By Chuks Akunna

Last Wednesday, chairman senate committee on electoral matters, Senator Andy Uba turned 53. For a man who has been buffeted by the vagaries of life, he had every cause to celebrate. From being the typical businessman in the United States, Andy by acting the Good Samaritan was catapulted by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to become one of the most powerful Presidential Assistants in Nigerian history.

My relationship with this urbane politician began in mid-November, 2006 . I had received a call from THISDAY publisher, Prince Nduka Obaigbena directing me to keep my line open. He informed me that Andy Uba was going to call me and that I was going to work as his media adviser. Those of us in THISDAY knew that this was publisher’s style of communication.  “Okay, sir,” I returned. He hung up. True to his prediction, a few minutes later, Andy called.

In truth, I had a few weeks earlier met Andy. My editor, Mr. Collins Edomaruse had sort of commandeered me to lead him to Andy’s house.  We at THISDAY were having our annual music festival and needed to deliver invitation cards to select VIPs, including  Andy.

On that fateful day, Mr. Edomaruse and I had been allowed access into the presidential assistant’s home. This was the consequence of a telephone call from Prince Obaigbena. “I am Collins Edomaruse and this is Chuks Akunna,” my boss began. “Oh! I know Chuks,” Andy cut in, demanding, “is he not the one that Ngige used to use to write nonsense about us?” I became giddy.  I quietly blamed my editor for luring me to this “den”.

Apparently sensing our uneasiness, Andy quickly changed the topic. He asked after THISDAY. Trust reporters.  Seizing the opportunity of the “truce,” we hurled tons of questions at Andy.  To our consternation he calmly answered all of them as frankly as we felt was possible. We must have spent close to an hour with him, standing.

Before this chance meeting, my big brother Chief Femi Fani-Kayode had made several offers to introduce me to Andy. FFK had said so many nice things about Andy. Yet I wasn’t convinced that meeting a man whose reputation I had helped ruin was a good idea. FFK was therefore understandably elated when I reported this meeting with Andy.

No sooner had I assumed duty as media aide to Andy, than the enormity of the task dawned on me. Andy’s house was a Mecca- where governors, ministers, businessmen and political heavyweights as well as lobbyists constantly flocked. How this assistant was able to attend to all these people was a wonder. He managed his relationships without allowing it get in the way of my duties.

In the presidential villa, the atmosphere wasn’t much different. Andy wouldn’t give you an appointment he wouldn’t keep. He never kept you waiting whether you were Aliko Dangote or a peasant. From a small office Andy held court.

On a particular occasion as President Obasanjo came into the Red Carpet (as the President’s living room is called), he took a sweeping look at all of us and barked: “Those of you who have come to see me, this way! “ Silence. “Those of you who have come to see Andy, the other way!” Everybody headed to the direction of his gesture. “Ah! This is unfair! So you mean none of you came to see me?” Laughter enveloped the hall.

What would remain a watershed in the life of Andy, I believe, is his decision to run for the position of governor of Anambra State. True, he had the support of President Obasanjo, yet wasn’t under any illusion it was going to be a tea party. If he was, he never showed it. He was aware that his younger brother, Chris, wasn’t particularly liked for his role in Anambra politics. This, I know, hurt him so much.

Deep down,  I saw a man who wanted to brave all the odds to make a difference.

Unfortunately, Andy contested elections in a state deeply polarised by what Christian denomination you belong. He tried to bridge the gap, for we spent the better part of the campaigns reaching out to Roman Catholic leaders. It seemed no use. With Mr. Peter Obi impeached and “disqualified” from flying the flag of his party, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), we appeared to have declared war on Rome. The events that followed, particularly the Supreme Court judgment that restored Peter Obi are too well known to be recapped here.

No sooner had the Supreme Court thrown us out of office than a lot of people who benefitted from Andy began chanting “Crucify him! Crucify him!” it must have been one of the most traumatic moments of his life. The government of the day did not help matters. A particular aide had during the period sponsored at least two false but damaging stories against Andy. One of the stories was that he bought off his official accommodation for “peanuts.”

When he ran to his party for succor, they came out against him with guns and cudgels. I feared he was going to suffer a heart attack. In fact, what impressed me was that Andy never harboured any bitterness against these turncoats. He always assured that God would vindicate the just.

Today, by prayers, dint of hard work and perseverance Andy has been vindicated and is a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And from all indications, he has a very bright future.

It is therefore with immense joy that I felicitate with my friend and boss, former presidential assistant, Ugomba Aguata, former governor and now senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the joyous occasion of his birthday. This is wishing him many more years of a happy life. Many happy returns, Igwebuike!

*Akunna, a journalist and public affairs commentator, lives in Abuja.