“Anambra State is a hub of Hummers, Igbo cultures and Southeastern Nigeria, generally. So, if they get it right, Nigeria will be right.” These were the exact words of Rev. Dr. Austin Ifeanyichukwu Epunam when Anaedoonline had a chat with him recently.
The Nnewi-born humanitarian, publisher of Sweet Home Magazine advised Anambrarians to trade with caution whom to vote in the next gubernatorial election. He quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr “We need leaders not in love with money but in love with justice, not in love with publicity but in love with humanity” to drive his point home.
Rev. DR. Epunam (JP) is also a member of the Oci Foundation, an Australia-based formed to fight Breast and Cervical Cancer, asserted that all candidates for the Anambra State governorship election are his friends and has been affected by him in various ways.
But if compelled to make a choice, he would prefer a man with political muscles, good character, someone who can act more than he talks, someone who has so many contexts, an influential personality, someone who has a network, not only in the country but beyond and that person is Andy Uba.
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“He is not a regular type of politician, he is humble, quiet and not power drunk but a smooth operator who was trained by one of the strongest presidents of Nigeria President in Nigeria has ever produced in the past Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,” Epunam said of Andy Uba.
He continued thus: “Take for instance, my personal experience in 2005, shortly after our founding Sweet Home Africa, I was invited by the then-president from Germany to form Nigerians in Diaspora group for better democratic governance in Nigeria.”
“I am aware there was a powerful civilian, an Anambrarian who has much trust and influence in Aso Rock but hardly to be seen or heard. It was until one of the Sunday services I rushed upstairs at the gallery because I was informed that once I see Andy Uba’s presence inside the chapel, it’s a sign that commander-in-chief would attend.
“Unfortunately, I marched hard my legs on someone not knowing he was the very gentle, simple man who cleaned himself up and advised his security aids to ignore it.”
Epunam was sure to note that “all power belongs to God and only his will be done in our next election” before assuring all that Senator (Dr.) Andy Uba has many contacts in every sector of governance and economy to fix Anambra State and secure our national benefits most especially our business community.”
Dr. Epunam, addressing the question of people who look at the candidacy of Andy Uba and point at his time in the senate as proof of his shortfall said that every politician has a negative side then highlighted Andy Uba’s better side:
“EFCC is not looking for Andy Uba. He’s not just a politician but also a technocrat, who has empowered individuals in strategic positions. Investing in human capacities is the real charity without cameras around. He’s not the type that goes around building foundations that will die after the election.
“Just like the president, Muhammad Buhari, he doesn’t need to carry cameras around to show the world his numerous projects for the country. But things are going on behind the cameras. They’re called silent achievers and I see them as more genuine because they don’t do things to satisfy or manipulate anybody…”
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Dr. Epunam who categorically stated that he’s not a member of any political party but appreciates individuals who are worthy enough revealed. He insists, too, that he is not Andy Uba’s spokesman but only speaks about him as someone whom he knows and has encountered first-hand.
Addressing the people who don’t like the APC government in the federal level and are using it to judge Andy Uba, Dr. Epunam opined that he doesn’t believe in political parties, religions, cultures, or tribes but could be strongly attracted to individual or personality.
He regards people with the mentality of judging people based on tribe or religion or political affiliation as myopic.
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