman, whatever documents he signs with Mercy Johnson would be null and void, and he would be charged with bigamy, an offence punishable by law (usually a jail term of up to seven years with an option of fine) under the Nigerian Criminal Code,” a legal expert said.



The traditional wedding

Some, however, said that Mercy Johnson would not be the first Nollywood actress to be enmeshed in this kind of controversy. According to them, in 2005, actress Shan George was accused of marrying a certain Tony Nwosisi who was apparently married to another woman named Success. Also, in 2008, a United States-based Nigerian lady named Ruth Okoro disclosed publicly that popular actress, Ini Edo, was the reason her husband, Philip Ehiagwina, dumped her in the US just to marry Ini.

But while these rumours raged, Mercy Johnson’s publicist, Samuel Olatunji of BigSam Media, announced via his twitter account, @BigSammedia, the actress’ decision to go ahead with the wedding. The announcement read: “Some have called it trial of love while others call it triumph of love. But for Mercy Johnson, it is simply a leap of faith. The actress has decided to go ahead with the wedding. MJ will be walking down the aisle come Saturday, August 27. She came to this conclusion after spiritual and legal consultation. She urges her fans and friends to pray along with her and appreciates those who stood by her. The wedding is strictly by invitation.”

All that is now history. The Christ Embassy Church went ahead to join Mercy Johnson and Prince Okojie, contrary to expectations, and in spite of the confusion over Okojie’s marital status. Cleverly too, the officiating pastor avoided asking the congregation the conventional ‘does anyone here have any genuine reason why this couple should not be joined together in marriage?’, an action which came as a surprise to many who queried the morality of it all.

As it is, whatever anybody thinks about it now has become a personal opinion as Mercy Johnson has tied the nuptial knots with her Prince Charming and the newly married lovebirds are expected to settle at Prince Okojie’s Oluwadamilola Fashade Street, Omole Phase 1, Lagos residence.

Born in Satellite Town, Lagos, Nigeria, Mercy, who hails from Okene, Kogi State, attended the Nigerian Navy Primary School, Ikot Ansa, Cross Rivers State, the Nigerian Navy Primary School, Satellite Town, Lagos, the Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Port Harcourt, and Lagos State University, LASU. Her first movie role in Nollywood was in “Moving Train” (2000), but it was her maiden lead role in “The Maid”, released in 2002, that launched her into fame. Her other movies include “Last Contact”, “Last Kiss”, “My Heart Your Home”, “Oh! Woman”, “Secret Game”, “Kill the Bride”, “Women in Power”, “House Party”, “In the Name of Money”, “Into Temptation”, and numerous others.

Imo: Agbaso Now Acting Governor As Okorocha Embarks On Economic Trip

Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has embarked on a two-week economic trip to Europe and Asia. The governor has therefore requested that his deputy, Sir Jude Agbaso, act on his behalf.

In a letter to the Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly dated August 23, 2011 and signed by Gov. Okorocha himself, the governor said: “I write to inform you that I will be on an official economic trip to London, China, Japan and South Korea for about two weeks to meet with potential investors in the areas of power, agriculture and tourism. During the trip, the Deputy Governor will act on my behalf”.

Gov. Okorocha is expected back in the country by the first week of September.

Awuzie: The Present Igbo Leaders Don’t Represent Ndigbo

By Chinedu OPARA

Prof Ukachukwu Awuzie, national president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, in this interview, speaks elaborately on the problem with Igbo leadership and fashions out a way forward, especially as the Igbo nation guns for Nigeria’s presidency in 2015.



Awuzie



There is this belief in many quarters that Ndigbo do not have leaders. As a true Igbo son and as an elder, would you say that position is correct?

I don’t think it’s true that we don’t have or have never had leaders. We have had leaders. What we are saying is that the current crop does not represent Igbo people. There was a time when people like Dr Akanu Ibiam would speak and Ndigbo would obey; everybody would get up and accept what he said because that is backed up by patriotism, transparency, and all the qualities you talk about in leadership. But now what we have is a group of opportunists who only feel about themselves, who are trying to massage their personal ego, not talking about our people and their suffering. If you look at all the people we have had in governance from 1999 when this republic began, all they have been talking about is how it will suit them. Who are those that betrayed Ekwueme? It is Ndigbo. When we had 2011 election, what did we have? We had Igbo governors who were more concerned about how to get a ticket to go back to office and how Jonathan could help them to rig election to get back; Igbo senators who were struggling to get back, and so on. They were not talking about what Ndigbo would get out of the enterprise. But all hope is not lost. I still see some people who are showing that they can forge leadership for the nation from the Igbo clan. To begin with, we must disband the so-called Ohanaeze and talk about a new crop of leaders in Ohanaeze. What we have now does not represent Ndigbo in ideology, aspiration, or what have you. Ohanaeze means that those who call themselves the ezes are the elitist group, while Oha are the masses. Where have they canvassed an issue and taken it into a town hall meeting to say ‘this is what your leaders think we should be doing’ and allow the people say ‘yes, we like it’ or ‘no, we don’t like it’? For instance, during the last election, a group that called themselves leaders of thought in Imo gathered and said we should allow Ohakim to go a second term, but the people used the election to tell them that they have lost confidence in them and that they are no longer leading them. The so-called Elders’ Council, from the traditional rulers to the elders, all of them canvassed for Ohakim and the people voted the other way. That was not only a vote of no confidence in Ohakim’s government but also on the so-called Council of Elders and the traditional rulers. That group on their own should have quit the scene and allowed a new group to emerge, but now they are beginning to hobnob to get back and begin the same process. I think the youths should begin to look for role models, even though role models are scarce these days. They should be encouraged to come together and prepare an agenda for the Igbo nation because right now we don’t have any. It is like the Tower of Babel. Here, when Igbo leaders are talking, go deep into it and you will see it’s all about ‘how do I benefit from it as a person’? We have seen party leaders who were asked to nominate people and they nominated their sons. I am not saying it does not happen in other climes, but our own is getting worse that if you don’t come from their line, if you do not kowtow to what they are saying, if you do not become subservient to them and take whatever rubbish they say, whether it’s right or wrong, then you don’t have a chance no matter what your endowments are. These are some of the things we have to stop and I think this is the time. Let the few in the religious group and the few in the political class who are worried about the Igbo nation come together and chart a new course for the Igbo nation. Perhaps from there leaders would emerge. In the past we never lacked them. Mbonu Ojike was there, Zik, Akanu Ibiam, Okpara, and so on. What did Okpara leave behind? Did you see any mansion he left behind? He was fighting a cause to give Ndigbo a voice, but now it’s ‘how does it favour me?’, not ‘how does it favour us?’. We saw that from Peter Obi of Anambra State who said he is the chairman of South-East governors. All through the time we gave our unflinching support to Jonathan without asking for anything. It does not matter how much we love Jonathan; this is politics and in politics you must have interest. We should have canvassed for our interest in this regime before we gave our votes, but we gave our votes freely and today, except that Hon. Ihedioha and his group went through the back door and got elected, we would have had only Ekweremadu who had been there. Look at the chairmanship of the PDP, not only that they instigated some people within but they made sure we didn’t serve out our own term of four years. This should bother all our leaders, whether PDP or not, because injustice to one is injustice to all. But because it is not you, you are not bothered, and then you walk up to the president and say ‘don’t mind those idiots, give it to me’, and they give it to you and you suffer the same fate.

Many say the problem is that Ndigbo speak in diverse tongues and there is no unity of purpose.

The problem is this, all these leaders that speak and say Ndigbo, how many people did they consult? Which town union meetings did they address? Did they sit down to allow their people to analyse what they have said and give them feedback? No. Rather, they believe that they are there and whatever they tell their people they will take it. When you don’t consult the people and you say you are speaking on their behalf, you are fiercely challenged. Who did I. D. Nwoga and Eze Ilomuanya consult when they were saying that Ohakim should go back? They did so because they were at the corridors and therefore didn’t see anything going wrong. They didn’t see the tension that was in the state. So, as long as those who find themselves up there believe they can talk without consulting the masses, we will continue to talk in different voices. But when we learn that no matter what we want to sell, we must carry those down along, create a forum where we will come together and talk, not like master and servants, but as a people with the same destiny, the same goal. By the time we finish, we would get a consensus. But when you sit in your palatial empire and say this is what Ndigbo have said, you will be speaking for yourself alone. If you say you are speaking for the elders and I am not there, you are talking rubbish because I am 60 and at my age I am an elder. How could you say you are speaking for the elders when you didn’t call me? What we are saying is that everybody who is above 60 should be called to a meeting and when we go there, we talk as elders and agree. But when a few of you go there and say elders, elders for who?

These consultations you talk about, what shape would they take?

Simple. There should be a structure, a think-tank. When you have a think-tank, the think-tank will go and do the groundwork. I am not saying that these leaders per se must go, but there must a think-tank that would go and do the interaction, do the data gathering and opinion seeking through questionnaire or town hall meetings and by the time these things are collated, then a policy emerges from which you can now speak on behalf of the people and you will not get immediate challenge. But when you hold a meeting and say you have spoken for Igbo people, it’s a lie. We must have an independent think-tank created for the purpose of interacting with the people, knowing what they want, giving them feedback on what is going on, enlightening them and in that interaction, a synergy evolves which when you speak, your people will listen. For example, as the president of ASUU, I don’t consult every member of the branch, over 30,000 members of the union, I don’t see everyone of them before we talk but the branches would go back and interact with their members; they go to congresses, debate and agree and when we come to the national level, they bring their reports and from there we begin to talk. Where is the grassroots component of Ohanaeze in the village, community and LGAs of the zone? Ohanaeze exists only at the apex level. They go there and create what they call ‘ime obi’. Who have they consulted on any policy? Who have they educated on contentious issues that would impinge on the welfare and survival of the Igbo as a race, the individual within, their children, their aspirations? Who has come down to discus this among them? If you go to Yorubaland, you have Afenifere in the local governments and in the wards so that by time you make a policy statement, everybody must have made an input. I am not saying that whatever you are going to say must satisfy every person, but a bulk of them. The good thing about the Ndigbo is that they are a thinking people; they ask questions and you need to satisfy them. When you convince them you can carry them along, Ndigbo are the easiest people to lead. If you show them transparency, if you show them honesty, if you give them respect and they find out that you are not self-serving, they are prepared to go to any length with you. But when you just believe that you are there and you can dictate to them, they say no. The Igbo man’s pride comes out and you are challenged.

With the situation on ground now, do you think this Igbo presidency project could become a reality?

Sure. Why not? Why would others be there and we will not? But we must not deceive ourselves. We must plan for it. We must make our case clear. We must strategize for it. We must create a think-tank that will work for it. We must carry everybody along. When Ekwueme talked about the proposal they had before Abacha died, he said they lost a great deal by Abacha’s death. By that, he meant the 5 years rotational thing. If it had worked, whether anybody likes us or not, it should have been our own turn, but would we have been able to produce a good one that when he finishes, we would be proud to say here is an Igbo man who brought excellence to governance? Or is he going to be there because he is an Okwuruoha or because he has too much money? Jonathan is not the richest man in Nigeria but he is our president. Shagari was not the richest, yet he was there. Tafawa Belewa was not the richest, yet he was there. Elsewhere, they look for other qualities above money. Even those that have money bring it out to support the choice candidates. But over here, if you have ten naira, you must be the chairman in your village. If not, you must spoil everything. That is our own system. The other day they were talking about how to stop money politics and Authur Nzeribe said you cannot do without money in politics. Yes, you cannot do without money but you don’t need to produce the money yourself. Obama ran the highest campaign in America but he didn’t put his own money. People were contributing five dollars, ten dollars, and so on, and that was how he generated the largest campaign fund in America’s history. You can get money to sell your product but it doesn’t mean that if you are not a millionaire you wouldn’t be counted in leadership. Igbo presidency is attainable and realizable but it needs some serious work. It needs something sincere, something honest. It needs grooming some leaders who will stand up and people will say yes, these are real leaders.

The South-East And 2015 Presidency: The Hopefuls, The Stakes

In spite of seeming daunting odds, the South-East geopolitical zone has begun in earnest to do its groundwork as well as shop from within itself for President Jonathan’s successor ahead of 2015

By Odinaka ANUDU and Chinedu OPARA

Additional reports by Chuks OLUIGBO

The 2011 general elections in Nigeria have long become history and for the common man on the street, it is goodbye to elections until 2015. Now is the time to gleefully look up to those that received the people’s mandate at the April polls to live up to their campaign promises. But not so for the politician. For the politician, the end of an electioneering period does not mark an end to politicking. Rather, it is time for fresh plots and strategies to either consolidate for a second term or win a fresh mandate. It provides political actors enough latitude to go back to the drawing board to churn fresh ideas and plot new road maps for the next round of elections. 

As it is, strong indications are emerging by the day that the race to win political offices at both the state and national levels in the next four years have started in earnest across the nation. For Nigeria’s number one position, it could safely be argued that the race began even before President Goodluck Jonathan clinched victory at the April 16, 2011 election. Prior to the elections, leaders of various geopolitical zones of Nigeria, particularly the South-East and the North, were heard making unequivocal public declarations to the effect that it would be their turn to rule the nation when President Jonathan concludes his term of office in 2015. Now that Jonathan has mounted the saddle, it is countdown to 2015 for serious-minded contenders. The South-East in particular is leaving no stone on top of another as the zone has begun in earnest to shop for Jonathan’s possible successor from within their stock.

The South-East region, which has cried of marginalization since the end of the Nigerian/Biafran Civil War, has since Nigeria’s return to civil rule in 1999 been clamouring for occupancy of the Aso Rock Villa, Nigeria’s seat of power. The position of the South-East is predicated on the fact that the region, which once formed one leg of the tripod on which the nation stood, has for a long time been sidelined in the scheme of things at the centre. Apart from Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe who was a mere ceremonial Governor-General during the First Republic, and General Johnson Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi who ruled Nigeria for barely five months and was slain in the counter coup of July 29, 1966, no other person from the zone has had a shot at the presidency. Dr. Alex Ekwueme who got closer to the presidency in the Second Republic between 1979 and 1983 only played second fiddle to Alhaji Shehu Shagari, a Northerner. And so the zone has continued to cry disconsolately over its second class status in the scheme of things in the country.

Before the 2003 elections that saw President Olusegun Obasanjo winning a second term of office, the South-East had issued statements through the apex pan-Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, as well as other Igbo groups that Nigeria’s presidency in 2003 must be left to the zone. But that was never to be. A similar situation replicated itself in 2007. And so, in the build-up to the 2011 elections, virtually all the key contenders for Nigeria’s number one position played politics out of it. Goodluck Jonathan, Atiku Abubakar and Ibrahim Babangida were said to have given their word that they would run for a single term of four years and hand over to a South-Easterner in 2015. Babangida was specifically quoted as saying that he would run the office of president, if voted in, for only four years and then work towards the emergence of a South-Easterner to succeed him in 2015. All that may have become history now. But for the South-East, it is the presidency in 2015 or nothing.

Against the backdrop of this now-or-never stance of the zone, the key question is: who will go for the zone? Opinions are varied, but respondents point to five likely candidates who they think could fly the flag of the South-East and succeed Goodluck Jonathan in Aso Rock come 2015. Top on the list is Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, ex-Senate President and currently Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF. Born on February 19, 1960, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, a deacon in his local church, was elected Senator to represent Ebonyi South senatorial district on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 1999. Subsequently, due to the acrimony and parsimony that attended the Fourth Republic Senate, which eventually led to a series of infamous and controversial impeachments, Anyim became the Senate President in August 2000, with the firm resolve to put paid to the wrong impression that the South-East is a crises-ridden region inhabited by cantankerous people who place self-aggrandizement before the virtues of rectitude, honour and self-control. Unlike his predecessors, Anyim was able to gird his loins and acts, at least at the national level. It is on record that the leadership of the Senate under Anyim almost threw out the repressive quasi-militia led by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, save for the intervention of some powerful elements in the country at the time and some, like Chief Arthur Nzeribe, who would not live to see that happen.

Anyim Pius Anyim

Many feel that apart from stabilising the Senate, Anyim’s composure, maturity and carriage at the time he was the Senate helmsman send positive signals on his personality. These eulogies are coming in spite of the fact that Anyim was barely forty at that time. Perhaps what endeared him to many in the country was his stance on second term bid. Anyim had in August 2002 criticized elected officers who had an eye on the second term, and to make bold his stance, he refused to contest during the 2003 elections, an attribute which, according to Chief Anayo Umenwa, is rare in Nigerian politicians. Moreover, his taciturnity when the government of Sam Egwu demolished his house in Abakiliki remains indelible in the minds of many.

Anyim has also been praised for exhibiting extra-ordinary courage, especially during the period of late President Yar’Adua’s ill-health and the constitutional debates that followed. Speaking from Bulgaria, Stanley Ezeokweka said: “We cannot forget in a hurry how he led about 41 elders to the Senate to persuade them to make Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan acting president. This was at a time when the elders of the South-East region were mute and unable to fight against the wiles of a few during the time the health status of late Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua was in an uncertain state.” That singular move, some believe, was why Jonathan preferred him to Prof Uzodimma Nwala, Chief Ojo Maduekwe and others nominated for the post of SGF, though many others feel his appointment was the handiwork of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. 

Portraying Anyim’s acceptability in the South-East region, Chief Chekwas Okorie, chairman of a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, addressed him in the following words: “You are eminently qualified for this crucial appointment.  Your appointment is also historic in the sense that you are the first Igbo person since the history of Nigeria as a sovereign state to occupy the office of the SGF.” Also, Olisa Metu, vice-chairman of PDP, South-East, averred that “We (the Igbo) see the appointment of Senator Anyim as the SGF as a product of merit, product of our generation and democracy”. In fact, all the governors in the region, traditional rulers and prominent citizens of the South-East turf, had one or two good words for and about Anyim, which goes a long way to show his level of acceptance in the region. Nationally too, many believe that Anyim’s peaceful and accommodating tenure endeared him to Northerners who see in him level-headedness, sagacity and maturity.

On the other hand, however, many respondents could not forget the terror-like regime that ensued in Ebonyi State between 2001 and 2003 when a war raged between Anyim and the then governor of the state, Dr Sam Egwu. Indeed, our findings reveal that during that time, politics in Ebonyi degenerated to fisticuffs between the ‘Abuja group’ and the ‘home group’. While Senator Anyim, Senator Sylvanus Ngele (then Senate Committee chairman on Army), late Senator Vincent Usulor (then Senate Committee chairman on Police Affairs), House of Representatives members from the state, and ten out of the thirteen local government chairmen at that time were members of the Abuja group, Governor Sam Egwu, members of his cabinet and all House of Assembly members, then led by Rt. Hon Julius Ucha (ex-Senator and gubernatorial aspirant in the 2011 elections under the aegis of All Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP) and three local government chairmen were members of the home group.

But this, to many, does not vitiate the fact that Anyim has the prerequisite qualities to garner the support of the region as well as those of the South-South, South-West and at least two out of the three regions in the North.

Closely coming behind Senator Anyim in the order of preference is Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha, the present governor of Imo State, who is popularly called ‘Man of the Moment’ due to his hard-fought victory against ex-Governor Ikedi Ohakim at the April 2011 guber polls in Imo State. Aged 49, Okorocha hails from Ogboko, Ideato South LGA of Imo State. He is a well-known name in the South-East due to his philanthropy and penchant for entering into battles with his superiors and those who seem mightier. Through his Rochas Foundation, he has provided free and compulsory education to thousands of people across Nigeria, from North to South. As the governor of his home state, he has extended this benevolence to all primary and secondary school students in Imo State, thereby prompting people from other states to rush their children to the state.

Rochas Okorocha

A well experienced political craftsman, Okorocha’s victory endeared him to many in the country who have now seen him as a role model to upcoming politicians and youths who are easily moved by the vagaries of life. His positions as a founding member of the PDP in Imo State, gubernatorial aspirant in 1999, presidential aspirant for ANPP in 2003, founder of Action Alliance in 2005, special adviser to President Obasanjo on inter-party affairs, chairmanship aspirant for PDP in 2007 and presidential aspirant of the PDP in 2007 have made the majority tip him as the likely Igbo consensus candidate. Many who watched the 2007 PDP presidential primaries where Okorocha came second behind late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua cannot stop thinking that Okorocha almost became president.

Furthermore, his goodwill to pensioners in his state, among other good gestures, keeps increasing his popularity in the South-East. Wilson Ugwuma captures his chances thus: “He is almost half Igbo, half Hausa. So, he will not have any problem with acceptability in the North, as many of his friends and associates are Northerners”. Given this position, it is easier to think that the South-South and the South-West may find it easy to accept him because the South-East supported them when they needed their help in 1999, 2003 and 2011.

However, the fear is that Okorocha has been a part of the old order. Some express the fear that his statements during the infamous Obasanjo’s third term saga smacked of inconsistencies. For instance, it was reported that he said that third term bid was not Obasanjo’s idea but the governors. Some others also feel that he needs to be tested properly as politicians are like the Chinese that look alike. Their fear, as expressed by Nwoke Anyanwu, an Imo citizen, is that he was a part of the Imo PDP and thus should be given enough time to see if he will sustain his current programmes. Others too who see him as having had his eyes at the presidency express worry that he may finally decide to run for the second tenure if the 6-year single term does not get the approval of the two-thirds majority of the National Assembly. Some are also worried that Okorocha may need to jump ship, that is, leave his APGA for, say, PDP, if he wants to gain currency among different regions. This is so because other ethnic groups are said to see APGA as a regional party without national spread and will find it hard too give the party a blessing. Others argue that this is so because the majority of the people of the region are travellers and are apathetic to political issues. Nevertheless, these views do not in any way make Rochas Okorocha a less marketable candidate.

Dr Kenechukwu Ugwu Nnamani, former Senate President and founder of Ken Nnamani Centre for Leadership and Development, is another likely choice of the South-East. A sound academic, consultant and social commentator, Nnamani is widely respected in Nigeria and beyond as a man whose sagacity and firmness on matters of principle botched the inordinate ambitions of Chief Obasanjo to run for the third term. His display of transparency and responsibility during the debate and voting for the third term bid endeared him to many Nigerians, especially Northerners. Indeed, his democratic style of leadership in the Senate brought forward debates that shaped Nigeria. 

Ken Nnamani

As a social commentator and a democrat par excellence, the former Senator who represented Enugu East has remained vociferous on national issues. In one of his interviews in 2009, the 63-year old politician had said: “Some of the blames for the truncation or stultification of democracy are rightly placed at the doorsteps of politicians. It is true that politicians have often shown greed for power and have refused to play by the rule. We can all remember what happened during the Second Republic when unwillingness of those in power to allow the sanctity of the ballot box led to conflicts that encouraged the military to intervene and take over power. This was also the same in the First Republic.”

Again, his wide acceptance is further validated by his affinity with Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, self-styled military president of Nigeria. It is on record that Dr. Nnamani was the chairman if IBB’s Presidential Declaration in Abuja prior to the 2011 PDP primaries. When the Ciroma-led Northern Political Leaders’ Forum, NPLF, chose Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, he also stood behind the new choice of the ‘Nine Wise Men’. This simply tells a keen observer that his acceptability in the North will pose no threat as those who knew his stance will simply encourage their people to support him, as one good turn deserves another.

However, as much as this could be a plus, it is sometimes seen as a minus to him in the region. Many Igbo people who supported Jonathan were surprised that Nnamani could betray them to support a Northerner whose region has been ruling Nigeria for years. Worse still, many even wonder why he had to associate himself with former leaders whose records are questionable.  For instance, Joe Igbokwe, a Lagos-based writer, captures the mood of the people thus: “What is Ken Nnamani doing with treasury looters in Abuja? What is my hero of the Obasanjo’s ‘third term agenda’ doing with the man (IBB) who destroyed our yesterday and took our country back forty years? What is the eagle doing with the lily-livered chicken?”

However, it is widely reported that he dumped the camp and supported Jonathan when Atiku fell like a pack of cards in the PDP presidential primaries in January 2011. He also told Ciroma and others to, as a matter of party discipline, support Jonathan. These do not in any way show that he cannot be supported by the region, as he is a sellable candidate. Though age may work against him, many still feel that this may not be a problem since the country still needs the experiences of mature people.

Coming behind Senator Nnamani is Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and consultant to 18 international organizations, a man described by Okwuosa Ibe as a “perfect candidate, erudite scholar and a man loved by the North”. Soludo it was who initiated the current reforms going on in the banking industry and increased Nigeria’s Foreign Direct Investment, FDI, a yardstick used to measure the market value of investment flowing into the country from foreigners. During his tenure as CBN governor, FDI stood at $8.5 billion but fell to $2.3 billion in 2009 when he had long left office. Currently, he is the chairman of the Board of Directors of Africa Institute for Applied Economics, Nigeria; member, the Chief Economist Advisory Council, the World Bank; and member, the Commission of Experts of the United Nations on Reforming the Global Financial System. With best student awards from first degree to PhD, Soludo appears to be one of the best brains in the region. Up till now, his incisive response to Olusegun Aganga’s allegations that he was “talking down the economy” continues to excite intellectuals. 

Chukwuma Soludo

But some respondents say Soludo’s Achilles’ heel is that he is stubborn and sometimes arrogant. Many even accuse him of highhandedness, especially those who have closely worked with him. Equally, a lot of the people of the region feel that he should not have contested the February 6, 2010 Anambra gubernatorial election as the circumstances surrounding his emergence and the actual election dragged his reputation to the mud. Worse still, many see his association with Atiku Abubakar and his vociferous support for a Northerner in the 2011 presidential elections as suspect and a betrayal of his region. Others who hold a different position feel that he, just like Nnamani, Ekwueme and others, were supporting the emergence of a Northerner in order to increase the chances of a South-Easterner in 2015. But in spite of all these, it is very likely that Soludo will not have any problem of acceptability, even though many in the North are still bitter with him over some of his reforms in the financial sector.

Lastly, some respondents eagerly mentioned former special assistant on special duties to President Obasanjo, Chief Emmanuel Nnamdi Uba, as a possible candidate for the presidency. One thing that goes for the Uga, Anambra-born politician, who ruled Anambra State as governor for about two weeks in 2007 before the Supreme Court showed him the exit and installed Peter Obi, is his amiable nature. An insider to the intrigues that led to the appointment of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as the running mate to the late Yar’Adua said that Chief Uba was appointed to run as vice-president but declined, saying that he preferred to vie for the governorship position in his home state, Anambra. It was in fact revealed that Andy Uba, as he is popularly called, recommended the appointment of Goodluck Jonathan, just like it was reported that the incarcerated James Ibori was instrumental to the emergence of Yar’Adua. The logic, therefore, is that if he had accepted the offer, he would now have been the president of the country.

Andy Uba

But all doors are not yet closed for Uba, according to observers. His ability to have facilitated the appointment of high profile people in the region as well as his assistance of many Northerners and Southerners in general make him a generally accepted candidate. But some people feel that Uba, who is currently in the Senate representing Anambra South, may still have an eye on the Anambra Government House in 2014.

However, Andy Uba’s chances may be stalled by the role his younger brother, Chief Chris Uba, played in the abduction of Dr Chris Ngige, former governor of Anambra State. Many feel that it was his connections that gave his younger brother act in that manner. Equally, his alleged manipulation of the 2007 elections in Anambra State to his favour, his reported involvement with Saminu Turaki, former governor of Jigawa State over N2 billion allegedly paid into Obasanjo’s accounts for the facilitation of the third term bid, and the $170,000 scandal may make him a less possible choice of the people. Some even allege that he was having an affair with Pastor Faith Vedelago, an Abuja-based TV evangelist. But just like in the senatorial battle, Andy Uba may end up being a sellable candidate, if only he can re-make his image with the opportunity before him in the Senate.

But beyond the individual impediments of the above-named candidates, in the wider Nigeria, there are heaps of odds stacked almost sky high for the South-East on the road to winning the presidency in 2015. Key among this is the fact that in spite of all his pledges to the contrary, Jonathan may present himself for re-election in 2015. He has no reasons not to. It is his constitutional right. As Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu rightly pointed out, “South-East presidency in 2015 is dicey. I can’t say it is not realizable but take note that Jonathan is entitled to another four years after this, and from my experience in Nigeria, most incumbents would always want to complete their tenure. I would be surprised if he will not like to complete his remaining four years.”

It is common knowledge that the incumbency factor is very strong in Nigerian politics as most incumbents rarely lose out when they seek second term. As Steve Osuji, eminent journalist and pubic affairs analyst, once wrote, “No Nigerian incumbent dreams of stepping down. If he had any dreams at all, it would be to stay on to third, fourth and even indefinite terms. And right from this rudimentary level, the incumbent deploys everything at his disposal to beat down any opposition. Then again, does he have things at his disposal? He actually has the world under his feet. The party structure and machinery across board are not only on the incumbent’s payroll, they are at his mercy. The state’s treasury is in his keep; the state security apparati are his to deploy. So are the numerous appointees, the civil servants, the network of vigilante groups, name them. In like manner, the judiciary and legislature are within the incumbent’s purview, if not beck and call…. In this part of the world, the incumbent would win an election one million times if he organised it.”

Nigeria’s history is replete with examples. In 1983, President Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria, NPN, won a second tenure ahead of Chief Obafemi Awolowo of the Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe of the Nigerian Peoples Party, NPP. This was in spite of the ignominious tag of Shagari’s regime as corrupt. Equally, despite the Atiku Abubakar’s gruelling challenge prior to the 2003 PDP primaries, Obasanjo still won his second term bid, beating formidable foes like Muhammadu Buhari hands down. Stories from the states across the country have not differed markedly, though much of this seems to be changing at the moment.

Another issue that could make nonsense of the dream of a president of South-East extraction in 2015 is the problem of leadership. Observers have continued to point out that Ndigbo do not have generally accepted political leaders anymore. Igbo leadership, many say, died with the early Igbo leaders like Late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Akanu Ibiam, Dr. Michael Okpara, and so on, who were easily accepted and heeded by the generality of Ndigbo. Today, there is a most worrisome situation where every individual makes claims to Igbo leadership and goes about trying to lord it over the people who also stoutly refuse to accept such questionable positions acquired with equally questionable wealth. These pseudo-leaders themselves fight dirty and wash their dirty linens in the public, with the outcome being the apparent lack of personalities of Igbo extraction that can compete favourably at the national stage inspired by the knowledge that their kith and kin are solidly behind them. This scenario raises serious concerns in some quarters that the South-East may not be organized enough anytime to produce credible personalities that could be acceptable to other regions of the country.

Some observers also believe that throwing up a credible and marketable presidential material of South-East extraction is another major challenge to the project since it is only when Ndigbo come up with a good presidential material that other zones sympathetic to the Igbo cause could be moved to purchase such product. They therefore advise that Ndigbo should build a consensus ahead of 2015. Speaking on the issue, Chief Iwuanyanwu said that if Ndigbo play their card very well, if Jonathan leaves, they can make it. He, however, stated pointblank that “it requires a lot of wisdom and knowledge. If it is this way we fight on the pages of newspapers, I don’t think we will get there. We have to wear our thinking cap to plan, strategize, lobby, and make contacts, and not just sit here and cast blames on everybody as if they owe you. Nobody owes you anything. You have to fight to grab it yourself. Power is not something somebody will bring and say take.”

Again, well meaning Igbo people are worried to death that Ndigbo tend to find it hard to speak with one voice in the present day Nigeria. Regrettably, this tendency towards perpetual discordance in addressing issues concerning the zone, especially in the larger Nigeria, has contributed in no small measure to the inability of the zone to actually find its bearing in the country’s socio-political milieu. When Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was the leader of the Igbo nation, his policy statements about the zone were frequently attacked, first by Ukpabi Asika, then administrator of East Central State, and later by Dr Chuba Okadigbo. Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s valiant efforts at giving Ndigbo a pride of place in Nigeria received known vitriolic attacks from the people he worked so hard to salvage. Also, Dr. Ekwueme’s efforts to build Igbo consensus was also dealt mortal blows by the likes of Chief Jim Nwobodo. Many analysts believe that Dr Alex Ekwueme’s bright chances of clinching the PDP’s ticket at the 1998 presidential primary slipped through his fingers courtesy of Chief Jim Nwobodo’s antics. Till date, many still point to that narrow miss as a major political hara-kiri which the Igbo visited on themselves.

Unfortunately, even as work has begun in earnest, there seems to be no plausible indication that this malaise could be shown the back door soon. If anything, the in-fighting is assuming alarming proportions as evidenced by the war going on right now in Imo State between Gov. Rochas Okorocha and leaders of the PDP. Many also say it is just a matter of time before conflagrations erupt in the other four states. Naturally, this diseased condition would greatly detract and not add value to the issue at stake.

I Never Dreamt I’d Be A Beauty Queen, Says Current Miss Nigeria UK

By Okey EGBOLUCHE

At first encounter, one may be at a loss as to what to think of Victoria Chi-Chi Okafor, the reigning Miss Nigeria in the United Kingdom, but a close interaction with her reveals a humble, reserved, yet focused and ambitious young lady. In this chat, the 19-year-old beauty queen who hails from Arondizuogu, Imo State, Nigeria, speaks on a number of issues: her life, her career, her motivations, her ambitions, etc.

Chi-Chi Okafor: current Miss Nigeria UK

Who is Victoria Chi-Chi Okafor?

Well, I am a person misunderstood by many. Because of my age, people perceive me to be immature and childish, but the real me is a more articulate and serious person. The days I’m not at university or placement, I am either reading or planning how to put myself into good use. As a person, I love helping people. I love good things around me and I will do anything to ensure that everyone is happy. I put others before myself which can be a blessing and also a curse, but that’s me.

What are you doing currently?

I’m currently studying Adult Nursing at Kingston University, London.

Did you ever dream of becoming a beauty queen?

I never dreamt of winning a beauty pageant but I’ve always wanted to make a difference in the world, especially in my country. However, I decided to become a beauty queen because I had a feeling that my passion to become an ambassador would lead me to win, that was the moment I knew I can pursue this and achieve it.

How did you feel when you were crowned Miss Nigeria UK?

I honestly couldn’t believe it. I didn’t even realise my name had been called until the other contestants looked at me and said ‘Chi-Chi that’s you’ and I said ‘Thank you, Jesus’. I was happy that I did this for a purpose and it was then I began to believe this purpose can actually be achieved.

Chi-Chi in a traditional evening wear

Describe your road to becoming a beauty queen in terms of the challenges, obstacles, triumphs, etc.

A video man saw me and thought I would do well if I competed. The fact that it was something to do with Nigeria convinced me just as the story behind the pageant touched me. On the D-day, I was worried because I had never done a competition before and other contestants were equally as pretty and smart. But when I won, I was happy because I felt this is it, this is the beginning of good things.

How has your reign as Miss Nigeria UK affected your life?

The crown has made me mature in many ways that I can’t explain. It has made me appreciate life more. It has given me a kind of confidence that it is not just my family and friends that believe in my abilities but others too. Being Miss Nigeria UK has allowed me to be strong in my decisions in life and to stand up to what I feel is right. It has made my relationship with God closer than ever before as he has been so merciful to me and I know without God I wouldn’t have gotten this far.

How would you touch lives with your status as Miss Nigeria UK?

We have plans in place. The British National Blood Bank is ready to work with me to realize this plan. It is at an advanced stage now. A date will be given when we'll implement the plan. It’s a partnership that will work. The UK being a developed country, logistics and everything required for the implementation won’t be a problem. This will go a long way to help people, especially victims of anti-social behaviours, maternity wards, etc.

Chi-Chi with the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom

What would you want to be remembered for after your reign?

I want to be remembered by all as a passionate person with zest for the well-being of all the people around me. I want to be remembered as a person that helped to save lives through mobilizing hundreds of people in my constituency to donate blood.

Who are your role models, both in the beauty industry and in life?

Agbani Darego and Bianca Onoh-Ojukwu because apart from being beauty queens, I see them as good role models and legends who have given me, as a Nigerian, confidence to believe I can also make it to the top. In life, I would say President Obama because apart from making black people proud by making history, he never gave up once. Though he faced some challenges, he is still standing strong. He gets his family involved in what he is doing, and he adds to the community and speaks to youths and inspires them. Obama has given me even more confidence with his encouraging words: “It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It can’t happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice. So, let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.”

What’s your ambition in life?

My ambition in life is to be of help to those in need. That was what gave me the zeal to pursue a career in nursing. I also want to reach great heights in modelling.

Natural beauty personified

Describe your talents and abilities?

Dancing comes natural to me. It gives me inner joy when I move on stage. I also see myself as an actress in some years to come. I have a responsibility to take care of vulnerable people and the young ones too, and my training as a nurse would afford me more opportunity to reach out to these people.

Any man in your life?

By God’s grace, the right man will come, and when he arrives, you can celebrate with me.

Finally, what’s your advice to your management and aspiring beauty queens and models?

To my management, I would say they should keep up with the pageant and include more programmes for future queens. There is always room for improvement. And to aspiring beauty queens and models, just be yourself, always put God first in all you do, follow your heart, move with the right people, and always carry your head high, not too high but high enough to surpass enemies of progress.

Abakaliki, A Land Of Untapped Treasures

Whenever the name Abakaliki is mentioned, what readily comes to mind is Abakaliki rice. But unknown to many, the South-Eastern city has other sides too

By Okey EGBOLUCHE

Ebonyi State, South-East Nigeria, popularly known as the Salt of the Nation, came into existence on October 1, 1996. It was carved out of the Old Enugu and Abia States. On creation, the new state chose Abakaliki, a prominent town in pre-independence Nigeria, as its capital city. Since then, the modest city of Abakaliki has become a beehive of activities as it has continuously witnessed an influx of people from all corners of the state (politicians, civil servants, students, and businessmen) as well from the far-flung regions of Nigeria. It has also become a major stop-over town for transporters/passengers en route Northern Nigeria, especially those dealing on farm produce.

A panoramic view of Ebonyi State Govt. House, Abakaliki

Abakaliki is located less than two hours from Uburu, a town renowned for its salt deposits, and just about an hour from Enugu, the capital of South-Eastern Nigeria. Being the nearest major town to Enugu has also meant that many business ventures easily spread to the city. As a result, Abakaliki can justifiably be regarded as Enugu extension.

The city has also witnessed quantum development in infrastructure. There is a state university, the Ebonyi State University, EBSU; three tertiary health institutions: the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, the Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, EBSUTH (both of which have been merged to become a Federal Teaching Hospital), and the National Fistula Centre; a federal secretariat; the ultra-modern Abakpa Market; two TV stations; two radio stations; the gigantic 18-storey shopping complex, located around Presco Junction, which is nearing completion; as well as an array of banks. Also, the Federal University, Ikwo, the Federal Polytechnic, Uwana, and the now moribund Eagle Cement Company located at Nkalagu, though not in Abakaliki, share proximity with the city.

The major roads in the city are very accessible and adorned with an array of beautiful flowers. The major roads are Ogoja Road (now Sam Egwu Road), Water Works Road, Ezza Road, and Afikpo Road.

Abakaliki is well known for its prowess in arable farming, especially in rice (hence the name, Abakaliki rice) and yam. It also has a thriving quarry industry. But beyond these, the South-Eastern city has other sides too. The indigenes are a very hospitable people. This hospitable disposition has also been imbibed by its residents. For this reason, a visitor to the city has nothing to worry about as he is sure to be welcomed with such greetings as ‘Jokwa!’, ‘Deeje!’, ‘Tokwehu!’, or ‘Idi ike!’ as well as a sumptuous meal of specially prepared Abakaliki rice. For those who cherish fresh palm wine, it does not cost much in the city and complimenting it with readily available bush meat will give you an experience you will never forget. One would also be lucky to get a taste of local delicacies like groundnut soup or Esisa soup with either garri or fufu.

The hospitable disposition of Abakaliki indigenes is also clearly demonstrated in the city’s thriving hospitality industry. The city boasts of myriad relaxation spots for those who want to feel the touch of style. These include Nkwegu Ugbala - The Grand Arena, Heritage Restaurant, Flavours, Salt Lake Night Club, Diamond Point, Prisons Club, and so on. For those who enjoy fast foods, your best bets include Crunchies, City Cheff, City Exotic, Veecee Foods, Mr. Biggs, Feed Well Restaurant, among others. Abakaliki Golf Course, located along Ezza Road, and the lawn tennis court are good leisure spots. The stadium hosts regular sports activities, especially football. If you need to sleep over in the town, which you cannot afford not to, then there are such exquisite hotels and guest houses as Grace Court Hotel, Salt Spring Hotel, Salt Lake Hotel, Eagle Royal Hotel, Ebonyi Hotels, Osborn La Palm Royal Resort, and so on. And if you like them cheap, you’re your choices would be Denco Hotels, EBSU Guest House, Benkol Hotel, Metro View Hotel, and so on. Whichever one you choose, you are sure to have a good time.

Osborn La Palm Hotel, Abakaliki

The newest of them all, Osborn La Palm Resort, is indeed in a class of its own. Opened to the public on May 28, 2011, the hotel’s natural ambience and grandeur, comparable to the best in Nigeria, would charm any visitor. Its avenues are dotted with beautiful palm trees and assorted flowers, making the environment very natural and full of life. The rooms on offer at the hotel include the presidential suite with kitchenette, the executive double suite, the executive single suite, diplomatic double and single suite with tastefully furnished rooms, bathrooms, intercom and an indoor swimming pool. There is a 24-hour service, uninterrupted electric power supply, wireless internet service connection, and a wide range of continental dishes for all classes of guests.

For health and fitness aficionados, the hotel has an ultra modern gymnasium which is open to the public. Interestingly, the hotel’s executive double suite has a mini-gym and Jacuzzi. It also has spa treatment, an attraction which only a few hotels in Nigeria can boast of. A visitor can have body massage, steam bath and sauna. The hotel management promises even more packages soon.

Speaking on why she left Lagos and relocated to Abakaliki, the Manager of Osborn La Palm Resort, Mrs. Dikibo, who had a stint with Terrace Green Hotel located at Ajao Estate, off International Airport Road, Lagos, and whose experience in hotel management has come handy in the day to day running of Osborn, said: “It was an adventure, it made me wiser. As it is said, a traveller is wiser than a grey-haired man sitting at a place. My travelling has exposed me to people and it has been a wonderful experience in Abakaliki. I have no regrets.” Her promise to guests is “excellent service”.

So, come to Abakaliki and experience life in a virgin land full of opportunities for the discerning mind.