Kelechi Eke Darlington.
Sen. Ezenwa Onyewuchi has shown example of what a true representative should be. He has earned the trust and confidence of his constituents across the nine local government areas of his senatorial district through his actions in and out of the National Assembly Chambers. Sen Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi has not only carved a niche for himself in the legislative business but has kick started a political culture of commitment in representation devoid of grandstanding.
Two things stand out on the way of every true leader; great ideas which some people call vision and the sincere commitment to drive the ideas. Sen. Onyewuchi has overtime shown sincere commitment to drive his vision of engendering a sustainable political culture that will trigger development and growth, and this trajectory has not gone unnoticed. Sen. Onyewuchi has proven to belong to the category of individuals that Eleanor Roosevelt had in mind when he penned, ” the world belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”.
The manner Sen. Onyewuchi is going about his duties as a representative is so exciting and inspiring. He is committed and undaunted. He loves, he does not hate. He is inclusive in his approach, and not exclusive. The same measure he thinks for himself is the same he wishes for the people of Imo East. Many have argued that he is gradually transmuting to a statesman more than a politician.
How else can one explain the passion and sense of responsibility Sen. Onyewuchi has displayed in ensuring that Imo East becomes a reference point among Senatorial Districts in the State. He is truly bringing it to the big party and the people are asking for more. The reward for hard work is more work. And more work here means the reelection of Sen. Ezenwa Onyewuchi back to the Senate.
Just like in a typical love affair, it may not really be about the quantum of largesse he is splashing on the table, but the philosophy, the spirit, the commitment, the transparency of his representation. Sen. Ezenwa Onyewuchi is certainly creating a new culture of representation in the contemporary Nigerian political space. In football, it is called football philosophy. This culture when sustained will transform the Imo East political landscape in the areas of infrastructural development and human capacity building.
From Onicha in Ezinihitte Mbaise to Atta in Ikeduru through Nekede in Owerri West and Nneorie in Ngor Okpala, Sen. Ezenwa Onyewuchi has won the hearts of his constituents through people oriented projects, employment opportunities and empowerment programs.
He has focused his energy and competence on the cardinal areas of his campaign promises which is centred on youth employment, skill acquisition, women empowerment and infrastructure development, and the level of his delivery on these core mandates will continue to dwarf the argument of his detractors who has chosen to change this positive narrative.
Sen. Onyewuchi’s scorecard in the areas of sponsorship of bills and motions is quite commendable. He has sponsored over four people oriented motions and over eight bills to his credit. They include, motion for the urgent need to revive the Palm Oil Industry in Nigeria, motion to end the menace of building collapse in Nigeria, motion for the Federal Government to respect the principles of Federal Character as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and the motion on the exclusion of South East from the board of NCC.
His bills in the last two years include, Older Persons (Rights and Privileges) bill 2019, Money laundering (Prohibition Act) Amendment Bill 2019, Police Act Amendment Bill 2019, Tribunal of Enquiry Act (Amendment) Bill, Labour Act Amendment Bill 2020 (Upward review of Labour Fines), Child Rights Act Amendment Bill 2020, Terrorism (Prevention) Amendment Bill 2021, etc.
Sen. Ezenwa Onyewuchi has also attracted the construction of Obodo Ahiara-Obodo Ujichi – Akabo – Ogwuama link road in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, constructed the Youth Hall at Tetlow Road, Owerri Municipal LGA of Imo State, constructed the Youth Hall in Umuorisha Emii Ancient Kingdom in Owerri North LGA of Imo State, constructed the Youth Hall in Nkwo Ononuyo Market Square, Umuoma Nekede in Owerri West LGA of Imo State, constructed the Skills Acquisition Centre at All Saints Cathedral, Egbu Owerri North LGA, constructef a Modern market with Abattoir at Eke ukwu Nnorie Market in Ngor Okpala LGA of Imo State, among other verifiable people oriented projects. Perhaps, Sen. Onyewuchi has attracted more transformers and solar powered boreholes to communities in his Senatorial district in the last two years than any elected official.
Apparently, a legislator with such a huge record of achievements truly deserves a return. One can only wish that this new philosophy is sustained in the overall interest of Imo East. A culture of commitment, a culture of selflessness, a culture of responsibility and accountability, a culture of love for the people.