Abiriba people in Abia State are known for their enterprising spirit. It is correct to say that Abia’s foremost businessmen , Billionaires, prime investors, champions of apprenticeship scheme and trading experts are found mostly in Abiriba.
BENUDECHUKWU.COM can authoritatively reveal that there are strong rumours coming from appropriate quarters that a prominent Abiriba son, top notch Board room guru, political scientist turned Banker, self – effacing Philanthropist and strikingly cosmopolitan personality is on the A list for Abia Governorship in 2023.
The snag however is, pundits seem to accept that he may not have the requisite “local content” that would drive quick wins in an Abia that is in dire need of further infrastructural developments, an Abia that would not survive on bureaucracies, bottlenecks and “policy” documents. Do not conclude yet, there are strong positives.
57 year old, Umeso Ameke Abiriba born Urum Kalu (UK) Eke has to his credit, a flourishing banking/accounting career spanning 35 years until he pulled out recently in grand style as Group Managing Director of First Bank Holdings PLC. His banking career, rating agencies report, is without blemish or daint. At different times, he had worked at top accounting firm Delloite Haskins and Sells International and Diamond Bank (now defunct), proving his mettle as a thoroughbred professional.
UK shocked many when he, though against his wish, BENUDECHUKWU.COM gathered, abandoned his University of Lagos certificate in Political Science to venture into accounting. This move is a strong testimony that UK is perhaps an effective “crossover” material. Member of the Federal Republic (MFR), son of a United Kingdom trained Nurse, from family to the corporate world, UK has obtained the right trainings to push through
STRENGTHS
UK is richly trained and obviously endowed with worthy credentials to help him navigate through the murky waters of life and politics
2. He is favoured to inherit the robust political structure of those who are projecting him to take over the top job
3. Retiring as GMD of a first generation Bank like First Bank obliges him with outlay of funds and contacts to cause an upset
4. UK is not a regular politician and would not suffer recriminations common with any person seen as being an extension of the old order.
5. UK founded the Elder (Chief) K.U. Eke Memorial Foundation, through which he supports education scholarship, women empowerment, training of clergy men/pastors, mentoring and capacity building. This feat no doubt is a prime ingredient of the human angle, an emerging prerequisite in modern politics, 21st century Nigeria
WEAKNESSES
1. He is considered an “outsider” who does not command the flavour of “local content” required to drive quick wins. Those who insist on this requirement think it is only a candidate with the proper understanding of Abia politics that would proffer solutions quick enough
2. Abia North where UK is from has an array of political gladiators who also think they should be given a chance. The Deputy Governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sir Ude Oko Chukwu is unarguably a potential contender. How a UK candidacy that would foreclose his chances would be viewed, is a story for another day. It is even more worrisome when it is observed that UK doesn’t seem to be home with the other players within this District
3. BENUDECHUKWU.COM can also reveal that the Ruling Elder of the Presbyterian Church may not be prepared for this top job. Modest and committed to private life, he is the type of candidate that needs to be begged to accept running for the coveted seat. Ironically, Abians are rooting for a person who is prepared, convinced and with a workable plan to mount the saddle
4. The party of choice is a major challenge. While many think he is a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) by Association, not being known as an active member of a party may pose a threat
5. Though he is obviously not too old to rule Abia, the inclination by citizens to a younger person may be a challenge
6. There are unsubstantiated rumours that he may have offered advise or being privy to the running of Abia State Board of Internal Revenue during the Chief TA Orji administration and a period the Revenue Board was adjudged less resourceful and enterprising. His close Associates insist UK is usually above board in his conduct and involvements
Should UK accept to run, his candidacy will surely represent a paradigm shift and perhaps a definite way of letting a supposed greenhorn upstage the big names. One other incontrovertible a fact is that it will obviously foreclose the candidacy of Obinna Oriaku (Ekwe Dike Ngwa Land), the immediate past Conmissioner for Finance, who views UK as a mentor and a simplified picture of the NEW ABIA. It is on record that UK facilitated the “loan” of Oriaku from First Bank to Abis State Government. It is even more interesting given that nobody seems to be giving him a chance.
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