Barrister Ogochukwu Onyema, popularly known as Sir OAU Onyema, is an Enugu-based lawyer and politician who has consistently nurtured the ambition of serving in the National Assembly.
He is currently the African Democratic Congress (ADC) senatorial candidate for Enugu West Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In an exclusive interview with Maurice Okafor in Enugu, Onyema disclosed that one of his major reasons for seeking a seat in the National Assembly is to sponsor a bill for the legalisation of licensed concealed firearms and the introduction of volunteer policing, which he believes are effective measures for addressing insecurity and corruption in Nigeria.
Excerpts:
What do you hope to achieve through your persistent desire to serve in the National Assembly?
My ambition is to use legislation to address the challenges confronting our system. I believe that with my character and commitment, I can contribute to re-engineering the system for a better Nigeria.
Those entrusted with the responsibility of changing the system are often preoccupied with personal interests, while corruption continues to thrive and insecurity keeps expanding. I believe that one or two key policies can reverse the growing trend of insecurity and corruption in Nigeria.
To this end, I intend to sponsor bills for the legalisation of concealable firearms and the establishment of volunteer policing across the country.
Firearms should be issued to responsible citizens under strict regulations. Just as there are criteria for obtaining a driver’s licence, firearm ownership licences should be granted only to Nigerians with verifiable and credible profiles who can use them responsibly for self-defence and the protection of society.
Why do you believe Nigerian elites should be licensed to possess firearms?
If bandits with little or no formal education can acquire guns and use them to terrorise, kidnap, rob and kill innocent citizens, what prevents Nigerian professors, lawyers, doctors, engineers, journalists, businesspeople, security officials and bankers from legally owning firearms to defend themselves and their communities?
Bandits often complete their operations and escape before security agencies arrive at the scene. However, with the legalisation of licensed firearms and volunteer policing, criminals would face immediate resistance.
Volunteer police officers, who may operate in plain clothes, could also assist in rescue operations and intelligence gathering.
This policy has remained a major component of my political agenda since 2010 when I first began nursing the ambition of becoming a federal legislator representing Enugu West Senatorial District.
Even military generals and high-ranking security officials have fallen victim to kidnappers and bandits. This demonstrates the need to rethink existing security strategies, including discussions around licensed firearm ownership and volunteer policing.
I am optimistic that the incidence of kidnapping, armed robbery and other forms of criminality will reduce significantly if responsible Nigerians are legally permitted to own licensed firearms.
If elected, I will work tirelessly to convince my colleagues in the Senate to support legislative measures aimed at addressing insecurity and corruption through these reforms.
How do you intend to convince lawmakers to support such legislation?
I will engage in extensive consultations and lobbying because many people do not fully appreciate the realities of the security challenges facing the country.
I will explain to senators that empowering responsible citizens within a regulated framework can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities. At present, bandits can invade schools and abduct hundreds of pupils, while security agencies often struggle to respond immediately.
We need policies that will strengthen community-based security responses while ensuring proper regulation and accountability.
You also mentioned corruption. How would these policies help address it?
The legalisation of licensed firearms, in my view, could have a multiplier effect by reducing several social vices associated with insecurity.
Beyond that, I intend to advocate for greater transparency in governance. One of the reforms I will champion is a policy requiring all government investigative panels to make their findings public rather than keeping citizens in the dark.
Transparency and accountability are critical tools in the fight against corruption.
Apart from national reforms, I will also focus on socio-economic and infrastructural development across Enugu West Senatorial District through effective constituency projects and quality representation.
What informed your decision to contest on the platform of the ADC?
I left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after the 2023 elections, before Governor Peter Mbah was sworn in as Governor of Enugu State.
At the time, I informed Governor Mbah that I did not wish to be considered for any political appointment because I intended to join another political platform.
From the Labour Party, I moved to the ADC, later joined the NDC, and eventually returned to the ADC.
At present, I intend to pursue my senatorial ambition for Enugu West in 2027 on the platform of the ADC.
We first consolidated the ADC and built structures across the state. Because of my admiration for Mr. Peter Obi, I followed him to the NDC, hoping to continue on the same political platform.
However, my expectations were dashed by what I considered internal distortions, disappointments and practices that did not align with my principles. Issues such as alleged ticket racketeering and the conduct of some party leaders compelled me to return to the ADC.
What makes you believe the ADC will be a major force in Enugu State in 2027?
The ADC is well-positioned to surprise many observers in the 2027 elections because we have established structures across the 260 electoral wards in Enugu State.
We have been strengthening the party since January 2025. The ADC has prominent political figures, including myself, our governorship candidate, Dr. Obodoeze Ocho, and several other accomplished individuals.
We have competent and intellectually sound members. Ultimately, ideas and competence drive political success.
The ADC has strong grassroots structures in Enugu State and remains a party to watch ahead of the 2027 elections.
What is your assessment of the APC’s chances in Enugu State?
From my assessment, the All Progressives Congress (APC) may face significant challenges in Enugu State during the 2027 general elections.
Historically, the party has struggled to gain widespread acceptance among the electorate in the state, and I believe that reality may persist in the next election cycle.
