All these consistently contributed in the buildup of the persona OUK PHENOMENON and introduced him into the present Democratic dispensation in 1998 when Abacha gave way for Abdulsalami era. In 1999, OUK became the Governor of Abia State for Eight(8) years. Let me take our memory back to those days he was the Governor. Till date, there has been no other occupants of that office that has used it to accord people of various standing in life the rare opportunity of leadership service.
This singular issue, has continually kept OUK in the plane of unfading popularity in Abia State, even up to tomorrow. While in office, as Governor, his various battles with higher authorities like the President & PDP leadership contributed in increasing his popularity rating exponentially.
By the exit point from the governorship of Abia State, associated with several battles for self-survival politically, OUK formed a secondary political party called PPA, which at its first entry into the foray of general election, won two(2) states of ABIA & IMO. This, by all standard, placed him above any of his contemporaries, including Tinubu, who followed in the same route, but could only hold strongly in Lagos.
Since, then OUK has become more known a remarkably household name in Nigeria more than any other fellow from Igbo land.
As he keeps adventuring in the politics of the country, which has taken him to the Senate for a 2nd term running now, he has left no one in doubt that he is a very serious player. Trying his luck at the topmost job in the Red chamber & aligning with the group opposed to the establishment frontiers to ruffle the feathers of those with entitlement mentality, OUK has plunged into a sphere of leadership popularity & consequence that poses a target had to match.
If you come to terms with his achievements, in terms of attracting Constituency projects, political appointments, leadership opportunities to his Senatorial District & roles in strategic consultations in the Senate, one wonders, why anyone would attempt to pull him down from among his people.
His popularity is just waiting to attain higher crescendo in the coming dispensation of elections.
By: Uzo Eberendu
