By Chuks Nwokeji l Owerri
In every political season, emotions run high and the quest for change becomes loud, but history has taught us that in legislative politics, change for the sake of change is often a journey backward. The legislature is not the executive where a governor can sign a file overnight; it is a chamber of ranking, seniority and influence built over time. This is why, if Owerri West makes the wise decision to re-elect Hon. Kanayo Onyemaechi for a third term, the constituency will not just return a lawmaker, it will retain its front seat where power is exercised and where critical decisions affecting Imo State are taken.
Legislative business in every democracy in the world respects ranking and seniority. It is not a place for noise making or trial and error, it is a highly technical institution governed by Standing Orders, precedents, lobbying and deep relationships. That is why the most influential lawmakers are not the newest, but the oldest in the system.
For Owerri West, the biggest gain of a third term is that the State Constituency will remain at the table where agenda is set and where the fate of every constituency is decided.
Principal position will not elude him and with principal office comes control over the legislative calendar. It is the principal officers that decide which bill is listed for second reading, which motion is urgent, and which committee will handle a sensitive matter. Owerri West will certainly not beg for attention, because their son is among the deciders.
Third term also gives direct and unfettered access to the executive arm. A Governor respects a ranking member more than a first-termer because a ranking member controls votes on the floor and can make or break executive bills. Hon. Onyemaechi will not need to write long letters or pass through protocol to see the Governor. He will pick his phone, call directly, and get Owerri West files approved.
In terms of productivity, Owerri West will benefit from zero learning curve. A first term lawmaker uses his first year to learn the Standing Orders and parliamentary language, second year to stabilize, third year to struggle to impress his people, and fourth year is already election year. A third termer like Hon. Kanayo Onyemaechi hits the ground running from day one, moving motions that touch Owerri West directly.
Lawmaking is also about lobbying and negotiation, Egbe eji eje Ogu as he is fondly called has built strong relationships across party lines, with Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Agencies, and federal contacts. While a new person will still be searching for his seat and where the restroom is in the Assembly complex, Onyemaechi will be negotiating for NDDC, UBEC, TETFUND, ISOPADEC, and other intervention projects for Owerri West.
The constituency also stands to gain national exposure. Ranking members are the ones nominated to represent Imo State House of Assembly at Speakers’ Conference, national legislative summits, and inter-state parliamentary exchanges. At those platforms, they build federal connections and attract federal presence to their constituency, something a first-timer cannot do.
Continuity is another powerful gain. A first term lawmaker starts a bill or a project, second term he pushes it, but only in third term does he have the time and influence to finish it, pass it into law, and see it implemented. Re-electing Onyemaechi means all his ongoing human capital development, youth empowerment, and community projects will not be abandoned mid-way.
Owerri West will also enjoy stronger protection of its political interest. In moments of boundary dispute, land matter, youth restiveness or government policy that affects Owerri West, a ranking member speaks and the House listens. His voice carries weight because of his seniority, and that weight will be used to defend Owerri West.
There is also the gain of mentorship and attraction of younger Owerri West people into governance. A third term legislator has mastered the art of lawmaking and can now open doors for Owerri West youths in terms of legislative aides, committee clerkship, and political appointments through his influence.
Legislative experience also leads to better quality of laws. Hon. Onyemaechi has mastered the Imo State House of Assembly Standing Orders and legislative procedure. He knows when to raise a point of order, how to draft a bankable bill, how to defend it at second reading, how to navigate public hearing and third reading. This mastery cannot be bought, it is earned by experience.
The worst thing that can happen to Owerri West is to change the goal post in the middle of the game. According to a popular maxim, “you don’t change the goal post in the middle of the game.” Our elders also say, “You don’t chase away the old masquerade that knows the way to the shrine and bring a new one that will get lost in the village square.” Bringing a new person now will take Owerri West back with a reverse gear, where they start learning all over again while other constituencies are harvesting.
In simple language, first term you send a student to learn, second term you send a graduate to try, third term you send a master and a landlord who now controls the House. Owerri West needs a landlord in the House, not a tenant. As our people say, “A new broom may sweep clean, but it is the old broom that knows all the corners of the house.” Experience knows the corners where projects are hidden.
Second term is generally viewed as consolidation while Third Term is perfection. That is why returning Hon. Kanayo Onyemaechi for a third term is not just about him, it is about moving Owerri West from consumption to control, from consolidation to perfection. Owerri West needs that power now more than ever.
