The race for Njaba/Nwangele/Isu/Nkwerre House of Representatives seat has indeed thrown up one of the biggest political masquerades in Imo State. The political pedigree of Cosmas Maduba popularly called “Odedube Isu” is awesome considering his political antecedents that makes him a fierce contender and front runner for the Reps seat in 2019. This is why his entrance into the race has unsettled some politicians in the constituency and also altered the political colouration in the area as the 2019 elections draws close. It is case of a General stepping into the battlefield!
Having nurtured both political light and heavyweights in the past which has now translated to huge political capital for his aspiration, certainly Maduba’s resolve to step into the race is indeed a source of worry for those who understand his political might and size. Those conversant with the political terrain in the constituency will attest to the fact that indeed a political titan has stepped out and this will invariably shake the political landscape of the area.
Maduba represent many things for the people of Njaba/Nwangele/Isu/Nkwerre federal constituency. He is not only an astute politician, he is a liberator, an immutable agent of change and an instrument to balance the lopsided manner past representatives of the Federal constituency have emerged in the past.
Nwangele/ Nkwerre/ Isu/ Njaba federal constituency is one of the largest federal constituencies in Nigeria. For a long time, two local governments have been shortchanged in producing representatives. Isu local government where Maduba comes from and Njaba local governments have either by design or by deliberate act never produced a Representative to the Green Chamber. Nwangele has occupied the position for 8 years of two terms, while Nkwerre has done 12 years of three terms. This amounts to marginalization and a clear case of political robbery.
This marginalization places a moral burden on Maduba. He has a herculean task to change the unbalanced manner the political pendulum swings in his Federal constituency. Showing an uncommon character and determination to succeed, “Odebube” is however confronted by a monstrous plan by the supposed leader of his political party- the All Progressive Congress, APC in Imo State, Governor Rochas Okorocha to impose the Deputy Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Ugonna Ozuruigbo as the party’s candidate.
Such endorsement only gathers moss in the realm of speculation. It does not translate to reality as it reflects the desperation of a few to change the will of the people. This will not surmount the desire of his people who are satisfied with “Odebube”s pedigree in addition to the forces of change that seem to count in his favour in the scramble for the Reps seat in 2015.
