๐ฉ๐ ๐ช๐๐๐. ๐ซ๐๐๐ ๐ช. ๐ฐ.
As an Igbo, it would amount to living in self-denial if we claim not to be aware that other regions in Nigeria find it somewhat uncomfortable to support a candidate from the zone to occupy certain positions, especially elective ones. This is as a result of the “trust deficit” accumulated over the years. The cause of this trust deficit is a story for another day, but the obvious truth is that it has continued to deny us every necessary cooperation from our sister regions in Nigeria. To tackle this, there is a need to consciously build formidable relationships with other political zones established on the foundation of genuineness and sincerity. It is heartwarming that a few key political players from the zone, led by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, have started to put concerted efforts into redressing this challenge.
With the understanding of Nigeria’s complex political landscape, we should start appreciating the strategic importance of bridge building. There are historical experiences that created these inter-regional suspicions, however, they can be systematically addressed through deliberate relationship building targeted at restoring trusts. Knowing that the Nigerian political structure demands that any region that want to occupy high elective positions need overwhelming support from at least one of the other two regions (here I’m aggregating to North, Southwest, and old Southeast). This is where we have always gotten hooked up, considerably because of our confrontational approach instead of a relational approach. The Southeast’s political strategy has often been characterised by demands, threats and ultimatums rather than strategic partnerships and mutually beneficial alliances. This approach has constantly proven counterproductive in the present Nigeria’s political culture which is consensus-driven.
One man who has consistently progressed in building bridges throughout his political journey is Distinguished Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. During his days as Abia State Governor, Kalu rallied unmatched support and cooperation from other governors, where he played prominent roles in what we know today as the “Class of ’99 Governors.” This collaborative spirit clearly speaks to the reason why he has not just remained, among his peers, one of the most relevant figures in national politics till today, but has become a key player who is reckoned with across party lines and regional divides.
If you have followed his political history, he is an Igbo politician who has carefully avoided ethnocentric inflammatory comments capable of drawing ill will to the region, and he has continued to boldly advocate for equitable national participation. Unlike many politicians from the zone who have sometimes gone confrontational, discouraging potential allies, Kalu has maintained an inclusive approach to political discourse. As a current senator, Orji Kalu has continued to build bridges amongst his colleagues in the Red Chamber, and across other regions, with a clear understanding that sustainable political influence requires long term relationship.
As an admired senator in the current 10th Assembly from the Southeast, he has continued to represent the positive side of the zone to his colleagues, resulting in the goodwill he enjoys today. His personal relationships have created an enviable respect for him that extends beyond partisan politics. He has also continued to maintain a very cordial relationship with the presidency and President Bola Tinubu, whom he refers to as his friend. This level of personal relationship is an asset the zone should tap into to negotiate issues of regional interest effectively.
His strategic engagements with other leaders of thought across the regions have continued to systematically closeup on the trust deficit and build trust credit in turn. Most importantly, these are built on mutual respect, shared experiences, and proven reliability over decades of political interaction. Such relationships become very valuable during critical political negotiations and decision-making processes. The ideology of making changes from the inside is obviously the best strategy for the zone to secure a top political position in the country. This approach, which Senator Kalu has, in his wisdom, adopted, recognises that for the region to secure its political desires, it requires working within existing structures while gradually pushing for the targets. External pressure and confrontational tactics have repeatedly failed to yield desired results for the Southeast, making the insider approach not just preferable but necessary at this time.
As it is a concern to ndแป Igbo that for a good number of political cycles now, no Igbo person has occupied any of the top four political positions, OUK’s calculated return bid to the senate in 2027 should be supported by every Easterner. This support should be seen as a strategic investment in the region’s political future. As a ranking member of the senate who has significantly covered the trust gap by building meaningful relationships across the board, he stands a clear chance of clinching a top principal office in the next senate.
At this level of political exposure, the Southeast needs to move beyond the politics of lamentation to the politics of strategic engagement. Supporting a leader like Orji Uzor Kalu who has demonstrated the capacity to build the cross-regional alliances necessary for political success in the present Nigeria, should go beyond Abia Northโs project.