After reading the valedictory speech of Rt. Hon. Uko Nkole Ndukwe, the immediate past House of Representatives member for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, I was overly impressed by his exceptional performance and accomplishments.
My admiration for him has not only grown; my perspective has also changed.
My jeers have turned to cheers.
It is obvious now that some people were deliberately spreading malicious statements and rumours in an attempt to tarnish his reputation. It was an ill-conceived campaign of calumny.
The smear campaign centred largely on allegations of non-performance by some “aggrieved” constituents. However, the content of his valedictory speech has changed that perception.
Rt. Hon. Uko Nkole demonstrated his ability to achieve set goals through sustainable delivery of the dividends of democracy during his tenure as a member of the House of Representatives.
Having achieved so much as a member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Nkole deserves to step up. It would be a good idea. Indeed, it is like answering a higher calling—one that is both commendable and deserving of support.
Now that he has thrown his hat into the ring, Hon. Uko Nkole does not only need cheers and applause from the ringside; he needs unalloyed support. And that is the level we should be talking about.
The contest for the Abia North Senatorial District will obviously be a potentially explosive encounter—a pulsating battle among political heavyweights.
Rt. Hon. Nkole is a man who has demonstrated unparalleled resilience and unwavering commitment to his constituency.
Hon. Uko Nkole has, severally and brazenly, overcome challenges associated with his office. He proffered solutions to some of the knotty issues he encountered. These achievements are all captured in his valedictory speech.
Hon. Nkole is aware that his opponents are no political neophytes; they are seasoned political actors. The incumbent and other contestants will certainly not be pushovers.
However, the hallmark of every political actor lies in his ability, strategy and dexterity to outwit his opponents.
Politics is like warfare. Contestants do not lay down their armoury while the battle is raging. There will be intimidation, confrontation and accusations.
The pertinent question is: For how long shall we continue to grapple with misrepresentation?
We need a paradigm shift from the old order.
Presently, we are, indeed, choking and gasping for breath under the stranglehold of those who believe that the Abia North Senatorial seat is their birthright.
It is a paradox, and a palpable pain, that in our penchant to preserve the status quo ante bellum, we overlook mediocrity despite the paucity of vision and short-sightedness inherent in the old order.
The cacophony of partisan noise from crumb-eaters and their supporters often makes them shy away from the reality on the ground.
It is high time we stopped accepting plausible lies and started demanding pellucid truth.
Rt. Hon. Uko Nkole Ndukwe is the man of the moment.
He deserves our vote.
By David Uma
