When the history of 21st century revolution in the Nigerian Insurance Sub sector will be written, Hon. Darlington Nwokocha’s name will feature prominently, so much for boldness in giving the Insurance industry a more proactive and dynamic Act. The 54 year old member representing Isiala Ngwa North/South in the House of Representatives and Chairman House Committee on Insurance and Acturial matters has proven his mettle as a serious minded Federal Legislator.
The 1992 University of Portharcourt graduate of Management threw his hat into Isiala Ngwa and nay Abia political ring when he contested and won a seat to represent Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency at the Abia State House of Assembly. Perhaps, as a reward for hardwork, he was reelected for a second term. The seamless transition from the State Assembly to the National Assembly is a bold statement that the man called “Darloo” is an emerging political champion.
As it is typical of most Nigerian politicians, his brightest moments are the 14 years he has spent as a Legislator. We cannot find any records of what he did before 2007 when he cut his political teeth. Those who know the Nvosi Isiala Ngwa South federal Legislator, reveal that young Darlington was a businessmen pre 2007.
THE TWIST
The interesting twist is that, pundits think Darloo will use his aspiration to be Governor as a bait to either retain his seat at the National Assembly or move one step ahead to vie for the Senate.
Should Darloo push to have a shot at the Governorship, his kinsman Prof. Uche Eleazer Ikonne, the immediate Vice Chancellor of Abia State University may give him a run for his money and fame. Should he wish to retain his seat, it will be a “fight to finish” as many like the famous Philanthropist Ncheta Omerekpe, his political rival Chief Gabriel Onyendilefu, former Accountant General of the State, his man Friday Ginger Onwusibe, the inimitable Chuku Wachuku just to mention but a few will be waiting at the sidelines.
For a man who has been elected by his people four times, it is easy to know how he would wriggle out of the Isiala Ngwa political quagmire.
CONFIRMED STRENGTH
During Hon. Nwokocha’s 54th birthday, his link to the Ochendo family was made profound. Politically speaking and as that family’s political grandson, he is entitled to inherit both their assets and liabilities. It is not in doubt that the Ochendo family would prefer a Darloo for an elective office to several others who besiege the Isiala Ngwa Political space.
What could pass as Darloo’s most intimidating political strength is his profitable alliance with Okenze Ginger Onwusibe, the member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency at the 7th House of Assembly. Ginger, a die hard grassroots politician is believed to live in the hearts of the people more than any other Isiala Ngwa politician living at this time. His OTAWIKE structure is almost a given for Darloo. Many who see Darloo as an unserious Legislator argue that he simply attached his personality to that of Ginger, Onwa Ntigha. It is further projected that the only time this alliance may suffer a hit is when the interests of these two political friends crash. Ginger is eminently qualified to seek election in all the areas Darloo may likely have interest. How this speculated clash in interest would be resolved remains a matter for another day.
At home and within the PDP political family, the man believed to be in charge of “Third Force”, seems to enjoy appreciable support from party heavyweights. This, many also believe would help to strike balance of power, given that there are also some heavyweights in Isiala Ngwa who do not approve of his style. Darloo could take the unflinching support of PDP State Youth Leader Patrick Onwuka or that of Elder John Nwamgborogwu, the former Director General of OKEZUO CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION and now Chairman Governing Council, Abia State Polytechnic, Aba; for granted
PERCEIVED WEAKNESS
Whereas he conceives projects based on the needs of his people, the end result may not be befitting of the humongous sums used in executing them. We are looking at the “Ultra Modern Legislative building” at Omoba and the amount quoted as being cost of project, the garri processing plant, the “Ultra Modern ICT centre at Mbutu”, the school project at Amaorji, the “regrassing” of the school stadium and the building of relaxation centre in the 10 wards of Isiala Ngwa North.
The Rt. Hon. Chikwendu Kanu challenge will continue to reverberate. It would be recalled that there was an allegation that Darlloo had through the “Third Force” attempted to recall the former Speaker of the 6th House of Assembly. Those who know Isiala Ngwa politics think trying to undo Chikwendu was a subtle way of setting fire on his political mountain. Although, given Chikwendu’s peaceful disposition, Darloo may be second time lucky. So, may not be said about his kinsmen who are in a hurry to replace Darloo through popular votes. Chief Onyendilefu remains a force to reckon with and may turn the table against Darloo. Ncheta Omerekpe widely accepted within his Umuakwu area and beyond, using his Foundation to do uncommon things, is another man to watch. Prof. Ikonne is also showing early signs of throwing his hat into the ring. It becomes a contest because these heavyweights are all tied to one Federal Constituency.
ABIA 2023
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