Gilbert Nnaji’s Gubernatorial Ambition: Between Shadow and Substance

By Mon-Charles Egbo

It is no longer news that Senator Gilbert Nnaji is among the league of governorship hopefuls in Enugu State. He made his intentions public last Sunday at a function he put up at the Royal Odezuligbo Kingdom Palace in Nike. In an invitation circulated for the event, Nnaji had written that it was “an extra-ordinary consultative meeting of eminent personalities of Nike clan in Enugu-East LGA”.

Obviously, the occasion was not a political event in its real sense. It was neither a partisan outing nor an all comers’ affair. Though attendance was not regulated, it was a meeting restricted to the people of Nike clan. Equally, in a statement he released to declare the event open, Senator Nnaji hinted that it was “an unusual interactive session”.

He added that “the 2-point purpose is simple. The first is to let you know that I have finally accepted your individual and private invitations to serve the public once again. And then the second is to humbly seek your collective blessings and support to go about it. So in clear terms my lords and masters, I have made up my mind to seek the mandate of the good people of Enugu State to serve them as their governor come 2023 by the special grace of God”.

Continuing, Nnaji emphasized that “this is not a formal declaration of interest. But because this project is about the people, for the people and by the people, I am first of all presenting myself to you, my people at the grassroots. It is my hearty desire that if you find me and my appeal worthy, you would as well find pleasure in lifting me shoulder high to the next level of the consultative processes and then of course, to the ultimate destination”.

Therefore except for reasons informed by deliberate mischief or sheer ignorance, the outing was not and should not have been an honest basis to gauge one’s political war chest. Certainly, it was not an avenue for a show of strength. It was indeed not a political party affair neither was it a state function.

Rather than unnecessary frivolities, there are critical questions to be asked to have a well-informed opinion. Firstly, are the target audience in attendance? Secondly, was the promoted agenda stuck to or the purpose achieved? And thirdly, is Gilbert Nnaji qualified to vie for the gubernatorial seat? Undoubtedly, there could be more but let us review these three.

There is no hamlet or community in Nike that was not represented at the event. The epitome of Nike unity and the highest decision-making organ, the Federated Nike Town Union was in attendance even with the full complements of its paraphernalia and authorities. The traditional rulers were all in attendance under the able leadership of the Enugu-East Local Government traditional rulers’ council, Igwe Titus Okolo as well as other royal fathers. Also present was the paramount ruler of the Nike Clan and head of the Late Igwe Edward Nnaji Royal Family, Igwe (Barr.) Julius Nnaji. Again and irrespective of their socio-political affiliations, the elders, the clergy, the women and the youth bodies were in their full colours and elements. And above all, the function held at the centre of excellence as far as Nike culture and tradition is concerned. Then, of course, there were cultural displays to reflect the real essence of the event.

Understandably, everybody could not have attended but nobody, living or dead, in any way made public their decision to stay away from the occasion either by way of protest or disapproval. This is an open challenge.

Meanwhile for the umpteenth time, “the 2-point purpose is simple. The first is to let you know that I have finally accepted your individual and private invitations to serve the public once again. And then the second is to humbly seek your collective blessings and support to go about it”. And by every standard, it was achieved to the fullest. The event was held within the stipulated agenda. Gilbert Nnaji offered himself to his closest people for their blessings to enable him to pursue his gubernatorial ambition. He passionately appealed to them. They graciously embraced him and his intentions. They blessed him immensely and presented him with the most-significant mandate a people can give to someone they exceptionally love and cherish. In Igbo culture and tradition, the Ofo is a staff carried by selected leaders. It is the symbol of acceptance, support, approval, mandate, goodwill and authority that is corporately handed to a person of high moral standing. It is earned. The recipient is not decided by one person. It is a product of collective assessment and evaluation.

Yet to the glory of God and service of mankind, the people of Nike proudly and enthusiastically empowered their son, Gilbert Nnaji, with the Ofo as a mark of their exceptional love, acceptance and support relative to his political aspiration. That was a clear verdict that Gilbert Nnaji’s gubernatorial ambition is popularly endorsed by his people. Until proven otherwise, they are unanimous that indeed, Senator Gilbert Nnaji, their beloved son, is eminently qualified to aspire and also to be elected as the governor of Enugu State.

So any other insinuation flowing from the outing is misplaced, though a reflection of the disposition of the promoter. How can you tell a true story of an event you did not witness, if not as an interloper or a mercenary? Besides, former President Goodluck Jonathan took to his Facebook page to declare his intention to run for the presidency in 2011 the same day that eminent Nigerians gathered to listen to General Ibrahim Babangida make his declaration at Abuja. Though the rest is now history, it does not matter where and how political ambitions are expressed.

Quite sadly, Gilbert Nnaji may not have enjoyed adequate media coverage, relative to leadership achievements, an objective review of his public service records underscores that he is eminently qualified for the position he is aspiring for. The honest way to assess a legislator is to review their performances when they are not holding positions as principal and presiding officers, although it is right to celebrate those who have used the powers and influences of their priviledged positions in the legislature to the advantage of their constituencies. One good example is what Honourable Nnoli Nnaji is doing presently even as a first-timer. There are several others across the country.

Verifiably, Senator Gilbert Nnaji has substantially distinguished himself in the basic areas of human capacity development, community development and philanthropy. Diligent research lays credence to this assertion.

This of course explains Gilbert Nnaji’s remark that “I am confident that with my modest service credentials, I have what it takes to govern the state if the people graciously give me their mandate. Because this is not a day for long speeches, I shall present my programmes of action and other details as we progress. But in the meantime, may I reiterate that this is by every standard, a people-powered project that will usher in a new beginning in our social, political and economic lives as a people.

I see the possibilities and opportunities all around us. The government and people of Enugu State are jointly-committed to sustainable peace and development in the state. With what His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has put on the ground and the sustained efforts to improve on them, Enugu State is already on the path of unity and ordered development. And also with the political awareness as well as consciousness that motivate and drive the masses of Enugu State today, the people shall play active roles in shaping this glorious future. Hence I count on your sense of objectivity and fair judgement in assessing and evaluating this passionate appeal that is driven by my previous performance records. Enugu State deserves a leader that is not only accessible, driven by a high sense of empathy and humility but can be held accountable at all times. And then finally my good people, please always bear in mind that my ambition to run for the governorship of Enugu State is anchored on the welfare and wellbeing of the people. In other words, it is solemnly a people-powered project for the people”.

So those who chase the shadow leaving the substance by engaging in the deliberate distortion of facts merely for political and financial gains should realize that despite how far a lie travels, the truth must catch up with and even overtake it. Time shall tell.

Egbo is a public relations practitioner