Recently, His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, the Executive Governor of Imo State inaugurated one hundred and thirty five elders Council of advisers. During inauguration, the Governor dwelt so much on the non-political and seeming neutrality of those appointed. It is necessary to try to restate some of the Governor’s words for clarity and understanding of this analysis. In his own words, he said, “their role would not only be advisory but would also provide constructive criticisms for the government, adding that the government had taken time to select members of the council to ensure that none of them is in politics or has any known affiliation.”
The essence of this article is of two dimensional. One, to actually examine the claim that those appointed are those who have retired from politics, or those who have not been in politics or those who have no political identity or under the possible influence of politicians. But more than any other thing is the seventy five years of age. Perhaps to authenticate the fact that they are advanced in age but there are some of those so appointed whose public affairs experience is nothing to write home about. Anyway, that does not matter so much.
However, a close analysis of those appointed from each of the zones, Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu are indeed currently functional and active politicians. For this analysis, the number so appointed could be divided into three categories. Active and functional politicians, self-claimed retired politicians and thirdly in fact those who are known to have remained apolitical.
For example, in Owerri zone those who fall within the first category are about twenty of them, twenty four from Orlu and twelve from Okigwe.
In respect of the second category self-acclaimed retired politicians from Owerri could be found about fifteen, in Okigwe ten and Orlu eighteen.
Similarly those who actually could be said to have seriously or grudgingly and reluctantly been apolitical to a large extent are Owerri fourteen, Okigwe ten and Orlu fourteen.
And to put the matter in its true perspective, over eighty of those appointed are politically saturated individuals of which some reasonable number are still those who if given the opportunity could even contest or eyeing the Governorship seat.
The most interesting aspect of the appointment is the announcement that Dr. E.J.K. Onyewuchi is to be the Chairman of the body. How can there be a claim that this body so inaugurated will be apolitical yet its Chairman is one who could be described as unrelenting political tenacious politician known in Imo State.
Dr. E.J.K. Onyewuchi since the emergence of politics in 1999 has “refused to be outside the political activities.” Many could still remember his display of unrelenting political loyalty and submission to the leadership of Chief E.C. Iwuanyanwu. When he claimed to have pulled a little away from Iwuanyawu camp, he became the Chairman of the State ANPP. Even when in the period of political confusion, he remained very steadfast as the chairman of ANPP. His tenacity paid off when PDP, ACN and APGA had drawn all Governorship aspirants, he suddenly became the “most beautiful sought bride for Governorship Aspirants,” who probably made his loyalty fruitfully and lucrative. One thing, he is very reliable and has a good measure of political calculation and maneuvering.
It is very doubtful if he could lead such Council well because of the contradictions in the body and divergent political chemistry which most of these members possess. For loyalty and not to rock the boat, Owelle was smart in choosing him.
“The significant outcome of this appointment is for the first time, Owelle have indicated his interest to begin to listen to objective pieces of advice.”
Because, before now, it is a generally held opinion that the Governor does not listen to any advice no matter how genuine or objective. Perhaps, he is now ready to make a shift which could help him begin to help his public image as a Governor.
The fact remains and remain pungently that it is left to be how the Governor could work with these array of personalities with divergent and conflicting personalities. Some highly experienced, some very transfixed in their perception of issues others highly willing to tell the Governor only those things he would like to hear.
But with the leadership of Dr. Onyewuchi who may appear to a very soft personality and always willing to play the role of “master sycophant,” in order to remain relevant in the corridor of power, we doubt if he can lead these group objectively. Although a very kind and innocuous person, he has not played the role of followership before.
According to Maxwell Cobb, “those who have not done the apprenticeship of followership can never provide good leadership.” More so, with this assemblage of personalities in different fields of endeavours, we hope that they would be able to tell Owelle what he would not like to hear. If they play that singular role, the State and the Governor would be better for it.
But will they? Will Owelle listen to them? and will the Chairman allow them to have direct and face to face meeting with the Governor? We wish all and sundry well because indeed, Owelle needs such a circle of advisers.
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