An aspirant for governor under the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Prof. James Ene Nwa Nnaji, says he won the recent NDC primaries. He is proprietor of Starlight Education Centre, Madala, Niger State and National President of the National Association of Technical and Vocational Education in Nigeria. In this press interview with Our Correspondent Abbanobi-Eku Onyeka, he appeals for support so all hands can be on deck to rebuild Enugu State. Excerpts.
Professor, please introduce yourself and your ambition.
I am Professor Ene Nwa Nnaji James. I’m from Akpugo, Nkanu West, Enugu State. I’m contesting for the seat of the governor of Enugu State.
What is your advice to the NDC national executives at this stage?
I wouldn’t have any advice for now because there’s nothing to bother or worry about. My national executives are gentlemen, experienced politicians and administrators. They know what is right, what to do and how to do it, in the best interest of the party and Nigerians who are yearning for visible change.
You said Enugu State should not be in its present state. Why?
A lot has happened that Enugu State shouldn’t have been what it is today if party leaders had done what they’re supposed to do. Enugu has been capital of the Eastern Region, East Central State, Anambra State, and now Enugu State again. It’s supposed to be a model, but we’re struggling. Growing up we fetched water from public taps; today everywhere is borehole and nobody knows the geological implication for the future.
What administrative experience do you bring to governance?
I’ve been in administration. I haven’t held political office, but I know how to handle human capital and other resources to give people what they need. Sincerely speaking, Nigeria has no business with poverty, and Enugu State has no business marking time.
What community leadership roles have you held?
I was secretary of Enugu State General Assembly in Abuja at a point, and currently I’m Vice President. The President General is from Arkwu. Those roles exposed me to the yearnings of Enugu people across the 17 local governments.
What are Enugu people telling you during your sensitization?
The common language is: let a fresh person take over this seat and let Enugu people have space to say this is our state. Enugu people want political freedom, economic liberation, and a working education that is result-oriented and productive, not children going to school at 10 o’clock while teachers are still returning from the market.
You’re a professor and school proprietor. How does that shape your view on education?
I’m proprietor of Starlight Education Centre, Madala, Niger State. 85% of my work life has been in the classroom. As I speak, I’m National President of the National Association of Technical Educational School Proprietors of Nigeria. My tenure expires in 2027. So when I talk about education, I speak as a practitioner who knows what it is constantly.
What is your advice to Enugu voters now?
My advice is to practicalize their aspirations. During sensitization for these primaries we spoke to NDC members; now I want Enugu people to key into it and benefit from good governance and leadership that inspires followership. When a family is not doing well, look at the father or mother. Leadership is the same.
NDC’s motto is “service.” How does that reflect in your life?
My life is a life of service. NDC’s motto is service to the people, youth, women and elderly. I’ve served mankind in religious, academic and community circles. I’ve been national chairman of my town, national chairman of my village, and currently chairman of my town in SCP. I know what human beings need and how to galvanize people and resources.
Politics in Nigeria is often described as “do or die.” What’s your view?
Anybody who sees politics as do or die is not a politician but a transactional person. He invested money and expects to reap benefits. If you’re into politics for service, you’re offering yourself to be hired by the people. I’m not ruling out the possibility of not winning because power belongs to God and He gives it to anybody He wants.
What is your promise to Enugu people if elected?
My role is to offer myself to the people of Enugu. Hire me, I will give you what you never had before, positively, and Enugu will be better for it. We need all hands on deck to rebuild the state.
Any final word to the people of Enugu State?
Thank you very much for the opportunity. Enugu people deserve governance that matches our history and potential. With your support, we can achieve a real political experiment that Nigerians will be proud of.
