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By SNC Nwagu

Ndi Enugu, what is happening in our political space? Why is the pot calling the kettle black and yet good men are not combining to distort a conspiracy of evil few or rather machinery actors in limited warfare. What I am currently seeing in the media both mainstream and social alike as it concerns the front runners in Enugu gubernatorial election left nothing to be desired.

I was seriously waiting for Saturday to pass so that the chosen governor would be voted into office in Enugu state and I could rest from the untruths, mudslinging, and so much ignorance that I have been seeing on my everywhere.

Since they postponed the election, and I woke up this morning to see more mud, I have decided to put my opinion out there for whatever it is worth.

My take on Enugu State and the three major gubernatorial candidates, Frank Nweke, Chijioke Edeoga and Peter Mbah

Among these three, Peter Mbah has received more criticism, hate, mudslinging, etc., because he is the PDP candidate. Some say it is because he was chosen by Gburugburu; others say that he is Ebeano, Chimaroke’s godson, stooge, killer extension etc.

The three major and some minor candidates are products of the same political dynasty. They are all PDP, and by extension, the ebeano family since they all held political or appointed posts in Enugu during the so-called Ebeano regime (1999-2007). While Chijioke Edeoga was a Federal House of Representatives member then, Frank Nweke and Peter Mbah held State appointments.

While Frank Nweke and Chijioke have remained in Enugu state politics as PDP members, the only one of them who left politics and went ahead to do other things is Peter Mbah. The other two have been in the corridors of power for over 20 years. The interesting thing is that Peter Mbah made a huge success of that private enterprise, Pinnacle Oil and gas, judging by the release by NNPC and the Nigerian government during the commission.

Several allegations have been flying about that it was built with embezzled money, that he was charged to court and so on. Knowing Nigeria, it is not impossible. But then I ask, why was he not indicted when others concerned in the case were. Could they not plea bargain as some have accused Peter Mbah of doing? Recently I came across an allegation of embezzlement of billions against Chijioke Edeoga. Again, was he indicted? Why are they all freely campaigning? Most importantly, why is one person exonerated as a saint and another condemned without evidence? Even our beloved Peter Obi had allegations against him, but none indicted him, and we the Obedients, believed him, knowing that in politics, it’s common to call a dog a bad name in other to hang him.

So Peter Mbah has had the shortest time in Nigerian politics or as a government appointee, in Enugu state or otherwise, so he is definitely not a career politician. What exactly is his crime?

Ehen.. many say that their main issue is that he is Gburugburu’s choice. Others say that he cannot work because he is Chimaraoke’s choice. Well, I know that none of that is true…, by now I am sure you are like what??? Just hear me out. In fact, could you permit me to digress a little?

Years back, I was seriously flogged for ‘not being observant’ while in secondary school. Someone stole a plate of food in the dining hall, and everyone around the table said we didn’t know who did. We were rewarded with several strokes of the cane and admonished to be observant. Ever since I have tried to be a good observer of events around me. I may talk little and often keep my opinions to myself unless solicited. Still, I observe, and as a scientist, I analyze.

Months back, before the PDP primaries in Enugu, every corner of the town was filled with posters of Chijioke Edeoga for governor of Enugu state under PDP. It became common knowledge that he was Gburu’s man, favoured to be nominated as the incoming governor. Gburugburu is from the Enugu North Senatorial zone while Chijioke Edeoga is from the Enugu East Senatorial zone and Gburugburu’s choice. However, the Enugu East Senatorial zone elders, including the traditional rulers and prominent people, appealed to and pressured the governor to allow them to choose who they believed could represent them and the entire state well. This move birthed the candidature of Peter Mbah. Gburugburu simply went with the people, while Chijioke Edeoga and others went to other platforms to pursue their dreams.

Of course, this was necessary since PDP was the dominant party in the state, so the people felt that to get their wish, they had to appeal to the PDP-led government. For instance, if the PDP National had given Peter Obi the mandate to represent it, do you think PO would have said no, I am moving to the Labour party? If PO had contested under PDP, do you believe this broad daylight robbery we currently face would have been the case? I think we would have been celebrating since 25th February. The Enugu East elders had to face this unhidden truth, hence their move to take their future into their hands.

Edeoga served actively with Gburugburu as a commissioner under two ministries during his eight years as the governor of Enugu State. He only recently resigned when he started actively contesting for the governor position. He must have gained Gburugburu’s confidence, so he became quite popular as the favoured candidate. This is similar to the case of Sullivan Chime, who served under the government of Chimaroke Nnamani. He garnered his boss’s trust and was nominated for the next governor. Some of you know this very well but will prefer to deny it for your own personal gains or popularity.

At this point, it is worth noting that though Sullivan is of the Ebeano dynasty and got into power through its power and protection, he did not entertain it in office. He promptly buried it and carved a niche for himself while making a name for posterity. Only Ugwuanyi knows why he exhumed the body, which does not necessarily mean that any current candidates will give it life.

How is Peter Mbah, who never served under Gburugburu, suffering for his ills and mistakes, but the person who actively served under him is exonerated? The person who was initially his choice is now the people’s choice because Gburugburu could not impose him on the Enugu people? How fair is that? Anyway, I was once told that politics is a game of interest, not fairness.

Recently, many on my friends’ list have made posts about Peter Mba never campaigning before and suddenly starting to do so. I will always say that if you don’t know, you ask a credible source or keep your mouth shut. With the advent of social media, many quickly assume authority over issues they know nothing or very little about. None of the candidates has campaigned as Peter Mbah. For those interested, it is easy to find clips of the various places, communities, and zones he has been to for the campaign. However, this election has been peculiar because we have been fighting for our very existence as a country, and our eyes have been focused on Peter Obi and the presidential seat.

Now let’s critically look at the persons involved; I have asked to see what these candidates have been able to do for their people in their many years in government offices (we all know how lucrative public offices are in Nigeria). Ironically, the man with the shortest stay in government, Peter Mbah, is the one whom I learnt has built a standard hospital for his people with several other amenities. He is the one whose large company and enterprises currently employ thousands. He is the only one who has shown that he can make huge money outside politics. He is the youngest of them all and, therefore, may be more in tune with the sufferings of the young people, especially the residents of Enugu state.

So where is the wisdom in throwing a child away with the bath water? What huge crime did he commit that people are willing to accept everything they previously rejected in politicians? That crime that many are actively going to all lengths to paint him black so that he becomes a pariah to others.

Going through the manifestos of all major candidates, it is clear that only one of the candidates, Peter Mbah backed up his proposals with in-depth research and therefore has more chances of executing his plans. The fact that he could break even in oil and gas could only have been made possible through such an informed and calculated approach; money is not even a guarantee.

Are we not tired of bogus unattainable promises from politicians? We say PDP must go, PDP must go, ALL of them are PDP, and any of them can change party with his entire House Of Assembly members once elected. It only depends on interest.

I have encountered many civil servants lamenting as regards teachers’ pay, gratuities, pensions etc. Should we not reason that we will need a business-savvy governor who can positively employ our resources to yield revenues for the state? Will we forever remain comfortable choosing politicians who depend on the Federal government or internal taxation as their only source of revenue? Bikonu, let us leave A-Z for a moment and critically analyze all these candidates and their antecedents and what we, as Enugu people, stand to gain from each of them (please shun personal interest at this point). We cannot play double standard just because..,

This is one of the reasons I admire Aisha Yusuf; she never has a mob mentality. Bikonu, let us say no to mob mentality.

After reading this, I will appeal to you to campaign for your candidate of choice rather than laying unfounded accusations on someone who you do not even know. If you are my friend and post any such attacks on these persons, I will block, unfollow and unfriend you. It will not do anything to you but will give others chance to support the Lords anointed,Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.

Voting Peter Mbah is doing the wish of the lord and the majority of Ndigbo Enugu, vote Peter for assured tomorrow that is here.

Vote Peter Mbah for youths inclusiveness in the management of our dear state.

Sir SNC Nwagu Esq writes from Enugu.