Date Published: 12/09/09

Andy Uba and the Anambra Governor's lodge

The name Emmanuel Nnamdi Uba does not stick in most political circles, even though it is fast becoming a recurring decimal. But mention Andy Uba, then the nickel drops. It will definitely attract smiles and frowns alike depending on which flank you are. This guy was, and is still a power broker in Nigeria. Of course with so much cash and influence he attracted lorry loads of friends, loyalists, enemies, hangers-on, etc. Typical of any politician of his stature and reputation.  

Andy is a politician who has a lot of clout in Anambra and Abuja.  He is smart and cunning and sometimes ruthless. Andy, with some not  too palatable contents  in his political  resume, plays the game like a chess player. He was a top honcho and member of the Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo kitchen cabinet. He reportedly wielded a truck load of influence while he was Special Adviser. Tales have it that he was more powerful than VP Abubakar Atiku . He was the dreaded Andy who had the ears of the ruthless ex President, and was tagged Mr.  Fix-it. His clout took one of his siblings Ugochukwu to the National Assembly, whiles the other Chris, loaded also to the hilt, with no clue of what to do with the cash, ran crazy all over Anambra. Despite all the adverse publicity, Andy decided to remain in the background. But not many fell for his laid back style.  

Shortly after he left the Presidential Villa, he decided to run for the Anambra number one seat. After several heartaches, heart burns and migraines, he was elected. But his tenure still stands as one of the shortest in history. My very good pal, Chuks Akunna who was his spokesman was still trying to get his stuff off the van that brought them from Abuja, when his boss was shown the gate. His election was nullified by the courts, so Andy went back to the drawing board. First he tried the Appeal Court but failed. And people kept asking: What Next. But the cunning ex special adviser was not done yet. 

Andy,  like most politicians who have so much money, needed power. He desired to call the shots and be part of every decision making in Anambra, so again he is in the trenches. 

While Ex-CBN helmsman, Charles Soludo was getting the push from Tony Anenih, Andy watched them. Then like a chess player he has reportedly moved. First Soludo, who came to the race with a bagful of scandals, controversies, and a barely literate running mate Emma Anosike,  had other contestants throwing darts at him for being brought through the backdoor by Anenih and his gang. Let us not forget his inept and corrupt supervision of the banks. Then he was sucker punched by Justice Mary Odili of the Appeal Court. Of course Soludo’s adoption was at variance with PDP’s statute. He is now at the Supreme Court.  

Feelers now have it that Andy has made his move again. He is reportedly moving to the Labor Party (LP). Some brand it desperation, but I insist he is just being a politician. Again I ask, what is different between his and what Edo Governor, Adams Oshiomole did to get to the Edo governors office. He continued to jump ship until he got it. What of the guy in Ondo?  

I also learnt that Andy is trying to prevail on the so called ‘weak’ candidate of parties like ANPP to step down. There are speculations he is throwing around loads of cash from his formidable war chest. And I ask so what? That is how politics is played in Nigeria. Do we expect Andy to sit back and watch Anenih and Soludo kick him to the kerb. I also gathered that Obasanjo is behind him like a hunch…What do we expect with Anenih in the mix.  

Another angle is, discredited INEC boss; Maurice Iwu is being speculated to be behind the plot to make Andy Governor. But the problem here is , Anambra is peculiar. Also Iwu failed to install crazy guys in Edo, Ondo, etc. If the Anambra people feel Andy is crazy and not worthy of being their number one,, Iwu cant get him there. So let Andy take his shot. However, there is no doubt that Iwu could rub tar on Andy’s whole brand. Some think he should stay clear of Iwu, like my friend would say ‘ E EASY?’  

Looking at the array of aspirants in Anambra, I can hardly point out any whose reputation and credibility are better. They are all just regular Nigeria politicians, just like Andy, jostling for the juicy office. Ask Governor Godswill Akpabio and Mrs Etuk of Platinum Habib Bank. But some Anambrans appear to have some faith in him because they believe with his money, he would concentrate on development unlike Ngige. But in Nigeria can we bank on that?...I say lets get to the bridge.