THE LEAGUE OF ANAMBRA PROFESSIONALS: STATEMENT ON THE BIANCA OJUKWU’S SENATORIAL ASPIRATION

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BY THE LEAGUE OF ANAMBRA PROFESSIONALS (LAP)

The League of Anambra Professionals [LAP] remains a non-partisan organization without compromising its focus on enthronement of good governance, enlightenment of the populace and overall development within the Anambra State space and Nigeria in general.

It is against this backdrop that LAP’s attention has been drawn to current controversial developments in the politics of Anambra State with the Nigerian print media and the social media feasting on disconcerting statements by a few members of the Odumegwu Ojukwu family of Umudim-Nnewi in Anambra State suggesting that Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu is unqualified to vie for the position of Senator for the Anambra South Senatorial District.

The basis for this position by the said Ojukwu family members and their sympathizers is that Bianca Ojukwu’s state of origin by birth is Enugu State, and that she is embroiled in some disputes with segments of the family. Not only that the issue has occupied national attention given the continued widespread recognition of the Ojukwu name, it goes beyond mere politics and open to possible misinterpretation of the essence of Ndi Anambra characterized by openness, inclusiveness and reverence for merit and excellence.

For example, many people may not be aware that one of the present Commissioners in Anambra State, Sally Uwechue, is from Delta State and had until appointment lived virtually all her life in Lagos but Ndi Anambra have never complained knowing that she would add much value to the state government.

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In LAP’s considered view, Bianca Ojukwu having been married for over two decades to Chief Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Ikemba Nnewi, is as much an Nnewi and Anambra State indigene as any other person so qualified for description as such.

Given that there is no known legal disability ascribable to her, she is undoubtedly qualified to contest for a place as one of Anambra State’s three Senators. Indeed, we dare say that any Nigerian from any state who is otherwise qualified and succeeds in getting a political party to sponsor him or her for an elective position in Anambra State is at liberty to run. It is left for the electorate to decide whether not to give the mandate or not.

It is noteworthy in the present vein that Bianca Ojukwu is not seeking to represent the Ojukwu family nor Nnewi town for that matter, but the Anambra South senatorial district of which Nnewi North local government constitutes only one of the seven constituent local government areas. Any member of the Ojukwu family registered to vote within the senatorial district who is not impressed by her credentials is at liberty not to vote for her if she is on the ballot, just like any qualified person from the family could contest against her within or outside her political party. That is all they can lawfully and otherwise justifiably do, and no more.

Finally, whilst our concern remains good governance including high quality political representation for Ndi Anambra, we remain neutral over partisan political contests and ends. Whilst we are not supporting Bianca Ojukwu’s senatorial ambition, just as we do not support her opponents and indeed any other politician’s partisan aspirations, we trenchantly support and would defend her right to contest for political office in Anambra State. Otherwise, others may mistake Ndi Anambra for who they are and strive to remain; a go-getting people not detained by xenophobic pettiness but who rather make a fetish of merit and see excellence in all aspects of human endeavour as an article of faith.

Chijioke Okoli, SAN.

President, The League of Anambra Professionals

 

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