By Don Peter Okoro
A well-known and highly respected Community Leader in Nnewi, Hon.Arc. Kenechukwu Onuchukwu has described a Frontline Contestant for the position of Nzuko-Ora Nnewi, Prince Jude Osumuoh as a moving train that cannot be stopped. He made this clear during an exclusive interview recently.
Speaking on the forthcoming Nzuko-ora Nnewi election, he said:
“I thank God that it is the turn of Otolo to produce the Nzuko-ora President General and that of Nnofor precisely.And as God would have it, there are two brothers that are coming out.Prince Jude Osumuoh and Prof. Edwin Chukwuma, both of them are from Ndiakwu Otolo.
So, it’s going to be a family affair. In assessing them, I think what Nnewi needs right now is someone like Jude Osumuoh and I have my reasons.
You see, Nnewi politics is quite a different ball game altogether, It’s not like House of Assembly, Senate or Governorship elections. The politics of Nnewi needs someone that is grounded in Nnewi, someone who understands the terrain of Nnewi and is involved in what is happening in the town. Someone who has influence and can attract people.
Jude Osumuoh used his influence to erect an Ultra-Modern Hall for Ndiakwu–Otolo. That project is a Landmark achievement.Jude Osumuoh is very humble and has a listening ear, He was the Vice Chairman of Ndiakwu Otolo, became the Chairman and is now the Vice President General of Nzuko-Ora Nnewi from where he is now contesting to be the President General.
You can see that his antecedents are very clear and impressive. He was also the Chairman of Nnewi Chambers of Commerce and Industry. We cannot just overlook such a person. For me, I say Jude Osumuoh is like a moving train and you cannot just stop a moving train.”
On the insinuation that he lacks formal education, he replied:
“Jude attended both Primary and Secondary Schools. I know he didn’t attend Higher Institutions. Remember he was the Chairman of The Nnewi Chambers of Commerce and Industry, That’s a position that demands a lot of intellectual acumen and he was able to pilot the affairs of the Chambers successfully for the number of years he was there.
What people should understand is that the position we are talking about has little or nothing to do with education. We don’t need anyone that will use grammar to confuse us. We are dealing with the grassroot people.
Moreover, Jude Osumuoh has a lot of influence. He has relationships with Uruagu, Umudim and Nnewichi. This is a Delegate’s election and I’m very confident that the Delegates will all vote for him.
I must appreciate and commend both Aspirants on the peaceful way they are going about their campaign without throwing tantrums.”
Asked to assess the Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo regime so far, he offered:” I must tell you that Governor Soludo is a Miracle Man. I have never seen a man with such level of wisdom and ideology. This man has taken politics to the grassroots. He is in touch with all the Community Leaders in Anambra State. He has told us to go and fish out anyone in our Community that is not doing anything. Then look at the quality of roads he’s constructing and re-constructing all over the State.
I do wonder how he gets the money to do all these without borrowing a dime. If there’s anyway for one to be a Governor for up to 20 years, this man should be there for people to really enjoy the dividends of democracy. Things and changing for good, look at our youths. Many of them are learning skills and getting good jobs. Who has done this before?””