By Hon Emma Nnadi
As painful as this truth could be, who truly wears the mantle of leadership in the All Progressives Congress (APC) within the South East (Ala Igbo) region? This question has resurfaced with renewed vigor, fueled by recent developments within the party’s national hierarchy, mentioning those ugly incidents here may not be necessary.
Ostensibly, on paper, His Excellency Sen Hope Uzodinma of Imo State is deemed the leader, but honestly in practice, the Deputy Speaker Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu appears to be calling the shots, with his decisions being implemented with alacrity, often with a presidential nod. Ordering who gets what and who should be removed..
On the way other side, Senator Orji Uzo Kalu, the oldest serving National Officer from the South East, has staked his claim to the leadership throne, citing his seniority and experience. Meanwhile, Minister of Works Dr. Dave Umahi is also making moves, behaving as though he is the de facto leader of APC in the region. According to Aso Rock insiders, the three APC governors in the South East are vying for position, each seeking to assert their dominance in Abuja.
This internecine struggle has had a debilitating effect on the region’s ability to achieve its collective recognition/goals, particularly in securing top positions from the presidency. The lack of cohesion has resulted in a situation where one faction will approach the president with a proposal, only to be opposed by another faction. This has led to a perception that the South East APC is fragmented and unable to present a united front.
However, is a united front truly necessary for the Igbo people to achieve their national goals? Do other ethnic groups, such as the Hausa or Yoruba, operate with a similar level of cohesion? The answer, of course, is no. Other tribes have individuals who demonstrate national capacity and leadership without necessarily presenting a united front.
Unfortunately, the Igbo people must recognize their peculiar circumstances within the Nigerian state, this unfortunate situation require strategic thinking and maneuvering. To remain relevant in the coming years and administrations, they must eschew their tendency to play second fiddle and instead, adopt a more assertive approach. It is imperative that they prioritize their collective interests and work towards a common goal, rather than allowing petty squabbles and ego clashes to undermine their progress.
The Igbo people have always been known for their resilience and resourcefulness. It is time for them to apply these qualities to their politics, and work towards a brighter future, that includes within my APC. The stakes are high, and the consequences of failure are too great to contemplate.
Ultimately, the question of who leads APC in the South East is a distraction from the real issue at hand. The Igbo people must focus on building a strong, cohesive leadership that can effectively represent their interests and advocate for their rights.
As the saying goes, “a house divided against itself cannot stand.” It is time for the Igbo people to put aside their differences and work towards a common goal. The alternative is a future of marginalization and irrelevance, a prospect that is unacceptable to a people who have always prided themselves on their strength and resilience.
In conclusion, the Igbo people within the APC must take a hard look at national politics and ask themselves if they are truly serious about achieving their national goals. If so, they must put aside their differences and work towards a brighter future, one that is built on unity, cohesion, and a shared vision for the region.
