Hon Deacon Chike Okafor, Point Of Order (OPINION)

 By Ifeanyi Onyekachi. 08034453068

My colleagues, friends and political associates who followed my unsung contributions to the emergence of Hon. Deacon Chike Okafor as honorable member representing Okigwe South federal constituency in the National Assembly will be jolted by the title of this piece, especially as it is coming from me.

Some will embrace it with mix-feelings, others with captured interest to understand the import of “Point of Order” on a man I once described as a political field of study and worked for his electioneering success out of free volition, without pecuniary motive, without restrain and with total commitment.

But having keenly monitored the contributions of the honorable member within the 9 months he assumed office, his comments and nuances regarding the political situation in the state, especially as it concerns 2019 governorship, I cannot but shift a step from my initial position of been his arch supporter.

This is so because politics is dynamic and political dynamism causes action or reaction on true political pundits of which I am one. Therefore, it has become intuitively expedient for me to bare my mind on some comments by the honorable member during a press interview he had with selected state papers.

  

The interview was published under varying headlines such as Newsbreak newspapers-2019:I ll” only give Imo guber a shot if…, Horn Newspaper-Okorocha is my political party, among others.

  

Having gone through the detail report of the said interview, I considered the title of this piece,” Hon. Deacon Chike, Point of Order”, as appropriate given that it is the same expression(Legislature Jargon) a member of Peoples Democratic Party cacaus in House of Representative from Plateau State, Hon. Edawark Pwjok, used to checkmate Hon. Deacon Chike Okafor some time ago during legislative proceedings when he brought a motion that is technically flaw against the petroleum ministry on non-remittance of tax to the federation account.

Immediately Hon. Pwajok noticed that Hon Chike has erred technically in his presentation he shouted, “point of order! Point of order!! He was eventually called to order.

In the same vein and in the spirit of order of procedure, it is my candid opinion that Hon. Deacon Chike Okafor who in the said press interview clarified that he would contest the 2019 governorship in Imo State if it is the absolute wish of governor Okorocha, be reminded that 2019 is quite a time, more so, he is closely observed by thousands of Okigwe South Youths (some still going through the hard bite of  post election aftermath) who fought from different flanks to ensure his victory at the poll.

The honorable member should concentrate on impactful representations which will positively rub-off on our people both individually and collectively. It is only when a task is successfully accomplished that higher responsibility is considered.  Only time shall tell whether he will succeed in this assignment or not. 

He must therefore show proof of successful completion of the first assignment he has on hand at the moment, because a man who refuses to count one but counts two, losses two. Power belongs to God and to the people and never to any single individual. 2019 governorship lies in the hands of the people.

We must however, mention that Hon.Chike Okafor is smart; intelligent and kind hearted judging from his antecedent before his foray into politics. Some of his kind gestures propelled some of us to describe him in superlative terms in some of our past writings, but he must be cautious enough to shun the impression that his philanthropic and seemingly positive disposition towards the less privilege is politically driven. True gift is given for nothing.

I therefore consider the posturing for 2019 governorship under any guise, even in the face of unfinished assignment at the green chamber, as a share manifestation of inordinate ambition.

Although man has natural tendencies to aspire higher, but when such aspiration becomes unripe and emanates from  a man who is widely viewed from the prism of interventionist in the murky waters of politics rather than a political opportunist, my immediate reaction to that will be “even you Brutus”.

Hon. Chike in the said interview did not mince words in attributing his meteoric rise in politics to Gov. Rochas Okorocha, a man whose intelligence I respect, but how he applies such in governance will continue to remain a moot point. After all, whether a man is good or bad depends on who is talking.

He owed his successes to him and described him as his political party. Much as it is proper to appreciate mentoring and allegiance to benefactors, Hon. should realize that he must develop his own individuality with deep understanding that the ultimate mandate for political position in Imo lies with Imo  people and not necessarily with a single individual in spite of influence, wealth or godfatherism.

Imo electorates are more politically aware today than yesterday. People are now more critical of politicians and are watching for evidence of concrete achievements rather than Greek gift and flash - in - the pan offer.

Hence it is unarguable that considerations other than achievement, competence and evidence of ability to deliver will not hold sway in 2019 guber and other elective position.

Just as the politicians have started strategizing this early morning, the electorates are doing same.  Carefully watching to determine where they will pitch their tent. On my part, in the spirit of patriotism and deep love for Imo, I will align with persuasive writers, intelligent journalists both state based and national to shape the opinion of our people in the right direction.  

PHOTO: OKAFOR