Obunike Ohaegbu Declares Governorship Bid For Anambra 2021

The former Commissioner for Public Complaints Commission [PCC], Abuja chapter, Barrister Obunike C. Ohaegbu has declared his bid for the office of the governorship of Anambra State.

The state governorship election will come up in November, 2021.

When ElombahNews contacted him in his Abuja office, he stated categorically that it is time to place Anambra State on a new pedestal of development and innovative ideas.

When asked why he chose two clear years to declare his ambition, he said the time will allow him to make wide consultations with stakeholders before rush hour.

Autobiography of Obunike C. Ohaegbu

I was born on July 24th, 1972in Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area, Anambra South Senatorial zone to the family of Late Mr. Simon and Mrs. Philomena Ohaegbu. .  I am the only surviving child of my parents out of 3 siblings.  My father was an entrepreneur and veteran of the Biafra War. My paternal grandmother gave me the name UWA ABUNIKE reflecting the extremely lucky survival stories of my father during the civil war and the peculiar circumstances of my birth. My father died barely 18 months after my birth. My father was known for hard work, honesty, discipline, fear of God. He led an exemplary life both at Ukpor and Port Harcourt his base before death. These virtues he imbibed in his children. He was highly respected in his time for his uprightness, integrity and great sense of community.

My mother was known for hard work. She was a primary school, first school leaving certificate holder and a petty trader before the death of her husband. She went back to school as a widow and was eventually employed as a teacher by the Anambra State Ministry of Education from where she retired as a Head Mistress in 2008. Considering her situation then, it was difficult for her to manage her academic pursuits and at the same time, the upbringing of her children. Her late mother, who was my grandmother (Ozoeme Ume Okwumba from Dara Nnakenyi Oforma family in Umunnelam, Umudim Nnewi in Nnewi North LGA) took over the responsibility of raising me. With the tenacity to uphold the virtues already imbibed in me quite early in life, I didn’t allow my circumstances to deter my zeal for education.

I began my primary education at Ebe Community Primary School  Ukpor, after which I proceeded to Community Secondary School,Ukpor (Ukpor Boys) for junior secondary education and then to Okongwu Memorial Grammar School, Nnewi for my Senior Secondary education and sat for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) in 1992. In 1993, I gained admission into Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka where I bagged a Bachelors degree in Law in 1999. I attended the Nigerian Law School Bwari, Abuja and was called to the Nigerian Bar in January 2001, consequently becoming a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Still yearning for more knowledge, on completion of my one year mandatory National Youth Service Program at the National Assembly and Festus Keyamo Chambers in 2002, I was admitted into the University of Brussels, Belgium in 2003 where I obtained a Masters Degree (LLM) in International Legal Cooperation in 2004. In 2005, I enrolled at the University of Wales in the United Kingdom where I bagged another Master’s Degree in International Trade Law in 2007.

Professional Experience

After my educational sojourn abroad, I returned to Nigeria in 2007 to take up an appointment as the Senior Legislative Aide (SLA) in the National Assembly Abuja. A position I diligently held till the expiration of the tenure in 2011.

On May 14th, 2012,  I was sworn in with 36 others by the then Chairman of the National Assembly and Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. David A.B Mark (GCON) as Federal Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission (The Ombudsman) in charge of the Federal Capital Territory, becoming the FCT’s pioneer Commissioner. My impacts were greatly felt especially by the downtrodden residents in the FCT. Under my watch, the once redundant watchdog was repositioned into a potent tool for addressing injustice, promoting citizens’ rights and aiding responsive governance; playing the rightful role of the Ombudsman.

I am a seasoned lawyer with over twenty years practice experience and the Principal Partner with SIMPHIL ASSOCIATES, firm of lawyers in Abuja. I am currently a doctorate Law student of the University of Abuja.

I also obtained several diplomas and certificates in various trainings which include: Certificate on “Effective Use of Negotiation, Consensus Building and Collaborative Processes in Ombudsman Services in Nigeria” from Centre for Peace, Democracy and Development, University of Massachusetts, Boston, USA in September, 2014.

I belong to several professional and civic organizations. I am married with children.

I have been adjudged a bridge builder, a philanthropist, a man of enormous potentials that has been using my resources to promote several good causes. I hold the ozo-title of, Dara Nwachinemere n’ Ukpor. In recognition of my contributions to the development of my Community, the traditional ruler, HRM (Dr) Sir Felix Onyimadu, KSJI, Igwe of Ukpor honored and enrolled me as a High Chief, EZESINACHI N’ UKPOR  in 2017.   I am also a senior member of the Igwe’s Cabinet.  I am a Knight of the Catholic Church whose philanthropy cuts across denominations.

Awards

I have received numerous commendations and awards in Anambra, the FCT and beyond for my dedication and works in promoting national cohesion through entrenchment of social justice.

Meritorious Award of Patron, Catholic Women Organization, Catholic Diocese of Nnewi-August 12th, 2017, Excellence Award.

Catholic Women Organization, St Lawrence Church Isheri Olofun, Catholic Arch Dioceses of Lagos State October, 26th, 2014,

Merit Award by Anambra State Towns People Association (ASTPA) AbujaDecember, 5th, 2014.

Honorary Awardas Ambassador of Christ and Mary by Catholic Boys Organization, Catholic Dioceses of Nnewi on November 2nd, 2013.

Merit Award“as a Member of the Nnewi Dioceses Friends Forum and in Recognition of your good will and commitment towards the growth of the Catholic Dioceses of Nnewi” on November 2nd, 2013.

Certificate of Civil Reception, Ukpor Improvement Union, Ukpor on December 29th, 2013,

Certificate of Meritpresented in Recognition of Devotion to Seat of Wisdom Catholic Community (SWCC) and sterling contributions to the welfare of the Association dated October 25th, 2000.

Merit Award as Outstanding Student by Ukpor Undergraduates’Union, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka dated July 10th, 1999.

Merit Award for Meritorious Servicesto the Student body of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka as Secretary General Law Faculty dated August 15th, 1998.

Certificate Awarded by the Nigeria Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS) Dated 1998.

Merit Award as Pioneer President of Ukpor Undergraduates Union for selfless Contributions towards the Growth of Education and Social Development to the Union, Ukpor and the nation in General dated December 24th, 1998.

Merit Award for Meritorious Services to Amnesty International Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Pre-Group dated August 6th, 1999.

My Vision

For the State to be first among equals and serve as a learning ground for other states in the country.

My Mission

Innovative change in the approach to service delivery by creating an enabling environment, for wealth creation, promotion of investments and businesses. [End]

In the words of a political pundit that knows Obunike Ohaegbu well enough, “Nnuku mmanwu puta, obodo awalu oso [when a renowned masquerade takes center stage, the lesser masquerades disappear]!