Its the speed at which the new Aninri chairman is going that’s subject today. Of course, the objective is not to praise him. Also, its not to talk about what he has been doing that’s the objective here.
How he has, in a space of six months, sped to the front and is now the clear leader of Aninri new political force of our generation that’s baffling. The implications of this, also, is concerning.
At the time most of his peers are in search of blueprints to build their respective council areas, Prince Nwanjoku, Chairman of Aninri council area has commissioned over 200 rural roads; employed more than 150 persons; installed steady electric supply; build most formidable security architecture; empowered farmers in a way that no one has ever seen before; overhauled the council’s headquarters in Aninri.
All these are not some propaganda campaigns. They’re measurable projects that not only the beneficiaries can see, but they’re also physical proofs that anyone can verify.
Meanwhile, Nwanjoku’s unexpected rise to power and now the seemingly unending testimonials of his accomplishments raise tough question among power players in Aninri. Who is the leader? Who are people going to follow in 2026 and in 2027?
Before now, Local Government chairmen in Aninri didn’t amount to nothing while in office. They were puppets – lacking real executive powers and serving godfathers’ selfish interests. After their tenures they got into more problems – fading away and losing their influence along the way.
Apart from former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who was the first executive chairman of Aninri and his younger brother, late Mathias Ekweremadu Aninri has never had a chairman who lead in the true sense of leadership.
In fact, one former council chairman was so bereft of power that he pleaded for the position of party youth leader even at 65 years. And even as it was given him he still remains powerless, sinking into oblivion faster than others.
Does such fate await Ugochukwu Nwanjoku? I don’t think so. For one thing, he shares the background, the qualities and the chances of those who succeeded.
He rose to power by no making of any godfather in Aninri. While others who were jostling for the office on social media and during party meetings, the young man went straight to Governor Peter Mbah’s heart and returned as the anointed candidate. Its clear he didn’t succeed by chance – he plotted his way to success. It were only the Ekweremadus who showed such political sagacity.
Unless he missteps or if unforseen circumstances throw up chances – which is unlikely – a great future awaits him. He would remain the leader for many more years to come.