In this brief telephone interview with Our Correspondent, Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka on Thursday, Retired NNPC accountant and Anglican priest, Rev Goddy Okonkwor explains why he is backing Dr. Okwudili Ezeike for Aguata Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, citing his education, discipline, and philanthropy. Excerpts.
Can you introduce yourself and your background?
I am Rev. Goddy Okonkwor. I am a priest of the Anglican Church. I retired from the NNPC as an accountant with an MBA. At one time, I also contested for governor under the APC platform in Anambra State.
What is the purpose of this interview today?
I am speaking on the aspiration of Dr. Okwudili Ezeike, who is aspiring to represent Aguata Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives. I am giving him my support based on his quality, qualification, philanthropy, and other good gestures.
How well do you know Dr. Ezeike?
I know Dr. Okwudili Ezeike very well. He is a well-educated lawyer and PhD holder. He is also a nurse and a philanthropist. Even from his military background, he has shown service to people.
What specific qualities have you observed in him?
He is disciplined and strong-minded. He is not someone who can be pushed around. He can stand before anybody and argue his case in the interest of the people. He is not a “stomach man” who follows money. He spends his own money to travel home frequently for the people.
You mentioned his philanthropy. Can you elaborate?
He has organized programs where people receive free medicines from time to time. He has also been leading our people in the US and Canada. If he were not a good leader with good principles, learned people would not allow him into their groups.
Some may argue that living abroad means he is disconnected from home. What is your view?
That is not true. Between January and now, he has been in Nigeria more than seven times. Check his passport. He is more street-sensitive than many people here. Engage him anywhere on Nigeria, and you will see he knows more than you think.
What do you say to those who judge candidates by immediate handouts?
That is the problem with us as Nigerians. Some people ask, “What has he done for me?” and expect someone to buy them drinks or share money. I once told a group that came to my house that they owe me. I have trained seven people through university from my own pocket. If everyone shares money to all schools and all local government areas, where will it end? Someone has to start somewhere.
You mentioned corruption in politics. How does that affect good candidates?When I wanted to become a minister, they told me to bring ₦120 million. My salary in a year would not cover that. If I paid it, I would have to steal to recover it. That is why Nigeria is bad today. Anyone who starts by spending heavily to build houses and share money must recover double that amount through corrupt means.
What advice do you have for Dr. Ezeike?People with good education and character should go to heaven and say, “God, I did not steal money or oppress anybody.” I believe he has the character and what it takes to serve, not just to go and collect money. If I saw otherwise in him, I would walk away.
Are you willing to back him financially?
Yes. I am ready to put my money behind him. That should answer your question. Go and tell them I said so.
What should delegates consider when choosing a candidate?
It is a new party, and many people came from other parties. They should ask: does this candidate have what it takes to serve the people? Some people who ran before only climbed on the back of Peter Obi and the Labour Party without qualifications. Delegates must choose people who can stand and defend their party and the people in the National Assembly.
What kind of legislator do you think Aguata needs?
Not people who, when given ₦2 million or a bag of rice, will start swaying and betray the people. Aguata needs someone who can stand firm, defend the constituency, and not compromise for personal gain.
What is your final message on this aspiration?
I cannot waste my time and my money on anybody who does not have stability and integrity. I don’t even belong to his party, but if he succeeds, I will put my money behind him.
For the records, can you state your name and current position again?
I am Rev. Goddy Okonkwor. I am an accountant, retired from NNPC. I am also a priest of the Anglican Church. I contested at a time for governorship in Anambra under APC. Go back and check my record.
