Cornucopia: Random Pokes, even you!

By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD

I ran into Prof Gladys Ahaneku,mni at the fourth anniversary of Prof Charles Okechukwu Esimone, FAS. She remained in her usual poise and unassuming, with superlative gaiety. I was happy. I went to her for an exchange of pleasantries. She wasn’t recognized at the event as I expected she would, as the wife of Prof Joseph Ahaneku, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the great Unizik. I apologized to her that I haven’t kept in touch. And truly she understood me and understood herself and hasn’t kept tabs on me either. She isn’t lonely. Everyone comes around to say hi to her. Another person who shall not be lonely after leaving power by June next year is Associate Professor of Music, Dr Chinyere Esimone. She called my name outside, I was being interviewed by NTA. I heard but didn’t turn. Later, I saw two ladies in class discussing on my way to the hall. I greeted them in my normal way and kowtowed. On raising my head, she called my name again, I politely asked her, Prof or? She shocked me when she introduced herself as Dr Chinyere Esimone.

Probably, I didn’t look properly. She is unique in many dimensions. I won’t forget again Mummy. Our parts crossed once when I anchored a program for the Social Sciences department in her husband’s early days in office when Prof Ugokwe Joseph-Rita was the Dean. Pronunciation of music got us close. A story for another day.

Thank you Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for the massive ongoing road construction across the state. There are completed ones. There are ongoing ones and new ones have been awarded. So, it was a scam that roads were never constructed during rainy season? I am seeing roads springing up in rainy season. I shall ask your CPS Aburime Christian, a smart guy but….. , or Information and Public Enlightenment Commissioner, Hon Paul Nwosu , native wisdom packaged but ……, to furnish me with completed lists , ongoing and awarded for my better appreciation of that and necessary input. Though, people of Awka North along Okpuno_Isu Aniocha-Urum-Amanuke axis are complaining of scrapped off tarred road worsening the road conditions.

I don’t need to blame you again for the woes of journalists. At last, APGA’s convention, journalists were invited from outside Anambra. My eyes are opening little by little on where our woes are springing from. I am understanding better. I received 173 calls after I wrote my Cornucopia on National Light Newspapers entitled: “Governor Soludo’s Aversion for Anambra Journalists; Real Or Imagined!” Let me not mention the texts, both on phone and on whatsapp as well as personal discussions. I was straight to answer some who saw a cannon fodder in me for writing,that I wasn’t available as my only interest is to appeal to the Governor not to shut National Light Newspapers and not to disorganize the workers particularly journalists there. I have been asked to write apology by Governor Soludo’s commisioner, Chief Paul Nwosu. It’s not a problem. I shall do the apology soonest.

But before that apology comes, I was exposed to a lot happening within Prof Soludo’s government unknown to me. The CPS also came under spotlight as well as the Commissioner. But, on my part I have nothing against anyone. I am just a tool in the hands of a better society hence I have not been rich. I saw money in all shades, but didn’t touch it very well just for society’s sake and probably conscience.

Should I even regret being chairman of NUJ now because I would have taught some people looking down on the duties of journalists how to do journalism for the good of the society, even when you are hungry. I still wonder why journalists are not loved by the wealthy and influential unless it’s serving their purposes. I was shocked too unionists too hate journalists or hate elevation of journalists who are also ASUU members. Chairman of ASUU NAU, Comrade Stephen Uchenna Ufoaroh exhibited such traits I refer to, but the NLC Chairman in Anambra who doubles as state chairman of NASU, Comrade Humphrey Emeka Nwafor saw it as having fun. Chairman of NASU NAU branch, Comrade Chukwugozie Ikegulu and NAU Chairman of NAAT, Engr Chinedu Umembamalu were also on the side of ASUU Chairman. Sequel to that I decided to bury what transpired to see ASUU Chairman in his best elements after leaving office next month, that’s July 2023.

Anglicans sometimes behave as if they don’t value what they have and sometimes other denominations poach their subjects gladly without qualms. Even, in behaviour Anglicans are true democrats sequel to their republican nature. But, is that the best? Roman Catholic clerics worship their laity and in turn recieve honour and near worship from them.

If my Oga at the top, Archbishop Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim PhD could for 3 days recognize all his Diocesan officials during the synod at Agulu but never mentioned the Media and Communications arm with the Director physically present to the knowledge of those who wrote the piece of information, he relied on aside at the Palace of the traditional ruler of Agulu, Igwe Obodoakor where he spoke extempore, why then blame anyone at the attitude of some Anglican clergy. The congregation has a blame. Or don’t you think so? I should take things as they come. For Archbishop’s oversight, I blame the Administrative Secretary. A story for another day.

Just three weeks ago, Prof Soludo sacked about 50 workers of International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD those championing agricultural value chain, as if they are staff of the state government. They are staff of the state government, but they are not. They are, because they are paid with Anambra’s contributions to IFAD while projects are run with contributions from Federal Government and IFAD domiciled in Italy. Then Governor, Chief Willie Obiano paid the counterpart funding but Soludo hasn’t paid a dime since he assumed office. I didn’t fault his sack of the Staff but he would have paid them their 15 months salary or so. If I tell you how they were sacked, laugh may choke you. Don’t throw up emotions when Soludo is involved. Don’t play smart either. But, how can IFAD and Federal government plan to recruit with the knowledge of the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Foster Ihejiofor, Nka 1 of Ogbunka, yet the man bringing the money as counterpart is not in the know? Already, cabinet reshuffle has been concluded but yet to be made public. Some of the commissioners and other appointees shall give way for new ones to hasten Soludo’s drive to actualize the Dubai-Taiwan twin arm development of Anambrastateunder his watch. The crop of leaders in his team now aren’t giving him Dubai Taiwan, even Singapore locus all of us are waiting for. Let me stop at this before I am asked to apologize again for leaking some information.

At the same Prof Charles Okechukwu Esimone ‘s event I met Prof Ahaneku, the ceremony anchor never recognized media or gentlemen of the media nor myself duly invited as Chairman of NUJ even when the PRO of the University Chika Eneh nee Onwurah wrote it down in my presence and gave to him. What’s wrong with society about journalists? Though, the university orator, and Dean Faculty of Social Sciences who anchored the event Prof Frank-Collins Okafor said it was an oversight. We believed him. Story of the awesome four years in office event is already in www.odogwublog.com and other sites.

I had promised myself that I will write on the one youth ,two skills contraption because of inherent fraudulent and sharp practices only to be presented with so many ideas to run with and confusion sets in. What do I then write on? But, now I am at peace because Soludo knows everything happening in his government and is taking notes. Fail or succeed, he will gladly take credit. Truly, Soludo knows everything and that’s our problem as journalists. Stories I heard on one on one basis from some journalists have represented Soludo in another light. You shall read soon during my apology.

My interest was on who emerges National Chairman of APGA. So many ego trips happened, and, mudslinging against Barr Sly gave me a hunch he was going to emerge. I suffered same fate when I contested NUJ chairmanship election, when a rookie who knows next to nothing about me had the effrontery to write about me in the most humiliating manner. I wanted to teach him a lesson in journalism because I know he was sponsored by a friend and a senior colleague who pretends to be supporting me yet digging my grave. Smart guys know a lot but don’t say all they know until appropriate time. Uche Amunike saved the day for the young man. But, ya diba. I apologized to my team for disappointing on that.

So, I knew Hon Sly shall win. If he wasn’t good, there won’t be need for the campaign of calumny against him while others were being praised all over the airwaves. Hon Barr Sly is my friend but we haven’t worked closely. During the NLC elections, he played a role that could have put us in either better relationship or marred relationship. During his sojourn as legal Adviser APGA and Oye alleged deals, I wasn’t interested. I had many irons on fire. But during NLC elections, I was with Magic Fingers , Prince Emeka Kalu of RATTAWU, and Comrade Nonye Chibueze of NUT among others when the current digital Chairman of NLC , Comrade Humphrey Emeka Nwafor KSJI received a call from Hon Barr Sly Ezeokenwa asking him to step down for Comrade Chinwe Orizu, outgone chairman. I was livid because I hate interference in union elections by government agents.
I wanted to be Chairman of NLC Anambra State but stepped down for obvious reasons.
Obiano interfered in my elections due to obvious connivance of yes men, but glad he understood better during my next outing. In fact he told all who cared that his refusal to fight my ambition the second time made it possible for me to be Chairman NUJ. That’s okay! God has His plans for us.
I had wanted to call Hon Sly and tell him off but because he is a youngman I restricted myself from doing such. Let me say congratulations to you Hon Sly and urge you for whatever it’s worth, try to be transparent for the future of APGA because what APGA was accused by some Anambra people and greatly Imolites and Abia indigenes even fingering you was shameful. Ozor Mkpu Victor Oye is gone and will only understand if he was people oriented or greedy now than ever. The Glamour is over, realities are now with him. His name was dragged to the mud, but does he care? Last time we met at Anambra State High Court 2 and I also congratulated you. I wish you well. More grace from God.

Chief Kennedy Duru spoke against Sly Ezeokenwa becoming the National Chairman of APGA because according to him , he is greedy and a small boy at 38. If Hon Barr Sly Ezeokenwa can be trusted to be National Legal Adviser APGA, and currently a commisioner under Prof Soludo then, the issue of underage isn’t anything to go particularly as the Anambra APGA Chairman, Chief
Obi-Okoye as an old war horse already started peace and reconciliation moves with all those who contested with him at his residence in Ogidi.

I wanted to disagree with APGA family on his emergence High Chief (Sir) Barr Ifeatu Obi-Okoye ,an old war horse who emerged Anambra state chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, even though he is eminently qualified and probably will use his experiences in PDP etc to do wonders. He is a great guy in all ramifications, though we haven’t done much together aside our regular meetings at retired DIG’s house for better Anambra State.

The Chairman of APGA in Awka North, Hon Comrade James Onwuka is cool-headed. We served together when I was the Deputy Chairman of Awka North and Supervisory Councillor for Education. Congratulations to my other friends who emerged winners including Deputy Chairman, Hon Emeka Iliemenam Edinco. But the hero of the APGA elections is DUNGA, Nchekwube Anthony, Ezesinachi who contested for state Chairman. I hail you my man for standing out to be countered. You won but….
I picked up my cap for Chief Amaechi Cosmas Obiesili aka Chiefoo, Ozo Chinenyeze 1 N’Urum for his emergence as Secretary of APGA Awka North local government area.

Gossip is good for those whose stock in trade is poking into other people’s business. Journalists are known for that. I dropped a call from the Amazon, NUJ’s matriarch , Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna. Let me not tell you what we discussed. But people with me picked interest because I called her, my Mummy, my Prof. They won’t understand. And they don’t need to understand. From one thing to the other ,argument of who brought glory to Unizik after returning from appointment began. They mentioned so many names of people who went to serve the people in government in some cases 4 years, in other cases 8 years but returned with nothing for the university but their selfish aggrandisement. But when they analyzed how Prof Okunna not only attracted her brother, Senator Andy Uba who built Mass Communication complex Unizik, she spent her own money to build a legacy building for the Unizik fm with a hall as well as attracted Bus to the department and so many training opportunities for staff. She supported the first Town and Gown Series in Unizik and as well the first homecoming of Alumni by Masscom students during Prof Chinwe Uzochukwu’s tenure as HoD, before other departments started. I became deaf and dumb because anything I say becomes the topic and all theirs become non issue. I don’t know whose agent they were at that point in time. I already have too many irons on the fire. I don’t need more distractions.

I had set out to write about my encounter in the National Assembly with Distinguished Senator Uche Lilian Ekwunife, CON, Iyom and now Ifekaolaedo. I went with Dr Obiorah Edogor for ACCE international conference. I also want also to chronicle her footprints in the sands of time though with particular bias to Awka North local government area where she left her flanks open for criticism. She probably did excellent in most other local government areas but Awka North. She left Awka North untapped and fallow. Awka North has 10 communities but I am visiting each community to see her landmark project and those employed through her out of 600 graduates and youths she has empowered with job placements. Her footprints are in Unizik and some secondary schools but NUJ didn’t benefit probably because we didn’t ask. She promised us she will turn around NUJ Secretariat, if she comes back. Will Senator Sir Victor Umeh rebrand NUJ Secretariat for us? Time shall tell.

Rt Hon Somto Udeze, three term member ,Anambra State House of Assembly unexpectedly emerged Speaker of the state House of Assembly. He wasn’t thinking in that direction. He was just happy representing his people and probably have their strong backing like a typical Igboadgbe man who feeds his lamb. God decided it’s his time. Plans were perfected by Prof Soludo and foot soldiers that he is level playing and cool headed and probably best for the position now than others initially penciled down. He was summoned and persuaded to defect to APGA from PDP. His defection was loud and Clear when he made the statement that Igbo politicians should unite and build APGA. I predicted him but unfortunately my Cornucopia didn’t drop and he defected. I had to delete that portion. Congratulations Rt Hon Somto! Soludo has completed the circle for PDP old war horses in APGA aside in one or two areas. Days ahead shall confirm my fears though!

Again, let me pinpoint my commendation for Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo led government over massive road construction he awarded across the three senatorial zones worth over N15 Billion with completion period of between 9 months to 12 months, according to Paul Nwosu, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment Anambra State. The roads were internal roads in Amawbia, Awka South, some selected streets and roads in Onitsha , Obosi flood infrastructure and Awkuzu-Umunya road as well as Isuofia Township roads and Igboukwu-Ikenga-Ekwulobia roads with a spur to Nanka. That was encouraging and commendable, coupled with the one’s brought to my knowledge already completed and those ongoing, even with the regular heavy down pour.

Soludo’s determination to re-enact agricultural prosperity as it was in the days of Eastern Region Premier , Dr Michael Iheonukara Okpara caught my attention. Soludo is doing this through palm and coconut seedlings free distribution to maybe selected friends. The coconut and palm are from Malaysia. Malaysia hybrid coconut with friuting period of 3 years after planting with expected yield of 100 or more per tree while the Malaysian hybrid Tenera oil palm has a fruiting period of 3 years too after transplanting, with average production of 40 fresh fruit bunches per tree per year at full maturity. The scheme is called Anambra State oil and coconut initiative. I want to look into the programme critically. Is Awka North benefiting as supposed to or ..? General Hospital Amanuke probably the best in Anambra on infrastructure was killed by a medical doctor posted there several years ago, according to the community leaders. I hope Dr Obidike Afam , Commissioner for Health is still heading down to Amanuke to do the needful. He promised me that. Internal community rival, ego trips, Lack of access road and critical infrastructure demobilized the Hospital.

At the Anglican Church of Redemption Parish Awka, I was marvelled to see a one-sided door Church. I didn’t understand the construction. How can a church have only one side door without space on one side? I described the architectural design as a mad design and wondered what ventilation would be like with another tall building close to the Church pillars. It painted a picture of crisis and struggles for land but because it’s the same church under one administration I kept quiet before I became branded as an enemy of the Church. But, because it’s still ongoing, I don’t know whether to criticise the builders or report to Archbishop Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, PhD that they are in contravention of stipulated church rules in building Anglican communion Churches. I also frowned at another building Springing close to the Church. I shall investigate, why? I couldn’t meet the Vicar, Venerable C.Obiorah Alokwu, PhD or the Curate, Rev Canon Clement Izuegbe even the other younger Curate Reverend Lucky Onebunne to explain to me what was happening there. My friend Obinna Okonkwo, Skirpo Digital Video & photos went before God in praise together with the family for God’s grace and mercy, I rushed to partake at Merrier at his residence. But, was surprised when I heard my name being recognized as Chairman of NUJ in a place I wasn’t expecting to be so recognized. I am yet to have a reconciliation of that because most clergymen in the Anglican Church don’t value what we have. At Amichi, Bishop Ikeakor was appreciating church workers who had PhD and even MSc in the synod address, but a Director of Media was never recognized in Bishop’s address even though no sentence was spared for him as Chairman of NUJ Anambra State. Shame on those sabotaging our profession. We understood it was not from the leadership of the Anglican communion in Awka and Province but from his aides. There are his aides who are exceptional and devoid of eye-service, we shall soon name and shame those sabotaging excellent media representation from there.

Journalism is sweet! That’s the mantra of my boy, friend, and colleague Raymond Ozoji. His Statement is always misunderstood by even colleagues ,but it’s a fact. That I know. As moral barometers and gadfly, journalists equalize and stabilize society for good of all. A prominent politician in Prof Soludo’s government hated journalists with passion that the politician warned that on no account should journalists be allowed to enter the office and that the office has nothing to do with journalists. Seven months after that statement was made , the politician is looking for journalists to explain issues to them having got blown off by opposition rabble rousers. That politician has even now appointed a journalist to be their mouthpiece. What a world! This politician has at the asking the best or one of the best around here for whatever it’s worth. Was it ego or reckless speech. I wouldn’t have believed the story if not from the politician’s aide crying to me on why the boss should speak about journalists in such light. Why looking for journalists now?
As if that wasn’t enough, a prominent personality in government of Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo again asked me why a cheque of N500,000 in the name of NUJ, Anambra State by Commisioner for Local government, Hon Tony Collins Nwabunnwanne was not honoured by Secretary, local government JAC ,Anambra State, Dr Leopold Nwankwo-Ikwueto, a relative of the Ikwueto SAN and a childhood friend of mine. His senior brother is my secondary school mate and I am well known to the family. I told him I had no ideas , but probably I may have offended him as a journalist unknown to me but assured him nothing to worry about. I didn’t ask for his contact thinking I still have it. I later tried calling him but his contact has disappeared from my phone. I asked his brother for his contact but he hasn’t sent it to me.

Journalism is just creating tension and problems for me. Imagine my adulthood acquaintance is appointed JAC secretary when I am NUJ chairman and I still find it difficult to pay my bills and make members of the Union to rejoice regularly. Is it not JAC! Obiano’s JAC? JAC of Mbadinuju! JAC of Obi ,even Ngige! Unbelievable! Whatever is the problem, we must resolve it and apologize where necessary. But truth be told I haven’t offended anyone, probably journalism has. I have nothing against anyone, but journalism has. Let people support NUJ and forget Odogwu’s journalism.

One thing going for me is never letting the odds keep me from doing the needful for the presence of God in my journey of life emboldens my faith to succeed. God please take control. 🙏

Cornucopia is a weekly column of Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD.
Odogwu is a known Journalist, Editor, Media Consultant, Teacher, Motivator, Unionist and Famous Blogger, as well as Social Media Entrepreneur, Publisher and Conversationalist @ www.odogwublog.com among others.
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