By Ebere Uzoukwa
It is a mutual fact that concession, accord and agreement have continued to form the nexus for democratic engagement and participation. A consensus founded and anchored on a tripod of concession, accord and agreement; which on the other are perceived as essential ingredients of democracy and democratic process, has among other relative gains engendered peace, cohesion and socio-cultural values in the political space.
The inability or deliberate refusal to either respect, act or heed to the stipulations of an accord and unforced agreement that hitherto midwife political concession(s), has irredeemably ignited political conflict and turmoil as well as destabilization capable of decimating the very fabrics binding political cohesion and togetherness in political parties.
A cursory study and subsequent findings with reference to the political terrain of Isiala Ngwa vis-a-vis her representation in the Federal House of Assembly, also putting into cognizance the activities of some of her political actors, objectively call for a truism and undiluted realism. This is probably reinforced by signs of volatility and stiff opposition awaiting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia should wrong decisions envelop the nomination process of its candidates.
Dr. ACB Agbazuere is the personality referenced in this case study. A lawyer and solicitor of the Supreme Court, social crusader, defender of the oppressors and an unrepentant advocate of equity and social justice, Dr. Agbazuere has sufficiently paid his dues in Abia politics and development judging from all ramifications.
Recall that the Ikem Nvosi Isiala Ngwa South born political strategist had in 2014 sought nomination under the platform of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) amid massive and wide-spread support from his people including the diasporas to represent the good people of Isiala Ngwa North & South in the Federal House of Representatives of the National Assembly. He obtained his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to that effect and roundly prepared himself for primary election. Available information states that Agbazuere and the occupant of the seat, Hon. Darlingnton Nwokocha were the two personalities that bought forms for the position under the PDP platform in 2014 ahead of 2015 general elections.
Dr. Agbazuere was adopted by several groups and institutions across Isiala Ngwa Federal Constituency. The traditional rulers in Isiala Ngwa South in a communique dated 13th August 2014 signed by HRM Eze P. N Okpanku and HRM Eze D. O Nwogu chairman and secretary of Isiala Ngwa South Traditional Rulers Council respectively, unanimously endorsed and adopted Chief T. A Orji for Senate and Dr. ACB Agbazuere for Isiala Federal Constituency for 2015. The traditional rulers explicitly urged the PDP to "grant the wish of the people as we are partners and the people to be represented" by nominating Agbazuere as its candidate for the position.
Upon transmitting the aforementioned communique to then governor, Chief T. A Orji, precisely on 14th October 2014, the traditional rulers adduced cogent explanation to strengthen their choice of Dr. Agbazuere.
In one voice, they posited: "Your Excellency, this decision of traditional rulers is borne out of the fact Dr. ACB Agbazuere is courageous, outspoken, intelligent, knowledgeable and loyal. He is equally very receptive to the traditional rulers and the people.
In the same vein, the Village Heads under the auspices of Isiala Ngwa South Council of Village Heads on 6th October 2014 adopted Agbazuere. While issuing a communique signed by High Chief Godwin Anyaocha and Elder Z. O Olekanma, chairman and secretary respectively, the village heads unambiguously resolved the followings:
1. That we endorse Chief T. A Orji, the Executive Governor of Abia State for Senate come 2015 under Abia Central Senatorial zone
2. That we commend Governor T. A Orji for his disposition to equity
3. That we call on Governor T. A Orji and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to implement the same equity in the seat of Isiala Ngwa Federal Constituency....
4. That we recommend and request from Governor T. A Orji and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that Dr. ACB Agbazuere should represent Isiala Ngwa Federal Constituency in 2015 given his courage, credibility, intelligence, level of education and uncommon care.
5. That we reject all those who are anti-people and only remember us during elections.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ehi Na Uguru/Osokwa, Isiala Ngwa South and Dr. Agbazuere's Ward was not left out as it also endorsed and presented the former Isiala Ngwa South council boss and commissioner to higher authorities within the party as their sole candidate for the Reps seat. Also in a communique issued and released on 9th October 2014, signed by Chidi Nwosu and Friday Egwu, chairman and secretary respectively, the party endorsed Chief T. A Orji for Abia Central Senator and Dr. ACB Agbazuere as "sole and consensus candidate to represent Isiala Ngwa Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives for quality and effective representation".
Dr. Agbazuere's aspiration ahead of 2015 also elicited an overwhelming endorsements in far away United States of America (USA) and United Kingdom (UK) by Isiala Ngwa people living and resident in those countries.
Through a communique jointly signed by Kevin Oyoyo, Chief Israel Otuonye, Pastor Ishmael Jacob-Onwere, Ebere Agonmuo and Innocent Alozie and released on 1st September 2014, Isiala Ngwa people in USA emphatically recommended and presented Dr. ACB Agbazuere "as an effective, worthy and reliable and most suitable person to represent Isiala Ngwa Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives in 2015".
Also adopting Dr. Agbazuere, Isiala Ngwa people in UK alluded that "Dr. ACB Agbazuere Ph.D is the best candidate among his equal to represent the good interest of our community and serve our people and do as such give him the true mandate to contest the seat of Isiala Federal Constituency.
"We disporans from this constituency do hereby put forward this great man with huge knowledge and political know-how in the politics of Abia State", their communique conveyed.
With the massive endorsements and adoption by Isiala Ngwa stakeholders and PDP delegates, Agbazuere was no doubt positioned and prepared to clinch the PDP ticket to contest the Isiala Ngwa Reps seat in 2015. But for political exigency, Agbazuere was prevailed to step down. What actually was the exigency that made Agbazuere to concede a ticket that was too close to his pocket, one may ask?
That exigency was actually propelled by Chief Olisa Metu. There was the need to accommodate Metu's interest. What actually was Metu's interest in Abia, one may ask again? Chief Metu, who hails from Anambra State and then the "almighty" Publicity Secretary of the PDP played strategic roles to protect Chief T. A Orji's political interest especially his bid to ensure that his preferred governorship aspirant and successor got the requisite endorsements from the National Working Committee (PDP) and other strategic organs of the PDP.
As a way of gratification, Chief Metuh demanded for a House of Reps slot from Chief T. A Orji and the leadership of Abia PDP. In fact, Chief Metuh was specific in his demand as he wanted Hon. Darlingnton Nwokocha to upgrade to the Green Chamber of the National Assembly from Abia State House of Assembly where he had represented Isiala South State Constituency before 2015.
Apparently sensing Metuh's destructive tendencies and strategic position occupied in the party vis-a-vis the clamour of ensuring that Abia governorship equitably transits to Abia South with Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu as the beneficiary, Chief T. A Orji and Abia PDP leadership prevailed and pleaded on Dr. Agbazuere to withdraw and step down for Hon. Nwokocha to pacify Chief Metuh.
The development roundly and again subjected Agbazuere's loyalty to PDP to a critical examination and test. To say the least, Agbazuere proved his unalloyed loyalty to the party and to the leaders by heeding to their directive and advice. Dr. Agbazuere's concession, was, however, backed and laced with a Memorandum of Understanding that registered and entrenched an accord endorsed by Isiala Ngwa political leaders and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Dated 2nd February 2015, the first paragraph of the 6-point Memorandum of Understanding stipulated that "Hon. Darlingnton Nwokocha, if elected into the House of Representatives, Abuja, shall be granted only 1 (one) tenure/term of 4 years i.e 2015-2019 for the Isiala Ngwa North/South Federal Constituency in PDP or any other political party. However, extension of term shall be considered PROVIDED that the terms of the memorandum herein agreed are strictly complied with by the legislature and effective performance in the legislature".
The memorandum further stated unambiguously parameters of assessment and conditions/expectations that will form the basis for nomination for another term. Strategically and legally, the accord was signed by apex leaders of the four (4) political blocs that populate Isiala Ngwa South political horizon. The signatories to Amaobi Bloc include Chief Chijioke Akanwa, Prince Sunny Agunmuo, Chief Iyke Anyataonwu and Sir David Ezindu.
Mbutu Bloc was represented with the signatories of Chief Amanze Israel, Hon. Remigius Nji, Nze B. O Ahuruonye and Comrade Dannie Ubani. For Nvosi Bloc, Dr. ACB Agbazuere, Elder Chinagorom Nwankpa, Chief Toni Ururuka and Iheanyi Achoromadu signed. The OV/OV Bloc has the signatories of Elder Anthony Asuoha, Chief Ifeanyi Isikaku, Prince Azu and Hon. Hilary Alozie.
The memorandum was, however, fortified, authenticated and unanimously adopted as a working document for future political engagements with the institutional counter-signing of the chairman PDP Isiala Ngwa South, Transition Committee chairman, Isiala Ngwa South and chairman Isiala Ngwa South Stakeholders' Forum, Dr. Gershun Amuta.
It is there expedient that the concessive disposition of Dr. Agbazuere and his utmost loyalty to party as demonstrated in 2014/15 should be rewarded in the face of Hon. Nwokocha's failure to adhere to the terms of the accord. Needless to say that Hon. Nwokocha's docility and sealed lip conspicuously rate below an acceptable but globally benchmarked legislative representation. In fair judgment, Hon. Nwokocha has failed within this period to give his constituents the deserving voice in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly. There is also nothing on ground in Isiala Ngwa North and South that suggests his capacity in attracting meaningful projects from the federal government. Hon. Nwokocha is a classical example of a failed and dumbed legislator.
With political parties concluding preparations for primaries ahead of 2019 elections, it is morally and legally expected that the 2014 Memorandum of Understanding signed by Isiala Ngwa South leaders be revisited to enable right decisions advanced and taken by the party leaders in Abia State and Isiala Ngwa Federal Constituency as well as the governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, who ranks as the apex leader of PDP in Abia.
With the position domiciled in Isiala Ngwa South on ground of equity; and Dr. ACB Agbazuere standing tall as the only aspirant among those jostling for the position from the same Isiala Ngwa South that declared interest by buying Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the position in 2014/15 before he was prevailed to step down, which he harkened to, the only justifiable and morally acceptable decision with regard to the nomination of PDP candidate for Isiala Ngwa Federal Constituency ahead of 2019 elections is to endorse him for the party's ticket by all and concerned stakeholders.
The choice of Dr. Agbazuere will not only stabilize the polity in Isiala Ngwa Federal Constituency and ultimately guarantee victory for all PDP candidates, but will certainly restore dignify to the good people of Isiala Ngwa Federal Constituency as their lost voice shall be loudly heard again in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly.
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