An Abia born Economist/Entrepreneur, Mr Onyekwere Akym Uchechukwu (O.A.U), has said that democracy is a system where people can change their rulers in a peaceful manner and give the government the right to rule because the people have said so.

The Amaba, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State born philanthropist, residing in Nashville, United states of America, who is aspiring to become the Governor of Abia state in 2023 stated this in a telephone interview with ALL FACTS NEWSPAPER while answering questions on the issue of democracy and governance.
Excerpts of the interview;

 

Can we know you Sir?

My name is Onyekwere Akym Uchechukwu, I am a family man with kids, a Christian, Entrepreneur, philanthropist (O.A.U Foundation) based in Nashville, Tennessee U.S.A and from Amaba, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State. I have a BSc in Economics from Abia State University and Technical
degree from the Nashville Auto Diesel College (NADC) Nashville, TN.

 

As a Citizen of Abia State, and considering the June 12 democracy day, what is your take about the state and the impact of democracy in the state for the past 21 years?

 

In a most recent article I wrote about Nigeria’s Democracy, the gains, the pains and the hope, I talked about how Nigeria celebrates its democracy day on June 12th yet. But recent event has shown the abysmal violation of Fundamental rights of its citizens. Nigeria returned to civil rule in 1999 which was the year the Nigeria Constitution was promulgated on May 29th, 1999. For the past 21 years we’ve seen Nigeria deteriorate into its present condition with the level of unemployment and crimes. In Abia State, it is pretty much the same. Infrastructural decay and corruption is the order of the day. The constitution provides for people the right to vote and be voted for, however, we see so many breaches of that provision by way of election irregularities such as rigging, intimidation, false promises, ballot hijacking and imposition of candidates by political parties etc. The insecurity in Abia state is enough for the State Assembly to impeach the Governor for lack of efficiency if he fails to resign his post. But you can understand the state legislators are also complicit to the crime for failure to represent their constituents.  There are no accountabilities nor taking responsibility over their actions, is this not what Democracy stands for. Democracy itself means The Rule of the People. It is a system where people can change their rulers in a peaceful manner and the government is given the right to rule because the people say it.

 

Do you think Abia State has a leadership problem if yes, what is the problem and why?

 

I believe Abia State has a leadership problem. The root cause of the issues and problems facing Abia State can be attributed to the leadership. Most prominent type is the “Gerontocracy Leadership”. As a leader, the bulk stops at your table, the decision making puts you in an advanced position to cater and protect your people. The interest of Abia State must be your best interest and nothing more. As a leader you have an obligation and a duty of care towards Abians. A leader does not run away from his/her responsibility rather he collaborates with the people to bring about democracy dividends. Abia State is in a state of turmoil because of lack of good governance and leadership.

 

We have heard about your 2023 aspiration plan, can you throw more light on it?

 

The next election in Abia State is in 2023. The office of the Governor of Abia State will be made available for eligible person(s) to contest for. I aspire to be the next Governor of Abia State in 2023 God willing. We’ve started our program, we’ve been meeting with interest groups, and our grassroots outreach is ongoing. We are disseminating our agenda/objectives via online media, traditional medium and local presence. We’ve engaged several Political Parties and we shall announce our Political Platform when we officially declare our candidacy in Nigeria. Our slogan is OAU 2023 and our objective is The New Abia. Abians in diaspora have shown support to our cause and the feedback so far from people at home indicates we are on the right track.

Do you think you have what it takes to govern the state considering the fact that you are a new person to the political landscape?

 

Yes I do. My being new gives me leverage over others. My experience and exposure also allows me to guarantee Good Governance. In a survey conducted by a third party company, we were informed that the bench mark set for me in particular was higher than other proposed candidates based on my qualification and exposure, so you see people’s expectations of me is high because they believe in me and our programs. I have been involved in politics most part of my life. I follow events and give consult when and where necessary that I am vying for public office now is because I resolve to be an Executor of policies than an Advisor on policies. Abians, especially the youths are yearning for a young person that feels and understands their pains and since I fall within that category and not tainted by greed and corruption they’ve given me enormous support. Abia youths are looking for fresh, vibrant and quality mind. We (O.A.U 2023 Campaign) have such great ideas for Abia state that we’ve released our agenda that comprises of twelve significant elements to aid in good governance and deliver democracy dividends.

 

What do you think you can offer that is different and can change the landscape of the state?

 

what I can offer is that I am a Team Player. The affairs of Abia State does not lie solely on me rather it lies on the people. Those in public offices are just mere public servants to represent the people. On our agenda we indicated a Performance Indicator, which purpose will serve as a means of evaluating our activities and operation. We are convinced that without strict and purposeful project monitoring it could lead to non-accountability or under development. We must have an evaluation instrument at every point to check unforeseen corrupt practices and provide for equity and fairness in Abia State.

 

Finally, what will you tell Abians as regards democracy?

 

As regards Democracy, my message to Abians is, as Nigeria celebrates Democracy day on June 12th the people must spare a thought for the youths, women and all vulnerable Abians who bear the burden of poor leadership across the tiers of government. Abia youths must come to term with their colossal strength, by getting involved in politics and be rooted for because without active participation, they cannot make the needed difference and genuine change that we all desire. In the midst of the storm and carnage the youths are strong and courageous, that is the encouraging news for us at the moment. This growing and active youth population who are using technology to chat a new path and design the future for their generation is making all the difference with their actions. Now, they are challenging their country’s “Gerontocracy Leadership” that is not only old but also out of tune with modernity. On a daily basis, they challenge the status quo with the belief that the risks and challenges of today would lead to freedom and opportunities tomorrow.  I have made them the center point of my mission in government, the young people remain an integral part of our dream and adventure in public administration because the future belongs to them. I believe the young people own tomorrow and must take it today.

 

What will be the place of Adults and elderly in your government if you are elected?

 

We cannot ignore the adults, middle age and seniors for their sacrifices and perseverance. They have managed to sustain their families with little or no resources, they’ve overcome the ruthless brutality of corruption and lack of democracy dividends for years. Their consolation and/or reward will be to witness the people of Abia State taken to the Promised Land as it was in the days of Moses, Joshua and the Israelites.

On behalf of myself and the O.A.U 2023 Campaign, we wish you a Happy Democracy Anniversary.