Why I want to be Anambra gov —Obinna Uzoh, APC aspirant

GOVERNORSHIP aspirant in Anambra State, Dr. Obinna Uzoh, who turns 54 on Friday, has unfolded his vision for the state. According to him, the time has come to take Anambra to a higher level, in line with 21st Century trends. NURUDEEN ALIMI reports:

   His plans

“My folks are widely recognised for their industry, courage and resourcefulness. These qualities have enabled us survive as a people in the face of daunting existential challenges. It’s worth recalling that at creation in August 27, 1991, by the General Ibrahim Babangida regime, Ndi-Anambra had over 75 per cent literacy level and boasted extraordinary human and material resources. These attributes need to be given a new direction, discipline and new energy. God has given me the vision to do this.

“I have identified ten key sectors that deserve total focus to transform the state. These include security, infrastructure  which is the foundation for industrialisation. This will support Nnewi, Onitsha and Awka as critical technology hubs. Deploying a transparent, judicious and efficient management of resources, I will empower our people with skill acquisition, mainstream our judiciary, step up sports, provide micro finance for SMEs and pursue an integrated development scheme that should fundamentally change the game in Anambra State.”

His motivation

“I did not signal my intention to contest the 2017 governorship election in my state lightly. It was a product of deep introspection. I believe that at this moment of our national history and the rapid changes impacting both the continental and international arena, Anambra needs a deep but temperate personality and thinker to guide its journey. Let me share this with you and many may not know this. The fate of Anambra State has fundamental connections with the fate of Ndigbo and Nigeria at large.”

His view about governance

“In the arena of politics the world over, governance, actually good governance, is central to human development and social progression. The converse leads to retrogression and sociopolitical stagnation. Look around you to discern the kernel of my position. Good governance has eight major characteristics. It is participatory, consensus-oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive and follows the rule of law.

“It assures that corruption is minimised and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society. Deficits in these areas give rise to conflict and set back human development. Deficits in these areas are the reasons for our developmental woes. These concepts that I have enunciated actually remain my guiding principle in the political arena. At 54, I cannot change this principled position that is clearly founded on deep conviction.”

View about zoning in the state

“The zoning arrangement presupposes that the governorship position in Anambra State be rotated among the three senatorial districts in the state. Recall that at the inception of democracy in 1999, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju from Anambra South Senatorial District was elected as governor. He spent a single term of only four years in office, as he was not re-elected for a 2nd term in 2003 on grounds of non-performance.

“Between 2003 and 2014, a period of 11 years, Anambra Central Senatorial District held power with Sen. (Dr) Chris Nwabueze Ngige holding office for a period of about three years and Sir Peter G. Obi holding office for a consecutive two tenures of 8 years. Chief (Dr.) Willie M. Obiano from Anambra North Senatorial District has done a first term and not having performed well, the Anambra South Senatorial District should be given the opportunity to complete their truncated 2nd term.

“There is currently a preponderance of politicians from Anambra North Senatorial District claiming that the incumbent governor, Chief (Dr.) Willie M. Obiano has disappointed them with his abysmal non-performance and should step aside to give another person from Anambra North a chance. However, considering the fact that Anambra Central Senatorial District has had 11 years in power and the North has had a single term of four years with an overwhelming agreement on lack of confidence and abysmal non-performance, equity requires that the Anambra South Senatorial District, precisely the Ihiala L.G.A where Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju comes from should be given the opportunity of completing a second term in office.”

Why he quit PDP

“Following the impunity and impositions in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the formation of a formidable opposition, i.e. the All Progressives Congress (APC), I joined the APC about three years ago. I have remained steadfast and I am happy to have contributed my quota with our leader, Sen. (Dr.) Chris Nwabueze Ngige, other valued stakeholders and members of the party in Anambra State in ensuring the success of the party at the 2015 general election. Together, by God’s grace, we will do it in Anambra State so as to make Anambra great again.”

Relationship with the church

“Of all the governorship aspirants in the state, with all humility, I have done so well for both the Catholics and Anglicans, as well as other religious and nonreligious organisations. I have been recognised by the Pope as a Knight of St. Gregory. But of course these are God’s doing, not my power.”

The man Uzoh

He was born to the family of late Chief and Chief (Mrs.) Obi Uzoh of Umunnamehi, Ihiala in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State on March 17, 1963. He is a humble teacher, lawyer, a seasoned administrator, astute entrepreneur and an uncommon philanthropist. His elaborate exposure to these areas of human endeavour has helped nurture his private business enterprises from very humble beginnings to large concerns. Indeed, the said business which started as a mustard seed commenced in 1987 and has today grown into the conglomerate, Gocuz Group Ltd with six subsidiaries: Gocuz Engineering, Gocuz Oil Services, Gocuz Construction, Gocuz Chambers, Gocuz Finance and Securities and Gocuz Farms Ltd. He is also Chairman, Board of Trustees, Caritas University, Enugu and founder of Obinna Uzoh Foundation.

Associations’ membership

Uzoh is member, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA; member, Institute of Directors of Nigeria, IOD; member, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce; member, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce; member, Nigerian-German Council; member, Asian-Chamber of Commerce; member, Lagos Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture; member, Ikoyi Club; member, Lagos Island Club; fellow, Chartered Institute of Administrators and fellow, Institute of Cost Management.

Life of philanthropy

The businessman has awarded scholarships to many students in primary, secondary, colleges of education, polytechnics and universities across the country. He has also awarded special scholarships to indigenes of Anambra State in medicine, law, accountancy and engineering, et cetera.

He built and donated a three-storey building for the Law Faculty of Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State, built, donated and renovated schools across the country, constructed and equipped several computer and science laboratories in secondary and tertiary institutions in Anambra State and distributed textbooks and instructional materials to schools across Anambra State.

He is also involved in establishment of small-scale enterprises for indigenes of Anambra State and he is also involved in road construction and rehabilitation of rural roads in the state. He has provided boreholes, rural electrification and donated transformers to towns and villages in Anambra State with financial and moral assistance to non-governmental organisations across the country. He single-handedly built the All Saints Catholic Church, Ihiala for his community, completed the St. Silas Anglican Cathedral, Ihiala and made major financial contributions to the building of churches across the country.

Family life

He has been married to Barrister (Mrs.) Herietta Obinna Uzoh for over 26 years. The marriage is blessed with seven children.