This is the first time the Federal government made an appointment I really appreciated. No noise about it. No politics. No public disclosure of its plan or intention. Just came gwam, and the names were announced.
It took the government some six weeks more or thereabout, presumably to crosscheck the names and the eligibility of each committee member for the exalted but highly onerous assignment. The next thing was the formal inauguration of the committee.
I watched it live!
It happened at the prestigious Federal Exco Chambers.
But not all the 42 members of the committee were inside the Executive chamber. Perhaps the entire 42 members were considered too large for the hallowed Executive chamber. Only ten of them had the privilege of physical presence in the chamber while the rest was by virtual participation. Victor Ike Oye was one of the ten.
Without being privy to the criteria for selecting the 10 members, which is best known to the Presidency, in most other instances of this nature, the common yardstick for choosing a few out of many is merit, the principle of primus inter pares – the best among equals.
In my previous post some three weeks ago, I made a comment about the peculiar leadership qualities of APGA National chairman, Dr. Victor Ike Okoye, citing several evidences that prove my assertion right.
The post in question was my reaction to the appointment of Victor Oye among Nigeria’s “40 wise men” out of over 200 million Nigerians as a member of the steering committee assigned the Preparation of Medium Term National Development Plan from 2021 to 2025 and Nigeria Agenda, 2050.
The terms of reference clearly defines the critical nature and importance of the assignment which touches on the very foundation of Nigeria’s social and economic survival in the years ahead. As such, no one needs to be told that the assignment calls for the best hands that can be found among 200 million Nigerians of various walks of life.
As I said before, Victor Oye’s inclusion among Nigeria’s best hands for the job is a thing of pride not just to Anambra State but the Igbo nation at large. I also called it a vindication of my opinion of the uncommon aptitudes of Dr. Victor Ike Oye, in politics and political leadership as in other areas of human endeavor.Throughout his career history, Victor Ike Oye has never proved a failure.
In so short a time as the party chairman, shot APGA into national fame, lifting it from a regional party to a national party and third largest party in Nigeria, thus also bringing himself to the national limelight.
Today, the Gwagwalada Area council in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, APGA is controlled by APGA. The party is also controlling federal and state constituencies in Benue, Nassarawa, Zamfara, Imo, Abia and Kaduna States.
Victor Ike Oye has remained a detribalized leader, offering equal opportunity to all members of his party across the country, devoid of favoritism, gratification, religious affiliation or any undemocratic consideration, a policy that endeared him to the mainstream members of his party.
Victor Ike Oye has also been a leading and vocal voice on all issues affecting Nigerian and proffering sound and workable ideas to make the country great. His appointment as one of these 42 members of the Steering Committee in the first place was therefore not a surprise.
The Federal government in listing Ozonkpu ( Dr) Victor Ike Oye as one of Nigeria’s 42 wise men shows his recognition as one of the national talents Nigeria needs in appropriate leadership positions which is where I believe Victor Oye is evidently heading to after his chairmanship tenure.
Congratulations once again my friend and brother for doing Igbos proud again.
Mazi Omife I. Omife
Mbuze Mbaukwu