Perhaps Laozi the famed inspirational speaker had Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi in mind when he penned, “a leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done and his aim fulfilled”.
One striking character that has distinguished Sen. Ezenwa Onyewuchi from his contemporaries in public office is his ability to deliver without much fanfare. He has rather focused on his covenant with his Imo East constituents and has continued to serve with commitment and integrity.
Sen. Ezenwa Onyewuchi’s humble and humane approach to political office is a classical lesson in representation and is in agreement with Rick Warren’s postulation that humility is not thinking less of yourself but its thinking of yourself less. Sen. Onyewuchi has continued to think less of himself and more of his constituents and the result is the impressive projects that dot the senatorial zone as well as the people oriented bills and motions to his name.
He has successfully navigated through the distractions of some detractors who rate achievements of political office holders on the the level of fanfare they generate and the fulfillment of their parochial interests as against public interest.
Sen. Ezenwa Onyewuchi has proven himself a representative to be reckoned with in the National Assembly with his character and quantum of achievements. It is certain that majority of his constituents can testify to the competence of this rare bred politician that is reputed to be celebral, God fearing, and result oriented. His achievements have become a thing of pride to his constituents.
For instance, in the area of lawmaking which is the primary responsibility of a lawmaker, Sen. Onyewuchi has hugely impressed. He has successfully placed the name of Owerri zone on an admirable level in the National Assembly. His flagship bill, the Older Person’s Rights and Privileges bill which has been signed into law has continued to attract commendations from within his senatorial zone and beyond. This is aside over seven other people oriented bills and over five motions to his credit.
Sen. Ezenwa Onyewuchi’s penchant for skills acquisition is unrivalled and is a giant step in reducing unemployment in the Zone. He has trained and empowered over one thousand youths and women of Imo East in various skills like CCTv and Cable installation and Maintenance, Driving, Computer Appreciation, Production Technology, Fashion Designing, Bag and Bead Making, etc. The uniqueness of these skill acquisition trainings has made it possible for the beneficiaries to commence on a strong footing and most of them are today doing well in their respective trades. Sen. Onyewuchi has also gone ahead to attract a skill acquisition institute at the All Saints Cathedral Egbu in Owerri North LGA.
It is important to note that Sen. Onyewuchi’s accomplishments in the empowerment and training of his constituents in various skill acquisition programs has earned him the title, Mr. Empowerment.
In the area of facilitating projects, Sen. Ezenwa Onyewuchi has shown sufficient courage, sagacity and patriotism in attracting projects across Owerri Zone. This is a bold and significant step in fulfilling his campaign promises. Some of the projects include, the construction of Obodo Ahiara-Obodo Ujichi – Akabo – Ogwuama link road in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, construction of Youth Hall at Tetlow Road Owerri Municipal LGA, construction of Youth Hall in Umuorisha Emii Ancient Kingdom in Owerri North LGA, construction of Youth Hall in Nkwo Ononuyo Market Square, Umuoma Nekede in Owerri West LGA and the construction of modern market with Abattoir at Eke ukwu Nnorie Market in Ngor Okpala.
Others include, construction and furnishing of 2 Classroom block and Teachers office at Amaimo, supply of brand new 500KVA transformer to Amawuihe Autonomous community in Mbaitoli LGA, construction of modern market with Abattoir at Afor Ajala Market in Aboh Mbaise LGA, construction of 10,000 capacity Solar Powered Borehole at Okwu na Ugaa Hall in Umunama, Ezinihitte Mbaise L.G.A, among other verifiable people oriented projects.
Perhaps, Sen. Onyewuchi has attracted more transformers and solar powered boreholes to communities in his Imo East Senatorial district during his tenure than any other elected office holder.
Apparently, detractors may not be aware of these bright sides of Sen. Onyewuchi’s representation. The fact is that Sen. Onyewuchi has performed significantly well enough to earn a return to the Senate in order to consolidate and bring more democracy dividends to the people. Like wines, lawmakers get better over time and no reasonable coach can contemplate changing a winning team.
This is more so with the most strategic position Sen. Ezenwa Onyewuchi is occupying in the new Nigeria project that is billed to produce the Labour Party as the ruling party and the potential emergence of Sen. Onyewuchi as a principal officer in the next Senate with its humongous benefits. There could be no time than now for the good people of Imo East to make this most patriotic and populist decision to return Sen. Ezenwa Onyewuchi back to the Senate. This is an idea whose time has come.
By: Kelechi Eke Darlington
