AWKA — The Chief of protocol to Governor Obiano has today declared his intention to run for Anambra Central Senatorial seat. Uzuegbunam Okagbue, a top graduate of Political Science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, senior banker of almost a decade and the Chief of protocol to Obiano, who doubles as the Deputy Chief of Staff, is the last son of Bessoy, a popular successful businessman from Umunnachi in Dunukofia local government Area of Anambra State.
In a media conference called at his country home in Umunnachi today, the 44 years old Uzu Okagbue announced his entry into the senatorial contest.
With barely twenty-four hours to the end of Obiano’s tenure as Anambra’s Governor, Mr. Okagbue’s declaration signals the possibility of disruptive change in the politics of Anambra Central senatorial district. In his declaration speech, Uzu observed that the time has come to move towards a collective vision that mirrors the people’s aspirations. “It is time to move from where we are to where we should be… it is time to jettison ‘business as usual mentality and embrace the dynamism of the digital age,” Okagbue said.
It is upon this basis that he desires to go to the Senate to speak for and represent the people of Anambra Central Senatorial district. “I stand before you today to announce that next year, I will be going to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to represent you.” Uzu declared.
Today’s declaration has cleared all doubts as to if Uzu is actually contesting for senate on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance –APGA, and consequently changed the landscape of the contest for APGA’s ticket for Anambra Central senate. As of today, Uzu, Umeh and Nwankwo are expected to battle for the ticket of APGA in which the winner will likely face Sen. Uche Ekwunife of PDP, who is the incumbent senator.
In his reaction, Tony-OneWeek Muonagor has described Uzu as the most prepared and competent for the job, dismissing insinuations that he is too young to run for senate as mere conjectures of people with no ideas to discuss. Similarly, Tony Omeligwe, the APGA State Deputy Chairman said that Uzu has the quality one needs to have to be a good representative and to succeed in politics.
Journalists and seasoned media practitioners were at the venue to witness the declaration. Uzu who was thoroughly interrogated after his speech showed a lot more readiness than anticipated. For instance, responding to what he has to say about Sen. Umeh’s insistence that he is too young to go to Senate, Uzu said Chief Umeh is about 60 years and he is 44 years.
According to Uzu, Umeh has served in the senate and has also served as APGA National Chairman, among others. Simple arithmetic reveals that Umeh was likely 39 years when he became APGA National Chairman even when people like the former Minister, Dr. Menakaya were there. In other words, at 44 years, he is more prepared and experienced than 39 years old who became National Chairman of APGA and so put the question of youthfulness to perfect rest. In any case, politicking for who flies APGA tickets for Anambra Central in the days is expected to intensify with Uzu Okagbue’s formal declaration.
He is a Technical Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano’s Special Adviser on Legislative Matters, whoonce was a Special Adviser to a former Deputy Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly. Ebuka is a second class upper division graduate of Political Science from University of Calabar, Calabar Nigeria and holds a Masters Degree in Political Science with specialization in Government and Development Studies, from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Nigeria
