As week passes by, the race for the next Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly is thickening. The question is “Which zone will produce the Speaker of the 8th Assembly?” OKECHUKWU ONUEGBU writes on the political gimmicks and clandestine moves by relevant stakeholders
The National Assembly and states assemblies in Nigeria are expected to be inaugurated on June 12, 2023 with substantive principal officers.
Composition of Anambra 8th Assembly
In Anambra state, the race might be tough and interestingly, given to the fact that the 8th Assembly comprising 30 legislators, has 16 members of the ruling All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and 14 members of opposition political parties, the 14 opposition political parties members-elect are 7 members of Labour Party (LP), four Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faithful and three members of the Young Progressive Party (YPP).
Therefore, whoever aspires for the number one legislative seat must seek the help of the opposition party members especially if the aspirant feels aggrieved when the APGA probably will present an unpopular candidate.
Ideally, it is the prerogative rights of the honourable members to elect those who are capable, qualified, experienced and able to lead them to the ‘promised land’ for the four years.
Election of a qualified and experienced Speaker is sine qua non to the enacting of quality and people-oriented laws, bills, motions, execution of constituency projects, and performance of oversight functions.
When this is well carried out, the people will rejoice because of good road network and other infrastructural development, good governance and representations, security of lives and properties, etc.
This is why the executive governors (Council Chairmen at Local Government level and president at the national level), usually interfer with the activities of their lawmakers right from when the time of inauguration.
They do this using the leadership of their parties (which is usually in the majority) in the House and leadership of opposition political parties so as to also gather supports of the lawmakers in minority parties.
The executives, especially, the governors believe they can easily control or determine which law to be made, the size and time of passage of annual budget, who to be appointed or sacked, among others, once they succeed in nominating and installing the Assembly Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Majority Leader, Chief Whip, Deputy Whip, Minority Leader, Minority Whip, Deputy Minority Whip, Chairman of House of Assembly Committees on Appropriation, Public petitions and others.
Soludo yet to declare choice
Currently, Anambra state residents and indigenes are waiting for APGA and Governor Chukwuma Soludo to make public those they are supporting as principal officers of the House of Assembly as the National Leadership of All Progressive Congress (APC) and President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done to the Senate and House of Representatives at the federal level.
But just like the national level, the choice of who becomes the next Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly and other principal officers will be determined by many factors. These include ranking or years of legislative experience, religion, zone and most importantly, party loyalty.
Ranking as a factor
PDP
As an experienced legislator, Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ogbaru II constituency, is the oldest and stands a greater chance because he will be a third timer upon inauguration of the 8th Assembly.
Aside him, other members of the Assembly from across political parties are either second or first timers.
However, Udeze is not from the ruling party. APGA which is in the majority unless he reaches an agreement with them and decamp to secure the top job. This has not happened in Anambra state in recent time except in Imo state where in 2019 most ranking members of the then African Action Alliance (AAC), PDP and others dumped their parties to APC shortly after the Supreme Court pronounced Senator Hope Uzodinma as Imo state governor.
Again, been third timer or oldest, seemed not to be working for him to be elected Speaker in Anambra state. For instance, in 2011 when Hon. Nicky Ugochukwu (APGA) of Orumba South was the oldest (third timer), Hon. Mrs Chinwe Nwaebili (APGA) of Ogbaru 2 constituency eventually emerged as Speaker.
In 2015, when Ugochukwu was fourth timer and Hon. Benson Nwawulu (APGA) of Ogbaru 1 was a third timer, Hon. Mrs Rita Maduagwu (APGA, Nnewi South 2) was elected Speaker despite been a second timer. Similarly, in 2019, Hon. Uche Okafor of Ayamelum constituency, a second timer became a Speaker even when Hon. Obinna Emenaka that is representing Anambra East is a third timer.
Therefore, Udeze’s luck might shine more in the minority leadership of the House. He stands out as the most suitable for Minority Leader. But would LP consider him for such an honour given that the party has seven elected members, an evidence of upper hands to decide the principal officers for the opposition?
Aside Udeze, two other PDP members elect, Hon. Douglas Egbuna, Onitsha North 1; and Hon. Nonso Noble Igwe, PDP, Ogbaru 1, are second term members and unlikely to be considered for the Speakership position for been from the opposition too; while the fourth person, Mr Abuchi Bernard Udemezue, Ayamelum, is a-first term member. They would surely head other important offices, while Udemezue, being a farmer from an agrarian Council Area, might Head or Deputize State Assembly Committee on Agriculture.
YPP
The YPP is another party with an experienced or ranking member Hon. Johnbosco Akaegbobi of Nnewi South II. Akaegbobi was first elected under the PDP and currently returning as a second timer under the YPP. But even if he is to be considered, would he agree to cross-carpet or dump his master, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, the reelected Senator for Anambra South who according to the grapevine, accepted him into the party when the PDP denied him nomination at party primary level?
Besides, would Soludo allow someone from his supposed political opponent (Ubah) lead an exalted Speakership office? Other two members elect under the platform of YPP, Mr Augustine Onyedịkachukwu Ike, Nnewi North; and Mr Nonso Atuchukwu, Nnewi South 1; are new members. However, they could function effectively in other offices. Ike, for instance, might feature as Head or Deputize the Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Media, having practised as a blogger.
LP
For the Labour Party (LP), all the seven elected members are new in the hallowed chamber although most of them have held political offices as aides. They are Mr. Henry Nigeria Mbachu, Awka South 1; Mr. Paul Obu, Orumba North; Ms Nkechi Ogbuefi, Anaocha 1; Mr Fred Ezenwa, Onitsha South 1; Mr Jude Ifeanyi Umennajiego, Onitsha South 2; Mr Azubuike Udemezue, Idemili North; and Mr Patrick Okafor, Onitsha North 2.
There is permutation that Ms Ogbuefi, who is representing the constituency of the Labour Party Presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, might be chosen as the next Minority Leader.
Aside her link with Obi, Ogbuefi is a humanitarian, civil society member, former political aide to former governor Willie Obiano and the only female legislator in the 8th Assembly. She could also be considered as Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, while her colleagues lead other important offices meant for the minority members.
APGA
APGA Assembly members-elect are at the advantage position for the office of Speaker and other principal officers because it is a ruling party. But out of the 16 members elected under the platform, only 4 are old or second term (returning legislators). They are Hon. Patrick Udeoba, Anambra West; Hon. Ejike Okechukwu, Anaocha 2; Hon. Emma Nwafor, Orumba South; and Hon. Chukwuma Okoye, Awka South 2, constituencies.
The remaining twelve are green horns (new members) and include Mr Igwe Ebuka, Idemili South; Mr Emmanuel Anayo Okpalaeke, Aguata 1; Mr Anthony Moubike, Aguata 2; Mr Obi Nweke Calistus, Anambra East; Mr Chimezie Ikwunne, Awka North; and Mr Chuks Azotani, Dunukofia Constituencies. Others are Mr Jude Akpua, Njikoka 2; Mr Chidi Ibemeka, Njikoka 1; Mr Innocent Chukwuemeka Ojike, Oyi; Mr Golden Iloh, Ihiala 2; Mr Jude Ngobili, Ihiala 1; and Mr Ikenna Ofodoeme, Ekwusigo.
Zoning
APGA might zone the offices accordingly. If the Speakership position is to be zoned, lawmakers from Anambra North Senatorial district stand atop. This is because governor Soludo is from Anambra South, while his Deputy, Dr Onyeka Ibezim is from the Central, and the Chief Judge, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu is also from Anambra Central, although his appointment is purely different from the other two.
Anambra North comprises of Anambra East, Anambra West, Ayamelum, Ogbaru, Onitsha North, Onitsha South and Oyi council Areas. They have ten lawmakers. Out of these ten, four are of the APGA, four PDP and two LP legislators. Within the APGA four members elect in the zone, only one is a second timer and he is Hon. Patrick Obalum Udeoba of the Anambra West Constituency.
Patrick Obalum Udeoba
Although he is yet to declare his interest before the media, Udeoba seemed to be the most favoured considering his relationship with governor Soludo and loyalty to the APGA. Some said he is calculated, gentle and best to pay absolute loyalty or possibly play according to the rule of both the governor and the party at all times. An insider said he is seriously canvasing for the support of the party and the governor from behind.
The former LG boss and Chairman House Committee on Transportation was among the few lawmakers that refused to dump the party when others left to All Progressive Congress (APC) during the 2021 gubernatorial poll later won by Soludo.
This could be why the party stood behind him at the primary election when he nearly lost to a former commissioner, Mr Bonaventure Enemali and at the main 2023 House of Assembly poll where he narrowly defeated the candidate of Labour Party (LP), after the election results was delayed for about three days.
Aside Udeoba, three other APGA second timers (returning lawmakers) are Hon. Chukwuma Okoye, Hon. Ejike Okechukwu and Hon. Emma Nwafor.
Chukwuma Okoye
Okoye is the member representing Awka South 2 otherwise referred to as Obizi bloc. He is qualified as a ranking member and for been a clearing and forwarder/ businessman. However, the constituency he is representing is where the Deputy governor, Dr Onyeka Ibezim hails from, which also falls in Anambra Central. If office of the Speaker eludes him, he could emerge as Majority Leader, Deputy Majority Leader or Chief Whip. He can also secure Chairmanship of Committees like Housing or Commerce and Industry.
Ejike Okechukwu
Okechukwu is the current Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Education and member representing Anaocha 2 constituency. Anaocha 2 is also within the Anambra Central where the Deputy governor hails from.
Although he is qualified for been a second timer and university don, the seat will likely pass him by because he hails from Anaocha LGA, same Council area although different House of Assembly constituency with the former governor Peter Obi, an unannounced political foe of Governor Soludo. Soludo who battled ‘Obidients movements’ (supporters of Obi) with series of letters and propaganda during the 2023 general elections might still feel that Okoye could be used as a mole by Obi to stall his government progress or confront him at the 2025 poll when he would seek reelection.
In fact, this was among the reason Hon. Ikem Uzoezie of Aguata 2 constituency was reportedly denied Speakership position under Obiano’s administration. Uzoezie is son of a former commissioner and Obi’s foremost ally, Dr Ego Uzoezie, and Obi was having a running battle with Obiano then. In 2018 when Uzoezie finally emerged as the House of Assembly ‘Speaker’ after his supporters ‘impeached’ Speaker Rita Maduagwu, the government ‘rejected’ him and retained the later, leaving him as a factional Speaker till end of that dispensation in 2019.
Be that as it may, Hon. Okechukwu would head some important committees including Education, in the 8th Assembly. He is better positioned as a Majority Leader or Chief Whip due to his posture and outspokenness. But his latest interview to the media proved that he is optimistic of becoming the next Speaker although completely dependent on the party.
“I qualified to become the next Speaker but the issue of the Speakership of the House of Assembly is either in God’s hands or in the hands of the party that produced the majority members in the House. If you look at the constitution of the next House of Assembly, you see that APGA has 16 members which gives them absolute majority and other political parties have 14 members. So it now behoves on APGA as a political party to look within the 16 members and see who and who are competent enough to pilot the affairs of the House in the 8th assembly and advise members-elect on that.”
Emma Nwafor
If going by the zoning, Hon. Emma Nwafor could be ruled out of the race completely because he hails from the same Anambra South Senatorial zone with governor Soludo. Besides, his Constituency Orumba South, is also within Old Aguata bloc, a political description of all the three Local Government Areas (LGAs) carved out of the defunct Aguata Council Area. These include the present Aguata where Soludo hails from, Orumba North and Orumba South LGAs.
However, the same zoning factor disqualifying him might also add to his advantage if the governor decide to support a ‘brother’ because blood is said to be thicker than water and brotherhood could reduce political “headache” or undue influence.
For instance, after the former governor Peter Obi, was restored by the Court from impeachment by the PDP controlled legislators (followed by the controversial 2007 election), Hon. Anayo Nnebe (PDP, Awka South 1) was elected as Speaker in June 2007.
Obi was of APGA and hails from Anaocha LGA which is within Anambra Central where Nnebe of the PDP comes from. The Deputy governor was from Anambra South, leaving the Anambra North with none. Since then politicians always reference it whenever they plan mischief.
In 2011, however, Obi’s APGA led government (reelected in 2010 gubernatorial poll), zoned the Speakership position to the Anambra North Senatorial zone, thereby leading to the emergence of Hon. Chinwe Clara Nwaebili as second female Speaker. With this, the power sharing between the three senatorial zone balanced given that the Deputy governor, Mr Emeka Sibeudu is from Umunze, Orumba South in Anambra South Senatorial district.
Similarly, in 2015, the immediate past governor, Chief Willie Obiano maintained the unwritten zoning pact as the House of Assembly picked Hon. Rita Maduagwu of Nnewi South 2 (Anambra South) as it Speaker since the Deputy governor, Dr Nkem Okeke is from Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka LGA (Anambra Central).
However, in 2019, Obiano’s led APGA government reneged. His Anambra North’s man, Hon. Uche Okafor of Ayamelum constituency became a Speaker, while Hon. Obinna Emenaka who is currently representing Obiano’s Anambra East Constituency emerged as the Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Appropriation bill. So, Hon. Emma Nwafor will likely become the next Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Appropriation! He could also clinch the position of Chief Whip or Majority Leader.
But speaking in an interview, Nwafor said, “I am ready to take the mantle of leadership to be the Speaker of the 8th assembly. It is not a new thing to me. I have gathered enough experience. I have been a leader in so many organisations. I have been in the best of terms with members of the 6th and 7th assembly and they will all speak for me that I’m ready to be the Speaker of the 8th assembly.”
With these political movements, all eyes are now on APGA to officially name or suggest principal officers to the incoming 8th Assembly.
Attempts made to hear from the horses mouth proved abortive as the number of the state APGA Chairman, Norbert Obi, could not be reached at press time.
However, information pasted in the state’ secretariat showed that the party is currently pre-occupied with it’s State Congress slated to hold before the end of May, 2023 to select new leadership for the party.
