Obi Aguocha: The Profile Of A Politician With A Mission, By Hajia Hadiza Mohammed

Commentaries about individuals have the benefit of making our youths choose good role models especially now that we seem to have moral depravity in the society; when the society seems to be in transition. But writing about personalities is about one of the most difficult things to do in policy analysis because of the inherent risk of misjudgment. Since the advent of the Tenth Republic, I have taken time to x-ray most of those in political leadership especially our young and upcoming political gladiators and find few of them with sound leadership qualities and attributes that are worthy of emulation. In this dispensation when politicians operate without principles and patriotic zeal, it is heartwarming to know that there are some with sterling qualities and sound ethical and lofty ideals. In this essay, my spotlight is on Obi Aguocha an upcoming politician, a business mogul and a community leader who was elected to represent Ikwuano/Umuahia-North/Umuahia-South Federal Constituency of Abia State on the platform of the Labor Party (LP).

His emergence and victory in the February 25, 2023 House of Representatives election on the LP ticket was not just the Obi factor but also because of his pedigree and enviable personality profile. He caused electoral upset when he defeated the Peoples’ Democratic (PDP) candidate, Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, who was the incumbent speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and son of the former governor of the State, Senator Theodore Orji. The jubilation that heralded the court judgment affirming his electoral victory challenged by Hon. Chinedum Orji whom he defeated by over thirteen thousand votes was a proof of his popularity and acceptability among members of his constituency. It is interesting to note that Hon. Obi Aguocha’s foray into partisan politics was at the instant of his people who besieged his home at Umuohuru Nkwoegwu, in May 2022, and prevailed on him to run for the House of Representatives.

Obi Aguocha is making his impact felt already in the National Assembly where he is the House Ad-hoc Committee Chairman on Security in the Isuikwuato/Umunnochi area. His committee’s role in restoring peace and normalcy in the once-troubled axis has been applauded. And hence last year was nominated for the award of the Personality of the Year in the Security category during 5th edition of the Leadership Excellence Award (LEEX). In the statement signed by the organizers of the award, it was stated that the award was: in recognition of his outstanding performance in national security management, a tremendous contribution to nation building, and selfless service to humanity.

He is an advocate of peace, unity equity and justice. In his press statement during the nation’s 63rd Independent Anniversary on 1st October, 2023, he called for a society where every Nigerian enjoys equal opportunities and rights, irrespective of tribe, political, or religious orientation through adherence to the rule of law and respect for judgment of courts of competent jurisdictions stating that it behoves the nation and government to recommit to the principles of equity, justice and fairness as the cornerstone to a prosperous and united Nigeria which offers genuine and practical hope to its teeming citizens. He also believes in youth empowerment as a veritable tool of nation building for it is the panacea for civil unrest and social vices. His recommendation is that the: “focus should be mostly on the youths who are ever increasingly feeling disenchanted and agitated, and often are left behind, lives in hopelessness, insufficient opportunities and despair.”

Among other things, Hon. Obi Aguocha is known to be forthright and courageous. He is a sincere advocate who is never afraid to tell truth to power. He has criticized the APC-regime’s shoddy response to the deplorable security situation in the country. He chided the former president, Mohammadu Buhari over the statement credited to him by his former media aide suggesting that they were magnanimous in keeping Kanu alive instead of killing him. The courageous legislature was quoted in the media to have said that: “For the former president to summarily suggest that being subjected to such illegality was a favour for a citizen is totally reckless and reeks of all things personal vendetta, and so far from the high standards of civility expected from a leader.” To him, leaders must adhere to principles, promote values ethos and ensuring that all actions, especially those concerning life and liberty, are grounded in legality and respect for human rights. He stated unequivocally that in democratic society it is the inalienable right of the individual irrespective of their actions or positions to be treated according to the law.

Hon. Obi Aguocha is seen as a community leader, a mobilizer and a go-getter by his people and admirers who look up to him. He is also a philanthropist who has impacted positively on the lives of many individuals. He was the former President General of the Ohuhu Welfare Union worldwide; the position he used to awaken the consciousness of his people towards community development. He articulated and spearheaded the execution of many programs and project that benefited his people.

It is clear from his background as a thoroughbred professional, his experience, leadership skills, commitment and patriotic zeal that the amiable legislature will make tremendous impact in our political space.

Hajia Hadiza Mohammed
hajiahadizamohammed@gmail.com
An actress, social activist, politician
London, UK