By Chinonye Iwuala
Political analysts and watchers in Imo State, especially those in Owerri zone, seem to believe, that if the former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere should decide to contest the Senate seat of the zone in 2023, he stands greater chances to sacking Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi, and becoming the next Senator of Owerri zone.
Prince Eze Madumere have been rather quiet about his political future, and have yet to show any interest in abandoning his private businesses for another round of life in public service, but his legacies as Deputy Governor of Imo State, despite the limitations forced upon him by his former boss, Senator Rochas Okorocha, have remained indelible in the minds of Imo people, and seems to be playing vital role in endearing the people of Owerri Zone towards Madumere, over a rather underperforming Onyewuchi.
Despite working under a boss, who did everything to undermine him in the eyes of the people of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere remained dogged in his desire to serve his people.
Madumere, would singlehandedly attract several World Bank assisted programs to Imo State, which includes, but not limited to the NewMap program that is tackling erosion across the state, the FADAMA III (additional financing), as well as the RAMP project that brought road projects to the state, from the World Bank amongst a lot more.
Analysts who have observed these, are of the view that Madumere seems to be a better national player than Onyewuchi, who’s tenure in the House of Representatives, didn’t yield much to his people in Owerri Federal Constituency, and who’s stay in the Senate have so far been rated very far below expectations.
There are others, who believe that if the APC hopes to win the Owerri Senate seat, they would have to come up with a candidate as strong and accepted as Madumere, to be able to dislodge Onyewuchi.
It would also be recalled, that Prince Eze Madumere, spearheaded the battle against Okorocha, a stand that had not been forgotten by the people of Imo State, who saw a champion of the people in him.
Madumere have maintained an advisory role to the Hope Uzodinma government, pointing out areas attention is needed, like he indicated the payment of pensions and salaries, during his One Year in Office message to Uzodinma.
He had also gone back to this numerous business concerns, where he aims to provide jobs for unemployed youths in the state.
Should he decide to serve his people in his usual fearless manner once again, Onyewuchi may not find him an easy mark as he found the late Emma Ojinere in 2019.
