Chief Ugochukwu Okeke has remained one of the known voices in the crusade for positive leadership ideology. Popularly known as Enyioha, he was in the race to govern Anambra during the last gubernatorial election. In this interview with IKENNA OKONKWO, he looks on how not to mismanage public funds as well as other leadership issues Excerpts:
Sir you are one of the well-known political figures in the political sphere of the country particularly in Anambra state, but your followers will want to know more about you?
Well, like you know, my name remains Ugochukwu Okeke popularly known as Enyioha. I hail from Ihiala in Anambra state. I’m a philanthropist who is in the business of serving the people.
With your recent waves during last Anambra Governorship race, how far do you think you can go as long as politics is concern both in Anambra and Nigeria generally?
Thank you. Anambra election has come and gone. And things have happened the way they did. We remain resolute and committed in doing our best to bring about the desired change in the society as we use to. Don’t forget, before the election, I have been committed to the course of human capacity development and several philanthropic programs. Supporting and engaging in real time development will remain my top priority whether in the government circle or anywhere.
I remain a proud member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from my very ward to the national level. It is true that the election is over but we believe in transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan. Anambra needs to be transformed. We must start from our communities to the local government areas, political zones and the state in general. I remain committed to my slogan which is ‘ka anyi dozie Anambra’ meaning let us build or develop Anambra.
I still believe that it is the time for youths to take over. Anambra have population, land mass, needed resources (both human and natural) and so on. Anambra can feed this country in whatever capacity you may think of. Whether you come from the south, north or central part of the state, we all need to come together and build Anambra of our dream. And the only way to do it is through dialogue which is contributing ideas, vast knowledge and material resources from everyone, no matter how big or small to the table. Even the present government manned by APGA, if there is any way they approach us and seek our contribution irrespective of the fact that they are not from our great party PDP but Anambrarians, we will great avail ourselves in support in a bid to move the state forward.
Talking about moving Anambra forward, what area or sector do you think the current leadership in the state should leverage on to take the state to an enviable height?
First and foremost, the present leadership needs to concentrate in the area of security. There is no investment that thrives without adequate security being in place. If the state can guarantee maximum security, investor will be willing to come and invest without being of afraid of what becomes their advantage in the short or long run.
The previous governor did his best and I understand that the current Governor is beginning to take steps in that regard. Once security is in place, you now think of economic development. The three senatorial zones in state have their areas of strength. Anambra north for instance boast of agricultural produce because of the nature of their land which fertile and the agrarian nature of the people in that area. Anambra south are much into entrepreneurial or business activities. Anambra central are more in industrial development. For example in Anambra north, we have the biggest Rice mill in Nigeria known as Omor Rice Mill. That rice mill need to be resuscitated for economic gain and other attendant benefits.
Anambra remains the hob of agriculture in the entire south East. And so effort must be put in place to harness the potentials in this regard. We can devote time and money, partner with other countries to achieve more in agriculture. Africa, Nigeria in particular is the new hub of investment in the world. If we can find the right synergy into investing in agriculture, employment rate will greatly increase, youth restiveness will reduce and that will reflect on our economy.
Most importantly, we must come together to give every area the needed attention. Anambra has the capacity to generate over N50 Billion every month if the right things are done. To achieve economic stability, we must invest massively in agriculture more than we do in oil. People with idea in this area can be invited to assist. Like I keep saying, don’t think of what your country will do for you but think of what you do for your country. The poor must be catered for. They must be given a sense of belonging in other to bridge the gap between them and the rich. Today, politicians don’t move freely again. They are surrounded by security Men. Why are we afraid of ourselves? If you give the Man on the street what he or she needs, nobody will go after you. I urge you especially the press to continue in your good work of propagating good ideals of the society.
Job Creation is so much important in any society. Are you comfortable with entrepreneurial level or knowledge which our youths have today vis -a- vis the enabling environment provided for them to realize their dreams?
No, no, no, I’m not satisfied with what is on ground currently interms of employment. Every year our youth graduate from school without hope of getting employed. I think what should be the duty of government is not giving jobs because the rate of unemployment has grown so much. What government should concern itself more is creating enabling environment, a conducive atmosphere and then allow private investors to thrive. One thing that will help a private entrepreneur to succeed is power. I believe that with the caliber of great Men and women we have in Anambra, government should be able to build power plants that will guarantee steady power supply to compliment what the federal government is doing.
There have been divergent views on whether President Goodluck Jonathan has delivered on his promises especially to the South East. Do you think his administration has impacted on the people particularly in that region of the country?
It’s a fifty, fifty situation if you want to access what the President has been able to do especially for the South East People. We may not have benefitted much but I want to commend him on what he has done so far. That is why some of us who are in support of what he is doing brought ourselves together to form ‘Team Goodluck Nigeria’. We believe that the President has done well by starting the second Niger Bridge. We are going to ensure that he comes back to complete the project and other ones that are ongoing. His return will ensure continuity with a guarantee that he will continue his development programmes in Anambra, South East and the country at large.
Under his government, the Igbos have enjoyed so many things. I believe that leading People is a difficult task. Even in the area where there is insurgency, he has demonstrated commitment in taking development to the people of the area. In spite of all his achievements, I believe there is room for improvement and that is why some of us are calling on him to come again to complete his good works.
President Jonathan is the most abused and misunderstood President Nigeria has ever had. I have joined in the call for him to come back for second tenure not because he has done wonderfully well but for him to be allowed to do more in the next four years.
What ideology does ‘Team Goodluck Nigeria’ share which President Jonathan need to imbibe?
We preach sustainable development irrespective of who or wherever the People are. Team Goodluck Nigeria is in the vanguard of crusading equality and corrupt-free society. Watch out for us because we will soon begin to create adequate awareness. We have listened to Iman or Muslim Cleric say that Islam does not support killings. So such barbaric act is not part of our society at any level or religion. Team Goodluck Nigeria is saying that those who can fish, should be given fishing tools to enable them do it well. Those who can farm should be provided with adequate farm implement. Nigerians don’t demand much from their leaders if not the common things that can give them lease of life. Once water, light, security, health facilities etc. are provided, my brother even you will enjoy what you do in better way.
As one who is concerned about the economy, do you think that the idea of privatizing power sector is the cure to epileptic power supply which has actually affected Nigerian’s economy?
Yes, privatization is good but personally I’m not in support of full privatization. Partial privatization to me is better because of huge financial involvement which installing and managing power installations require. I believe that well to do individuals and corporate organization could only partner with government in bringing an end to power problems in the country.