Dan Opara
More often than not, leaders are called despite their election by their people. Moreso, what distinguishes a leader from other leaders is their endless impact on their people and their generations.
Hence, effective leadership includes exhibiting a strong character. Good leaders exhibit honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, and good morals. Charismatic leaders always act in line with how they speak and earn the right to be responsible for others’ success in society.
A leader who does not make an endless impact on his or her generation is yet to understand his purpose here on earth. Being a good leader involves a strong commitment to the development and progress of the society in addition to making sacrifices, giving love to his people, listening to the need and yearnings of the people, and empowering both youths and women to carve a niche for themselves.
Once these aforementioned characteristics are lacking in any leader such a leader should not be referred to as a visionary leader.
According to the dictionary, Primary Election is a preliminary election to appoint delegates to a party, conference, or to select the candidates for a principal, especially in a presidential election. Going further, the primary election is an election used either to narrow the field of candidates for a given elective office or to determine the nominees for political parties in advance of a general election. Primary elections can take several different forms.
But truth be told, the party’s choice of candidate will determine its ability to win the general election. Once any party presents an unpopular candidate with a questionable character the party ended up giving its opposition victory even before the real election.
Political parties should accept only candidates with a general acceptance, popularity, and a sound Curriculum Vitae, educational qualification (to avoid litigation that may lead to loss of candidate at the tribunal), eloquence, intellectual capacity, political experience, boldness, courage, ability to represent effectively, enough time for service rendering at the National or State Assembly.
Currently, in Imo State, there are aspirants that their Constituencies have made up their minds to send to both Federal and State Houses of Assembly. These persons, according to them, are popular and capable of taking their various political parties to victory. Their joy is that these people have distinguished themselves among others through their long years of selfless service to society.
First, on my list, is the General Overseer of CampHope Organization Worldwide, Hon. High Chief Canice Moore Chukwugozie Nwachukwu, popularly called Omeogo Ogbaturuenyi Na Orlu. He is a man of honour, a grassroots mobilizer, a kind-hearted man with a golden heart. One good thing about him is that his love and passion to help others are next to nothing, just like Governor Hope Uzodimma who has first-class in human capital development.
My searchlight was beamed in his constituency where his people pleaded with him to come and represent them at the Green Chamber, being a leader who has a good listening ear, he heeded their request and picked the APC Nomination and Expression of Interest Form for Orlu, Orsu and Oru East Federal Constituency in 2023.
Second, is one of the ranking members at the 9th Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uju Jovita Onwudiwe, a Member representing the Njaba State Constituency, was the founder of Igolo Njaba Foundation, a foundation that has empowered a lot of women and youths of Njaba and beyond.
On my findings of the largest Federal Constituency with Four local government areas: Njaba, Isu, Nkwere, and Nwangele, many there are of the opinion that Hon. Uju Onwudiwe should be given the opportunity to represent the Federal Constituency, hence she has done well while at the Imo State House of Assembly.
In the history of this Constituency, only one woman has been given the opportunity to represent the people. May I beg to digress a bit; Imo State has 27 local government areas, of which there are representatives both at the National and State Assemblies. But it will interest you all to know that of the Imo State House of Assembly, there are only two female lawmakers. If she will be given an opportunity, she will also perform wonderfully hence her motions and bills are always in the interests of Imo State at large.
Third, Hon. Eddy Obinna, Member representing Aboh Mbaise State Constituency at the 9th Imo State House of Assembly, the Deputy Majority Leader, is a good man with the right attitude for effective legislation.
When I visited Aboh Mbaise to perform my journalistic function, I was told by the good people of Aboh Mbaise that Hon. Eddy Obinna has done very well and he is at home with his people. And that they are going to pass a Vote of Confidence on him to encourage him to run for the 2023 Imo State House of Assembly to complete his second term. This is an indication that indeed my write-up was done objectively.
Forth, is the Founder of Rosebon Empowerment Initiative (REIN) and is also the Special Adviser to the Minister of State FCT/FCT Focal Person for the National Social Investment Programme N-SIP, Hon. Mrs. Chinwendu Edomobi Amba, popularly called Ugo Ndi Obowo.
Through her foundation, she has helped to empower a lot of women, men, and youths beyond Obowo to become self-sufficient and improve their livelihood, as well as better ambassadors in society.
Through her office, as the Special Adviser/FCT Focal Person on Social Investment Programme (SIP) to the Minister of State FCT, Abuja, she has embarked on sensitization tours to different states, including Imo State, explaining how they could access the federal government Poverty Intervention Loans and Empowerment Programs.
Having heard the yearnings of his people to represent them at the Green Chamber, she never delayed picking her form for Okigwe South Federal Representatives Seat.
Last but not the least, is Engr Ifeanyi Akwitti, a good man whose track record and passion for humanitarian services are next to none. Having had an encounter with him, I can only see a humble man who is ready to serve and render an effective representation to Aboh Mbaise/ Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency.
As the primary election approaches, party leaders, members, and delegates should make no mistake in the selection of their candidates because four years is not four months.
These aspirants have been tested and trusted, that they have no option but to continue to render an effective representation to their people.
Finally, these five contestants have been successfully screened and are fully ready to participate in the upcoming APC Primaries in Imo State. Delegates should look inwards to vote for them so that they win an election and continue their good services to their people.
