AROCHUKWU/OHAFIA: "It Is Only Fair, Equitable To Allow An Abiriba Person To Represent The Constituency" - Inem Nwaka

Inem Nwaka said this during an exclusive interview with ALL FACTS NEWSPAPER (AFNEWS). Other interesting issues discussed includes Abia State 2023 election, zoning, the new electoral act and other matters.

READ FULL INTERVIEW BELOW:

Q. The 2023 elections is getting closer by the day and political activities is hitting up in Abia State and Nigeria as a whole. Generally, what do you think will be key difference between 2019 and upcoming 2023 election?

The major difference is going to be the operating law guiding INEC in conducting the 2023 elections. With the amended electoral act signed into law, it is expected that the loopholes capitalized by politicians in 2019 to undermine the creditability of 2019 elections will be checked more effectively to some extent that we can reasonably expect a more credible and transparent exercise that will make the people's vote to count.

Q. The issue of zoning is on the front burner this 2023, both at the national level as regards Presidency and governorship position in Abia State. While South Easterners are calling for Igbo Presidency, Abia North people are saying its their turn for the governorship position, what is your take?

Zoning is an issue in Nigerian politics because of glaring inequity and lack of sense of belonging by all, which was made worst by leaders not ensuring even distribution of dividends of democracy and good governance, not to talk of the prevailing nepotism. We have to manage with the situation, until these fears are assuaged by a good and noble leader that can make everyone feel belonged. We are yet to build a nation.

Q. The Arochukwu/Ohafia House of Representative seat is not left out in the zoning tussle, Abiriba indigenes are maintaining its their turn and that their Ohafia sisters have taken a shot at it before. What is your take?

I strongly support and urge stakeholders of the Federal constituency across all parties to pick their candidate from Abiriba, as we have good and quality aspirants in all the major parties. This is particularly exigent, given the fact that this particular position has eluded Abiriba since 1999. Mao Ohuabunwa from Arochukwu, DK from Ohafia, Arua Arunsi from Nkporo, and now Uko Nkole from Abam have taken shots on the sit. It is only fair and equitable to allow an Abiriba person to represent the constituency. Moreso, when they come with quality men that their representation can make the entire constituency enjoy the kind of selfless and communal commitment lacking in most communities. That concession, will endear any party to the votes and support of Abiriba people not only in Arochukwu/Ohafia but also to a large extent votes in Aba where they command a lot of influence as major commercial players. With our cosmopolitan and strong traditional values, we are in a better position to keep the Representative under check, control, and reachable, given past experiences of assessing Representatives after elections. Communal contributions are inborn with an Abiriba person, irrespective of elections. l therefore plead with all parties to see reason and trust us with representing Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency.

Q. President Muhammadu Buhari recently signed the newly amended electoral act into law and Nigerians have been applauding him for that. What new dynamics will the electoral law bring in?

The New dynamics envisaged from President Buhari's assent into law, the amended electoral act are embedded in the section allowing electronic transmission of results from the polling boots, thereby eliminating the fraudulent alterations that occurs between the polling boots and collation centres. All other provisions aimed at improving internal democracy within the parties are equally commendable. Nevertheless, if our negative approach and attitude to laws is not changed, all the expectations will pale into insignificance.

Q. Your political associate Dr. Alex Otti OFR recently declared to run for the governorship position of Abia State, considering the challenges in the APC in Abia State at the moment, does he have a chance at getting the ticket of the party?

If there is no chance, he will not declare and we will not encourage him. Given his proven qualities, it will not be difficult for APC to choose him to fly their flag. APC are fully aware of the challenges in terms of public perception, hence the need to choose a candidate that can make Abians see reasons and go beyond party in voting. This time around, not only party will influence decisions, but character, background, track records, professionalism, integrity and proven capacity will very much come to play. These qualities, Alex Otti has in abundance, which makes him a preferred candidate to get the votes and restore confidence of the people in governance.

Q. Why do you think Abia APC delegates should support Otti to be the party's flagbearer?

The delegates, Stakeholders and card-carrying party members are fully aware of the moods of Igbos and Abians in particular against the APC led Federal Government especially on management of security and economy. They need a candidate that the people can trust to confidently and sincerely confront the situation as we see. Winning elections is beyond card carrying members. Committed party members will prefer a candidate that can easily be marketed, as no sane person likes to hawk rotten goods. That is an area Alex Otti is at pole advantage over other aspirants.

Q. On a finally note in this episode of interview, the ENUDA High School reconstruction project was flagged off few days ago, this is a dream you have worked hard for, how does that make you feel?

I feel highly encouraged and motivated. With the expected support we will achieve our target. l want to call on all Abians that schooled in Abia State, to return to their alma mater and give support to revert the rot in our schools. We need to partner with the Government in this regard, as education remains the bedrock of a meaningful and sustainable development.