I’m Walking In My Father’s Steps – Emeka Ojukwu Jnr

First son of the late Dim Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Emeka Ojukwu Jnr, has explained that his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) was not for selfish aggrandisement, but to ensure that similar ideals that informed his late father’s action are upheld.

Ojukwu Jnr. added that he was merely walking in his father’s steps by ensuring that his actions are informed by the best interest of Nd’Igbo, recalling how, shortly after his return from exile in 1982, his father joined the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) rather than the Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP).

He said: “I can afford to stay back (in APGA) and wallow in sentimental politics that nkea bu nkeanyi (this is our own), but in the long run, what becomes of our tomorrow and place in the great Nigeria project, for which our forefathers laboured, invested their time, talent and even their blood?

“Which is preferable: to be a big fish in a small pond or a big fish in the ocean? Real champions are never afraid of the big league. That could be why late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, asserted that if you cannot reason beyond petty sentiments, you are a liability to mankind. Nd’Igbo are not better off with emotional politics.”

Ojukwu spoke to The Guardian against the backdrop of recent statement by re-elected Governor Willie Obiano that he considers Ikemba’s son as of no consequence, but has extended an olive branch to stakeholders and co-contestants in the recent Anambra governorship poll.

He said the governor was still playing kindergarten politics, wondering why Obiano and other party chieftains should condemn him for identifying with APC while they struggle to impress President Buhari that they support him for a second term in office.

“So, while they seek to crucify me for joining APC, they express support and solidarity for the APC leader. Which is worse, to walk the talk or pander to politics of deceit and duplicity? What is the essence of being in a party that would rather support the presidential candidate of another party than choose its own?” he asked.

Ojukwu Jnr. stressed that having supported Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan in office, Nd’Igbo have decided to support President Buhari in the spirit of fairness and political goodwill, so that when a president of Igbo extraction emerges, other ethnic groups would reciprocate.