The Soul of Anambra South: Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah leads, others follow, By Tobenna Obiano

Leadership goes beyond merely the outlook of what many may feel, think or say, it goes beyond only having the connections or interlink many Nigerians often glory in. It actually involves one’s level of understanding of the tenets and nitty-gritty of showing the light, always, and of proven understanding of the basics and true-needs of a people.

A leader ought to know the way, show the way and lead the way. A good leader must bring forth personal principles, as hallmarks of choice. A true leader must be people oriented, must be readily available and assessable to the led and populace. A leader must know the needs of her people and understand how best to solve them.

Somehow, the forthcoming elections has a lot to do with the choices Nigerians make. Many Nigerians often allow themselves to be taken aback or squarely carried-away by sentiments, bias or pure hate, that they neglect what’s important to what’s not. The problem lies more on those who accept monetary inducements during voting proper, solely to vote even against a known better option.

The Anambra South Senatorial elections surely would be a determinant factor. The people would have to make a choice of who serves them. Truth be told, the Uba family of Uga in Anambra South have held the Senatorial seat and ran it, more like a family business. Sadly, they haven’t even done so well to be deserving to remain there. They’ve failed woefully and for all that it’s worth, just like Buhari, they ought to be voted out, removed and replaced.

Sometimes, history presents this moment of golden opportunity. Fate gifts that moment of unimaginable time where wrongs may be righted. Election times presents that golden opportunity to further make things work for the better. And now, Anambra South in particular can be the light that they’ve always wished for. They can rise and shine. It’s all about true-understanding and choosing aright.

The frontline contenders for Senate in Anambra South under APGA are - Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu and Chief. Nicholas Ukachuwku. These three ofcourse are well qualified, established, highly connected, able and capable to contest and may make giant strides if elected. The bullet point now is - who’s the best candidate? It’s no more a question of good or better, the contest is now for the best.

It’s not solely a question of qualification. People should think more of winning at the actual poll proper and quality representation at the end. Whoever that picks the APGA ticket would still have even a heavier, intimidating and mightier fight to tussle with. The serving Sen. Andy Uba alone is a force. The Uba family have a habit of winning, be it by hook or crook. You could proceed with your lawsuit if you so desired; they don’t care.

As it stands now, only but the Ubah of Nnewi can retire, remove and replace the Uba of Uga. The real struggle would be at the elections proper, only Ifeanyi Ubah has the capacity, the street credibility, huge followership and acceptance to fight and gain victory against Andy Uba and other powerful forces that might match up to contend with them.

Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah has become resoundingly successful in the business world. He has severally proven his mettle. He has shown doggedness, masterly outreach and this capacity that humble and intimidates anyone who’s contending with him. He has shown readiness and this level of preparedness that endears and charms. Ifeanyi is hugely accepted by his people. He has done so much for the society, it’s basically the hunger to do more that is pushing him.

At one of my meetings with him, I asked him straight up and to his face, why are you contesting for Senate? Quite frankly, he didn’t hesitate to respond with this clarity and composure that showed readiness, willingness and assuredness, “Tobs, our people are suffering. Ndi-Igbo are suffering. Nigeria isn’t working for us all. My aim is to join that Legislative assembly in speaking up for ndi-Igbo and Nigeria in general. I’ve always shown unapologetic stance towards the progress of the Igbo nation”.

“Tobe, you know as an entrepreneur myself and active player in the oil and gas downstream sector, I tell you what, do you know how much it costs our brothers and sisters who import goods pay for clearance and as duties? You won’t believe the sudden rise for the cost of transporting goods and services from Lagos wharf to Igboland. Fair to the Government, Igboland is landlocked, the River Niger in Onitsha can never be dredged to become a wharf to allow ships to duck at the harbor, but what happened to PortHarcourt wharf. Why is it underused?”

“Its an established fact that the busiest market in West Africa is located in Igboland and that’s the Onitsha main market. Why won’t there be some sort of clearance for shiploads to be headed more for PortHarcourt as against Lagos for Igbo traders; but those within the corridors of power don’t care. Igbos aren’t treated fairly and ours majorly is business and running the economy. We are doing so much for this nation, and so, we deserve to treated fairly and better”.

He concluded, “At the Red Carpet chamber, Nigerians would hear us and feel us. We would’ve the desired platform to make things work for us all. My brother and friend, Sen. Victor Umeh, Ohamadike means well for us all, but he can’t do it alone. We would match up forces, join hands and get the Igbo economy working. Ndi-Igbo are vastly entrepreneurs. We would make inroads towards the growth, sustainability and optimum gains for ndi-Igbo and the rest of Nigerians. That’s majorly why I rose to the responsibility of gifting myself up again, on my own volition, wholly and willingly in readiness to serve our people. I’ve chosen to go to the Senate and serve my people. It’s not an Ifeanyi Ubah venture, it should be our collective mission and aspiration”.

One thing that has pushed persons like myself to support this Senatorial ambition of Ebubechukwuzo, Ifeanyi Ubah is because, I for one, I’ve this strong conviction that he would do well. Ubah understands that to he who much is given, even more is expected in return. Ubah has for long nursed the ambition to aspire for an elective office. He won’t fail; he can’t afford to.

Ifeanyi has contested for the Governorship of Anambra State on two different occasions. The Senate is therefore a litmus test as to what is to become. He surely understands that when elected, he must have to perform, else he would be booted out of office and nothing like contesting for the future.

Ifeanyi Ubah isn’t coming to the Senate for primitive accumulation of sort. He’s contesting not to loot. He’s here to serve and prove that Anambra South deserves nothing short of the best. He has a track record of success in variant fields. Ifeanyi has the means, the outreach, the capacity and would surely do well.

This is that golden opportunity for ndi-Anambra South to choose and decide aright. This is the moment they can grab an opportunity with two both hands. This is the moment for Anambra South to rise and shine. The time is now!

Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah would do well. Let’s pridefully support him.