Nnaeto: Celebrating Anambra’s Political Icon At 81, – How South east politicians stood still

BY GODWIN OBI

It was a jubilation galore on the 15th August 2021 when “the crème de la crème of the South east politics and business filed out in their numbers and converged at Saint Paul’s Catholic Church, Uli, Ihiala LGA of Anambra state to celebrate Hon. Anthony Ozoebuka Nnaeto, one of Igbo nation’s veteran politicians and astute kingmakers with desirable credibility.

Amidst pomp and pageantry, the 81- year- old Chief Nnaeto (Ichie Akuoma) and his 70-year-old darling wife Christiana danced to the altar at St. Paul Catholic Mission, Umunwanedo village (outstation of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church), to also mark the 50th anniversary of their successful marriage. Watching them renew their marriage vows under the supervision of the officiating priests, Monsignor Ojimba (Oluoha Ozioma) and Rev. Fr. Dr. George Chilaka was a memorable and exciting exhibition.

At about 10 am, the thanksgiving mass had begun with Rev. Monsignor Felix Ojimba officiating and assisted by the Saint Pauls’ Parish Priest, Rev Fr. Dr. George Chilaka. The entire crowd was subtly caught in the vortex of praises and supplication to Almighty God for seeing Nnaeto through to 81 years of age and his wife 70 years and finally, for making their 50 years of marriage exceedingly fruitful. The event which looked every inch like a carnival presented Nnaeto indeed, as a jewel everyone wants to grab.

The event featured the presence and large and powerful delegations of ‘Who Is Who’ in the South east geo-political region of the country, with each expressing unsung accomplishments of the celebrant (Hon. Nnaeto). As politicians are always politicians, when moved from the church to his Umunwanedo palatial home, the event seemingly turned into an extension of platforms for sharing of political thoughts and ideas, as political gladiators who share similar political vision sat side by side on seats fashionably arranged to suit high profile but subterranean politicking usually prevalent among political juggernauts where ever they meet, while non politicians from corporate institutions used the event to fraternize with age-long friends they have unavoidably missed over the years.

Notable side attractions were featured; Each aimed at trilling the mammoth guests in an uncommon fashion. The event was however rapped up with a women cultural dance named Opuruiche dance, which wife of the celebrant led in her heydays as a younger woman.

In his appreciation, Hon. Nnaeto who acknowledged that he was reticent of words to convey his immense gratitude to the numerous guests that trailed him from far and near to Uli venue of the event, expressed his gratitude to God Almighty for the clement weather the auspicious event was blessed with. He expressed his appreciation to everybody who made one form of commitment to the success of the occasion, and specially thanked one of his In-laws who bought him latest model of a Highlander Jeep, as well as extended special greetings to all his other In-laws for playing pivotal roles in the successful hosting of the event.

Nnaeto also, expressed his appreciation to Governor Obiano who sent a powerful delegation to the noble event led by one of his super Commissioners, Commissioner for Information, Chief CDon Adinuba. He equally expressed his immense gratitude to Eze Orah of Isseke, Igwe Emmanuel Nnabuife, the Regency, HRH, Magnus Onyekonwu (Igwe Eze Udoka 11), Sir Chuka Nnabuife, Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Anambra Newspapers Publishing Company and Ngozi Nwakamma (Ada-Eze) whose special delegation from the United Kingdom was well received.

He particularly extolled the benevolence of Dr. A.B.C Orjiako for his matchless financial support for the event, adding that though he was not present, his powerful and large delegation stood by him from morning till the end of the event. He also extended special greetings to Mr. Philip Orjiako, Chief Henry Okolie Abor (Igirigi), Chief. Hypolitus Ekwegbara (Egbe-eji-eje-ogu), Chief Barr. V.C Okafor, Traditional Prime Minister of Uli, Ichie, Simeon Ohajianya (Okeosis), Chief Chris Mmeje, Ichie Ossy Emmanuel Igbonwelundu, Engr. Benji Ezeagwu, Engr. Nelson Onyeme, Ogbuehi Frank Igwe, Chief Ifeanyi Orjiako, Dr. Nnamdi Uliagbafusi, Sir Tobias Obiagazie and a host of other well-meaning personalities that inundated him with various forms of financial support and varying degrees of precious gifts.

Ichie Akuoma further conveyed special thanks to the officiating Priest, Rev. Monsignor Felix Ojimba and the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Dr. George Chilaka for their unique counsels to him during the hectic planning period. He equally extended his greetings to the body of Knight of Saint John International led by Sir Obuh for standing by him all through the programme.

Nnaeto who admitted that God gave him more than what he asked for, finally thanked a whole lot of others, especially members of the Saint Pauls’ Mission Uli, whom time could not permit him to mention their names individually here, but prayed God to protect them and replenish their resources a hundred fold.

Sir Nnaeto, a noble Knight of Saint John (International) and a charismatic Second Republic politician who represented Ihiala South east Constituency in the former Anambra State’s House of Assembly, in Enugu, exuded the warmth that he had over four decades ago. He is still the unassuming but phenomenal community leader whose influence cuts across generations of the young and aging in the area and beyond. Encomiums and felicitations at the event buttressed the matter. Interestingly, the octogenarian Nnaeto still cuts a fascinating visage when in the court of up-coming leaders as with his contemporaries, which is the main reason many who aspire towards community leadership are drawn to his humble home in Umunwanedo, Umuaku Uli where he is regaled as a political colossus.

The event, indeed, provided an ample opportunity for many to ponder what makes a genuine political leader in this era of increasing dearth of such breed in contemporary Nigerian society.That evidence of direct touch on real people’s lives was what made Nnaeto’s marriage anniversary exceedingly memorable in Uli. Hence it was an event that clearly told younger leaders and aspiring leaders, some vital things about what constitutes real power and authority. 

Nnaeto, a charm to behold in his heydays as a younger politician, was the handsome orator and soapbox-like politician of the Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP) fold who dazzled voters and won teeming followership as well as got some real democratic dividends in Uli, Ihiala and former Anambra State as a ranking legislator, party main-streamer and grassroots politician.

 An ally of the Second Republic NPP governor of former Anambra State, Jim Nwobodo, Nnaeto was a lead figure in the creation of Mbasato local government area (LGA) which brought about a long-desired second local administrative council from Ihiala, though that historic effort was bungled by the military coup of 31st December 1983.

As the Chairman of the House Committee in the state’s legislature, he was able to negotiate and achieve some visible dividends of democracy for his people.

Sir & Lady Anthony Nnaeto

He equally played active part as a lead act in the intricately layered negotiations that led to the emergence of his kit-and-kin Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju as the first fourth republic Governor of Anambra State.

Similarly, there is a long list of beneficiaries from the tangible proceeds of his political sagacity. All the reapers from his long period of active practice in politics as well as those he helped as a worker in the corporate sector and as a successful entrepreneur were all around him in the golden jubilee thanksgiving to make the event thicker, an indication that his over four decades of active operation in public service touched many lives.

A cross-section of members of Saint Pauls’ Parish sitted in the church with Chief Clement Emelisi & Sir Basil Obi captured

 An erstwhile member of the House of Representatives, who represented Ihiala Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Chief Hon. Vitalis Okafor, described Nnaeto as “the first notable politician produced from Ihiala under NPP, in the Second Republic.”

Explaining further, the lawyer, mass communicator and politician added: “He (Nnaeto) introduced us to politics and he is still playing the game.

“He has always been at the forefront of progressive events.  He was instrumental to the quest for the creation of Mbasato local government area. Though it eventually never worked. “You cannot do anything (in Ihiala) without consulting him.  Chief Okafor, a political leader too, though of younger generation, deems Nnaeto a mentor and a man who paved the way for the emergence of some other politicians in the area.

 His words: “Because he was the right hand man to the then Jim Nwobodo, our son, Dr Ralph Obiagazie was made double commissioner – Commissioner for Establishment as well as Commissioner forHeath. It was Nnaeto that influenced his appointment, and indeed, he brought some health centers then.

“He is a very good orator. He speaks very well. He knows how to communicate in beautiful words.”

 According to Hon Okafor  “I thank God for his life and I wish him more life and good health. He is a peacemaker. So I think it is good for him to continue to ensure that peace reigns.

SIR, DR & LADY NNAMDI ULIAGBAFUSI

In his own felicitations, Dr, Sir Placid Nnamdi Uliagbafusi, Medical Director of Rex Hospital and Maternity at Uli, remembers with nostalgia how Hon. Nnaeto nurtured many of them even from when they were still in college. According to Dr. Uliagbafusi, “A particular incident was in 1980 when we were preparing  for GCE. Extra mural classes were organized for us but we did not have money to pay. And without invitation Ichie Akuoma visited Uli Central School venue of the exercise and paid for everybody. A pressure relieved and most of us did well in that exam. God used him to uplift us. Our elders did many things good and Nnaeto is one of them”, Dr. Uliagbafusi vividly remarked. Uliagbafusi who is also ‘Ichie Ugonna Ozondu’ wished Nnaeto and his darling wife well and prayed that good health and sound mind will be as common to them as loaves of bread are common to the children.

Chief, Sir Emeka Okafor, an Acting Burser of the Imo State University described Nnaeto as a forthright politician that should be a mirror to the younger politicians. Sir Okafor who is also an In-law of the celebrant wished Nnaeto and his wife and family well and prayed God to continue to advance their coast in good health, prosperity and wisdom.

Sir & Lady Emeka Okafor

Mr. Emmanuel Okani, a retired Chief Engineer of Anambra Newspapers and Printing Corporation, Awka, noted that Nnaeto, is one politician who rose to limelight by dint of his personal leadership qualities, integrity and high aptitude in political mobilisation. He further appraised Hon. Nnaeto’s political sagacity as fallout from his penchant for speaking the truth on issues that many of his contemporaries would play dribbles or opt to keep out. Okani added that Akuoma has “his peculiar knack for making and keeping friends.”

Okani whose mother hails from the same family as Nnaeto, described him as a very intelligent, diplomatic, upright and truthful man. He joined politics with a humble background from being a teacher to his supervisory role in a textile mill; from there to  Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Umuahia. Later, he became a private entrepreneur. From there, he joined politics.”

According to the engineer, what Nnaeto achieved in politics is mainly, empowerment of people. “He provided jobs to many people from his area when he was the Chairman, House Committee, in the former Anambra State House of Assembly. He was instrumental to Mbadinuju’s becoming Governor. He was one of the movers and one of the kingmakers of Mbadinuju, with A.B.C. Orjiako. A.B.C. Orjiako took him as a very good confidant politically and otherwise. He was instrumental to the making of Dr. Ralph Obiagazie as Commissioner for establishment in former Anambra too. He was also instrumental to the appointment of Late Livy Uzoh as one-time Registrar of the then Anambra State Polytechnic, Oko (now Federal Polytechnic, Oko). Later, Uzoh became the principal secretary to Gov. Mbadinuju.”

R-L: Chiefs Chris Mmeje, Benjamin Ezeagwu and Nnaeto Ojimba

Also, paying a glowing tribute to Nnaeto, Chief Chris Mmeje described him as one of very few politicians who have been blessed by Uli community identity and has spent a lifetime repaying that debt, explaining that before he ran for office, he had not worked in THE VINEYARD OF Uli. “We just believed in him, gave him credit with our community identity —-a very important community vitality or resource. While that political dispensation lasted, he represented us well. When that political dispensation was disrupted in 1983, did he stop working for Uli? NO! He continued on a different platform—one for which no regular government pay cheque is expected. Since then, he has continued to labour in THE VINEYARD OF ULI. I am aware of his many works –political and cultural—for the good of our community. All these works he did and still does are what I call social accountability or restitution. I highlight this attribute as what endears him to me because there are many politicians who having used the common identity of their communities to attain high political office; quickly retire to the comfort of acquired material lubrication from whatever office they held but that was the the case of Nnaeto.

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