Political Issues
Soludo most suitable to succeed Umahi as chairman of Southeast Governors’ Forum -By Chima Christian
Uzodinma has not been able to shake off the public perception that he is a product of some Supreme Court abracadabra. This negative perception is compounded by his relatively poor performance in some fundamental areas of governance and leadership.
For me, one Igbo adage paints the most vivid picture of the political trajectory of the southeast post-May 2023: Ọ bụrụ na afụghi ebe a ga-ebido aka, sị bido ya n’ikpere. (When the desirable is not available, then the available becomes desirable.)
Despite my stated disagreement with some of his policies and political choices, I consider Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo the most suitable to take over from Engr. Dave Umahi when later serves out his term as the Chairman of South East Governors’ Forum in May 2023.
By seniority, measured by the date of assumption to office, the mantle should ordinarily fall on Gov. Hope Uzodinma. Going by zoning, it should also go to him because Abia, Anambra and now Ebonyi has had a go at it.
But, there is this credibility overhang on Uzodinma that will make it difficult for him to successfully provide the badly-needed political leadership for the southeast.
Uzodinma has not been able to shake off the public perception that he is a product of some Supreme Court abracadabra. This negative perception is compounded by his relatively poor performance in some fundamental areas of governance and leadership.
Admittedly, Soludo is fast squandering the credibility he once had. Without credible political leadership, the southeast stands an even graver risk of yielding to manipulative elements who appropriate the ill feelings of everyday southeasterners to impose their will on the region.
For the southeast, and indeed in many parts of Nigeria, the night will get darker.
Yet, Africa’s morning will come.
Chima Christian
