* Chime |
By SHEDDY OZOENE
With juicy carrots on one hand and barbed
sticks on the other, the All Progressives Congress has been cashing in on the internecine
feud that has engulfed the Peoples Democratic Party in recent past. Even as
efforts are being made by notable leaders of the party to resolve the dispute
between the Ahmed Makarfi and Ali Sherrif factions, the APC has succeeded in
luring fair-weather politicians away from the party. The exodus of such
political ‘heavyweights’ has been most pronounced in the South East geopolitical
zone, the latest being the immediate past governor of Enugu state, Sullivan
Chime. Though he has not publicly joined the APC, he found the national dispute
within the PDP a convenient alibi to quit.
* Enugu Gov, Ugwuanyi |
The big fishes have been the most
vulnerable: if there are no Dasuki funds to refund, like in the case of Jim
Nwobodo, there is a national appointment to keep, like in the case of Ken
Nnamani or a platform is needed for a governorship election, like in the case
of Andy Uba. The list continues to grow, especially in Enugu state, but the
decision by Chime to jump ship is most curious, and provides a different
perspective on its own.
Though there was noticeable disquiet in
Enugu over the news of Chime’s defection, not many party faithful would lose much
sleep, after all, not many have even sighted him in public since his departure
from Lion Building, Enugu state’s seat of power. However, the statements he
made as he exited the party have raised a few eyebrows. After parting ways with
the party on whose platform he rose to the governorship of Enugu state, he has
launched into several half truths and outright lies to justify his decision,
and ultimately find accommodation within the APC. Forget his claim that “the PDP
I joined in 1999 and had the opportunity of leading in the state for eight
years no longer exists in the true sense of it”, his real intention is to rally
whatever remains of his supporters to another platform where he plans to
actualise whatever personal political aspiration he nurses.
Many say he is frustrated with his downward
slide in political relevance since quitting office. After becoming Enugu
governor on popular acclaim in 2007, Chime maintained a fair rating all through
his 8 years tenure, made even more so by the sentiment against his predecessor,
Chimaroke Nnamani. After what many consider to be an eventful–-even if controversial---tenure,
largely defined by Nnamani’s propensity for stepping on toes and the
high-handed tactics he applied in extracting political loyalty from
subordinates, Chime’s eight years offered a sharp contrast in leadership style.
While he didn’t totally disappoint on that score, it was always going to be
difficult to maintain political relevance out of office considering his awkward
aloofness and his ascetic, self-effacing nature that keeps him withdrawn from
the public.
He may also have
been miffed that he is increasingly being overshadowed in the political scheme
of things in Enugu state. On this score too, he stands to blame. Ever since he
left office, the man noted for his reclusive nature has not identified with the
party at the ward, local government and state levels, a sharp contrast from
what obtains with other leaders who make it a point of duty to attend any and
every party meeting. The fact that his very popular successor, Governor Ifeanyi
Ugwuanyi, coupled with a formidable ally like Ike Ekweremadu, has built an
awesome political structure in the state ought not to displease him or create
unnecessary animosity in the state.
The speculation that Chime may be spoiling for one more
dog-fight with Ekweremadu for the Enugu West Senatorial seat in 2019 is
far-fetched. Though he was muscled out
in 2015 by Ekweremadu, even as a sitting governor, it is doubtful if Chime can
muster the political clout to stand Ekweremadu who by virtue of being the DSP,
is the highest ranked PDP man in public office in Nigeria today. In the
nation’s order of protocol, Ekweremadu is also the foremost Igbo politician in
Nigeria. When considered against his low approval rating among his Udi and
Enugu West kinsmen over what they consider his uncharitable statements and
low-energy performance in the area while he was the state governor, Chime has
no chance in a senatorial contest involving Ekweremadu.
However, Chime may be charting a very unlikely route to
launch to the forefront of Enugu politics: immediately after taking the PDP
exit door, he mounted the campaign to get INEC to deregister Ekweremadu’s PDP.
He has been vehement in saying the PDP was no longer working in tandem with the
constitution that created it, and insisting that neither Makarfi nor Sherrif can
actually lay claim to the position of PDP National Chairman.
Many have referred to the ex-governor’s ongoing
corruption case with the EFCC as his reason for quitting the nation’s
opposition party. Though he strenuously denies the EFCC link, the fact that he has
been hard put explaining his government’s financial indiscretions give a lie to
his grandstand. Chime who was also mentioned in a N450 million campaign
funds largesse, has tried to absolve himself from any blame on the disbursement
of the fund spent during
the 2015 general elections. His performance as governor is a different
matter altogether. While there is a preponderance of opinion that he was above
average, the latter day disagreements with the state House of Assembly which
unearthed some allegations of sordid financial misdemeanor and land grabs
involving him, his children and siblings for personal gains, were indeed revealing.
He vehemently denies owning some choice properties like The Polo
Malls, Park&Shop and some top-notch hotels in Enugu, some of which are
built on what the House said are public lands. Saved by the bell, as they say
in boxing, appeals from notable leaders and the oncoming elections of 2015 was
enough to stop an imminent impeachment before he exited office.
Has Chime always been a loyal member of the
PDP? It is debatable considering that he picked up the party membership card
from his Udi ward only after his predecessor, Nnamani, had fingered him as the
party’s governorship hopeful in 2007. His decision, ill-advised as it is, does
not, therefore, come as a surprise. As it is, that association with the party
lasted just as long as his governorship. It may yet be a good riddance for a
party in dire need of leaders with character.
Sheddy Ozoene wrote in from Nsude,
Enugu state.
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