Profile of Senator Ayogu Eze

There is no doubt that the level of development in Nsukka is still very low. One way of coming out of this regrettable situation is to have good representation at all levels of government, but especially at the National Assembly. The chance has come again, for us to choose those to represent us at the House of Representatives and Senate. Nsukka people are looking for people who know them, who love them, who understand their problems, who are interested in their developmental needs and have a penchant for tackling their problems. Nsukka needs and deserves good share of national amenities.

Many can say they know our problems, that they love and care for us. The big question is however, can they actually deliver? Can they cope with the enormous task of representing us and getting our fair share of the National budget? Do they command both respect and confidence of Nsukka people? Confidence based on personality, capability and previous achievements? What are they capable of doing for us? We put our confidence in those who are capable, those that have risen through the ranks and thus are experienced in the act of governance. We will put our confidence in those with high sense of morality and integrity quotient. They should have a sound political, social, economic and cultural philosophy. They should be principled and have clear goals. They must be knowledgeable and versed. We need people who appreciate the enormous intellectual input that goes into presentation of bills. They must appreciate the importance of research, importance of collection of relevant data and statistical materials and analyzing them with specific objectives in mind. They should be ready to work with formidable members of the intelligentia who will feed them with novel ideas based on facts and figures with which they can write, present and defend bills. They should also have great power of persuasion in order to sell their views, ideas and bills to other members. They should be national figures with national clouts.

Senator Ayogu Eze is unquestionably one personality whom we believe lives up to the above qualities and criteria by all standards. He is one man who understands the needs and appreciates Nsukka people. He has both the task of government at the National level. Having patiently been in Government for such a long time, he has gained enough experience and has demonstrated that he can work for the good of Nsukka people. He is a leader with unquestionable sense of morality and high integrity. A principled man with great sense of philosophy and sound political ideology, Ayogu as a political strategist, is one of few Nsukka leaders who firmly understand and believe that “genuine reform and desired changes can only be achieved from within, not from the outside”. This philosophy of his explains why he remained with Ebeano family. His love for idea explains why his political think tank is made up of academics and intellectuals drawn from all disciplines and walks of life, an indication that he appreciates the importance of research and background for the Herculean task of representing his people at National Assembly. Ayogu is also an outstanding orator with great persuasive potentials. During our interactive session with him, below are some of his responses to our questions.

Links

   Ebeano
   Ebeano2007
   Champion
   Guardian
   Daily Independent
   Leadership
   New Nigerian
   TheNews
   The Punch
   The Tide
   ThisDay
   The Sun
   Tribune
   Vanguard
   Newswatch
   Dawodu.com
   NigeriaVillageSquare    NigeriaWorld
   IgboKwenu
   SaharaReporters
   ElenduReports
   GoogleNigeria

Question: Who is a senator and what are the expected attributes of a senator?

His answer: A senator is basically a law maker, who enacts laws for good of society. He or she is expected to be a quintessential patriot, a visionary, and a dependable character. His words should be his bond and for him the good of the society comes before anything else.

Question: What are your strategies towards retaining the confidence of Nsukka people in your party:

His answer: The strategies are simple. Deliver on promises to better their lives. Fight for equity in amenities distribution, especially within their area. Crusade for equal opportunities for the people of the area. Ensure they get their dues always.

Question: What structures have you put on the ground to bring the disparate political figures of the region together (reconciliatory moves)?

His answer: There are ongoing reconciliatory moves. Leaders from the party visit perceived dissatisfied persons. Besides, disputes are resolved once they are spotted by inviting all concerned parties together. In this way, consensus is built and disputes eliminated.

Question: What is the rationale for your committed loyalty to the Ebeano family?

His answer: It gives me a sense of community and belonging. It guarantees power rotation among the zones. It is a strong political family, so well organized and cohesive, it will continue to win elections.

His answers to the above questions confirm that Chief Ayogu Eze knows where he is going. He understands the problems and having been in Government for a long time, has got the experience to effectively represent us in the senate. Below is the curriculum vitae of this illustrious son of Nsukka.

RESUME

Name: Chief Ayogu Eze
Birth date: November 23rd, 1958
Marital status: married, with children
Schools attended: 1. Institute of Management & Technology (IMT), Enugu – 1979 - 1983
2. International Institute for Journalism, Bberlin, Germany - 1989
3. Unversity of Lagos – 1991 – 1992
Qualifications: 1. HND, IMT
2. Diploma, Germany
Work experience: 1. Auxiliary teacher – Community Primary
School, Ishiagu, Ibagwa, Igbo-eze South LGA - 1978
2. Staff writer, The Guardian, Lagos – 1983–1986 – from youth corper to permanent staff
3. Head, Insight Team, The Guardian 1986 - 1988
4. Head, Advance Edition – 1988 - 1989
5. Editor, Platform magazine - 1990
6. Associate Editor, Newswatch magazine– 1990 – 1992
7. Special Assistant to the Governor of Enugu Sstate – 1992 – 1993
8. Member, Board of Directors, AVOP Company Ltd.– 1993 - 1996
9. Enugu State Secretary, Peoples Democratic Party – 1998 – 1999
10. Enugu State Commissioner for Information and Culture – 1999 – 2000
11. Commissioner for Culture and Tourism– 2000 – 2003
12. Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism – 2003 – 2004
13. Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Affairs – 2005 – 2006

Political Experience: 1. Chairman, Youth Wing, the Nigerian Peoples Party, (NPP), IMT, Enugu Chapter– 1982
2. Senatorial candidate, Grassroots Ddemocratic Party, (GDM), Enugu North Senatorial District, Enugu State - 1997
3. Founding State Secretary, Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Enugu State – 1998 - 1999
4. Senatorial Candidate, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Enugu North Senatorial District, Enugu State– current (2006/2007)

Life’s philosophy: To be the best in whatever situation I find myself, informed by my total belief in hardwork and merit above favouritism and patronage. I believe that if we all do our best individually the world would be a better place for us all. I loathe lazy bones. I adore industry and creativity.

Titles/awards: 1. Best Graduating Student, International Institute for Journalism, Berlin, Germany - 1989
2. Ebube Dike of Ogruteland, 1993
3. Okwulora of Umuozzi Autonomous Community - 1993