By Asogwa Damian
(Damasogwa212@gmail.com)
As the wait for INEC to release the schedule for the conduct of the by-election to replace the senator who represented Enugu North Senatorial District continues, a group of greedy and power-drunk politicians from the zone have started their selfish games against some persons perceived as young and vibrant blood from the area. They believe that Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah may go for a younger person full of energy and vision who can represent the district well, consolidate on his good works, and introduce a new approach compared to what was previously obtainable.
These greedy politicians, many of whom secretly worked against the Governor during the 2023 election and failed woefully in their polling units, even as they were given contracts and appointments, have set up a media team that will attack young people from the zone, especially those from Nsukka/Igboeze South federal constituency.
As part of their plan, their first target became the council chairman of Igboeze South, whom they see as a prolific disciple of the Governor’s administration, who relates with the people irrespective of class across the senatorial zone. The aim is to make him appear overambitious in the eyes of the Governor and other decision-makers so as to remove him from any consideration table or idea. Another strategy is to sponsor write-ups in both traditional and social media portraying him as supporting those who criticise the Governor in order to damage his image.
It was reported that these men, including a former Gubernatorial aspirant, former commissioners, former DGs of parastatals, retiring public servants, a former state party chairman, a former candidate for the position, and a few businessmen, are working together and holding meetings both offline and online to this effect.
Some of them held their first meeting a few days after the burial of late Senator Okey Ezea, where names of young people from the zone who might likely be favoured by the Governor were listed for attacks and blackmail. The cabals perceive them as the likely favoured candidates by the powers that be and thus want to malign their integrity so as to put them off the race.
These cabals also have their individual plots of alternative means to maneuver themselves into the position and have held meetings with a former minister from Nkanu West Local Government Area, who is currently seen as a political enemy of the Governor. The plan is to work against the Governor if he does not protect their interest.
It was also reported that other names being mentioned for this negative media framing include the member representing Nsukka/Igboeze South federal constituency, Hon Chidi Obetta; the current chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, Hon Jude Asogwa; current Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon Sunday Ajogwu; former chairman of Igboeze South Local Government, Hon Peter Andy Omeje; former chairman of Nsukka Local Government, Hon Tony Ugwu; Board Member of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Amb Favour Asogwa; Special Adviser to the Governor on Experiential Learning, Dr. Mrs Chinyere Onyisi; former member, Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Erochukwu Ugwueze, amongst others.
According to some sources, the attacks and blackmails on the council chairman of Igboeze South Local Government Area didn’t work as planned, and some of the cabal members see him as being innocuous of any intention to run. The next target is Hon Chidi Obetta, who they see as their worst enemy owing to his closeness to the Governor and some powers that be at the National Assembly and APC national secretariat.
Sources within the political circle in the zone also revealed that the group has begun reaching out to some bloggers and media handlers known for aggressive online campaigns. Their assignment is to gradually introduce damaging narratives against the identified individuals while presenting their preferred aspirant in a favourable light. The strategy is to flood the media space with negative reports so that such impressions may influence public opinion and create doubts about the competence and loyalty of the young leaders, which they have started with the current chairman of Igboeze South Local Government Area.
Some observers believe that the unfolding development may deepen political divisions within the zone if urgent steps are not taken to manage the situation. Many party faithful are already expressing concern that the activities of the group may weaken unity in the zone and distort their collective effort to support the administration of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
There are also fears that the continuous spread of unverified allegations and sponsored attacks may create unnecessary tension among political stakeholders in the zone. Political watchers therefore urge restraint and advise that the process of selecting a suitable replacement should be guided by fairness, competence, and the overall interest of the people of Enugu North Senatorial District.
