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…The Governor is the one who has the power to choose his successor

…My agitation for power-shift to Nkanu East is based on fairness and justice; I reassure Isiuzo that my love and friendship for them remains

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A former governor of the old Anambra state, Sen. Jim Nwobodo, has cleared the air on what transpired when he visited the Enugu home of a retired Federal Permanent Secretary and governorship aspirant in Enugu State, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa.

In a press conference held at his Amechi country home, today, Wednesday, January 26, 2022, Nwobodo said he never discussed politics with Mr. Ohaa but simply offered prayers of thanksgiving for the gift of a new house to Ohaa.

The former Minister and Senator, who made available a press release titled ‘The Gross Misrepresentation Of My Visit To Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa’s Residence In Enugu’, said it became necessary to issue the statement because in the past weeks, the media had been awash with conflicting reports purportedly from him (Jim Nwobodo) on whom or what local government should produce the next Governor of Enugu State come 2023, the purveyors of the misinformation hoping to take advantage of his old age to skew the true narratives.

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He cursed those who felt old age was an aberration, saying they will “never experience old age”.

His words: “I was invited by Chinyeaka Ohaa to come and bless his new house. He brought Kolanut which I received and appreciated him for building his house, such a gigantic one. I never discussed politics with him. What I did was simply say, in my style, that Power belongs to and comes from God.

“I was surprised to hear that I endorsed him as Governor. Who am I to endorse someone as Governor? It is the serving Governor only that has such powers to endorse his successor.”

Going further, “The PDP has a slogan, Power to the People, but I believe that it is God that gives power. As an elder statesman, I understand quite well that only the Governor or a President can give powers. Even if I want to endorse anyone, he or she should visit me at my home, not the other way round,” he said.

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“I believe that Nkanu East is tailing behind when it comes to general development as compared to other parts of Enugu East Senatorial Zone, and it deserves to be developed too. People have abused me but that’s the beauty of democracy. I want to reconfirm that in the course of fairness, equity and justice, Nkanu East deserves to be given Governorship so that they can develop their place.”

When asked about the propriety or otherwise of Micro-zoning, he said, “This is my personal opinion. I’m from Awkunanaw, Amechi precisely, and if it is zoned to Enugu South, it may not seem equitable because we have produced Governor, Minister, Senators and Senate President, including Ambassador.

“Micro-zoning is the reason Southeast is asking to be given opportunity to produce the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and it should be considered in the discussion for the position of Governor of Enugu State.”

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On Isiuzo as a local government, he was clear on his stand, “I love Isiuzo and they know that. The first Senator in my Government, Sen. Isaiah Ani was from Isiuzo. The first road I built was a road leading to Isiuzo. I built schools as Governor in Isiuzo. Isiuzo is far better than what it used to be. If an Isiuzo man becomes Governor, it is my joy. I reassure Isiuzo that my love and friendship for them remains. My agitation for power-shift to Nkanu East is based on fairness and justice,” he added.

See the full text of the press release below:

THE GROSS MISREPRESENATION OF MY VISIT TO CHRISTAIN CHINYAKA Oha’s RESIDENCE IN ENUGU.

I read with utter dismay, the wicked misrepresentation of my private visit to Chinyeaka Oha’s residence in Enugu. A visit I made on the invitation of Chinyeaka for me to come and bless his newly built mansion in GRA Enugu.

When I got his invitation, I declined it and told the people he sent that I had other engagements this period. But when I was reminded that I did not attend his mother’s funeral and the reception organized by Awkunanaw community for his retirement, I accepted to come. Before accepting his invitation, I gave him a condition that is must be a private visit and I made it absolutely clear that I was not coming to discuss his governorship ambition. Chinyeaka accepted and assured me he was going to keep to my agreement.

I prayed with the kola nut he offered, that God should bless his home and he and his family will live peacefully in their new home in good health. I then added that Power Belong to God, and whomsoever God decides to give power to, no man can stop it and I am not God.

But for me to read some publications saying I went to endorse Chinyeaka or that my prayers centered on his political ambition, is mischievous and a betrayal of our mutual agreement of the condition for my visit. Those who accompanied me on that visit are here to and can tell you what I said at Chinyeaka’s home.

My position on Nkanu East has not changed, and my visit to Chinyeaka Ohas’s new home has nothing to do with my support for Nkanu East. I am using this opportunity to re- affirm my support for Nkanu East to produce the next governor. Like I said, God is the ultimate decision maker, so my prayer is for God of justice and equity to see us through this process.

I am a people friendly and people-oriented person, I have relationships across Nigeria and the world. I will continue to maintain my relationship with diverse group of people, but that will not change my stand on what I feel strongly about.

I have also read some nasty and very insulting comments from people who hide under pseudo names, but I know who they are. For those of them who think old age is an aberration, may they not experience old age. And for those who respect, honour and value the experience and blessings that comes with age, they will so be blessed.