I UNDERSTAND NATIONAL POLITICS AND INTEGRATION – AHIZE
The Labour Party Senatorial Candidate for Imo West (Orlu Zone), Chief Charles Ahize, may need no formal introduction in Imo. He has been very much around but had preferred to stay away from politics, preferring instead to build his business empire through which he has empowered a lot of people. Chief Ahize believes that Nigeria needs people with a good understanding of national politics which will enhance social integration.
As a senatorial candidate, Chief Ahize is of the opinion that Imo West may require a person like him who would seamlessly integrate his people in national politics so that all the opportunities that abound at the national front could be harnessed by his people. In this interview, Chief Charles Ahize speaks of his legendary spirit of philanthropy which has given hope to many people across the country. He also speaks on other issues beyond the realities of national politics and integration.
My political history is born out of a personal agenda to help my people; to develop human capital which I have been doing effortlessly without government support.
My means of livelihood
I am a business man who imports automobiles. I am also an expert in human capital development. Succinctly put, I am into the business of helping humanity realize their potentials.
My mission
I understand national politics and integration very well. I observe that there is a disconnect between our leaders and the led. I have built bridges of friendship and goodwill beyond this country. Consequently, I am eager to deploy my personal contact and sagacity to bridge the gap of development in Orlu Zone.
What I would do differently
Three things that I would do very differently are glaring in my mind. One, I will run an open-door policy. I shall do this in a remarkable way because I would make sure there will be no strictures to prevent the people from accessing me. Two, I will be genuine and honest. I am not going to the senate to acquire the filthy lucre.
Thus, I shall not shortchange my people. None of my constituents will have a sense of regret for having a senator like me at the National Assembly. Three, I shall not acquire power to start practicing Robert Greene’s 48 Laws of power. May the Almighty God punish me if I dare do engage in that obnoxious practice.
The Igbo question
The Igbo question comes with the quest for the Igbo presidency; and it is a question that is to be resolved now or never. The atmosphere is charged. Nigerians have come to realize that Mr. Peter Obi is the man with the streak of excellence and capacity needed to hold the demanding office of the President.
A Peter Obi Presidency represents the fight against corruption. It represents the fight against insecurity and unemployment. With an Obi presidency, Nigerians would realise that they had been blindfolded. An Obi Presidency will strategically deliver on all burning issues of social and fiscal development plaguing our beloved country.
My history with pan-Igbo social groups
There were times when we had men who were zealous for the genuine development of the Igbo race. Some also fought for their pockets and betrayed the cause. I am a pan-Igbo of note. I took over the leadership of the Obi-Igbo where we interrogated government’s inhumanity to the Igbo.
I was then one of the people that pressured the federal government to award the Ore-Asaba Road. When the late Chuba Okadigbo was haunted by the government, I called a rally in Lagos in support of Dr Okadigbo. In 2003, when Igbos agitated that Ekwueme should be President, some Igbo leaders disappointed me by selling out. Today, a golden opportunity has just offered itself hence every hand must be on deck to actualize the Igbo presidency that is staring us right in the face.
My history as a human capital developer
I cannot remember when I started lending helping hands to people and organizations in need. This is because it is in my DNA to build human capital. In mid 90s I was invited by the Students Medical Association of the University of Lagos for a launching, I discovered that the students were organizing the fund-raiser to buy a photocopier. I stopped the donations instantly and bought a brand new photocopying machine for them. In 1994, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Enugu Chapter, gave me an award as the Philanthropist of the Year.
Chief Ogbonnaya Onu was governor then and he bagged Governor of the Year Award. Similarly, in 1994, I was captured as one of the 100 most fascinating Igbos owing to my passion for philanthropy.
