By Okoro
Benedict Chinedum
 |
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Rt. Hon. Princess Clara Chinwe
Nwaebili
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Although, the crusade for greater
participation for women in politics has gained popular acclamation in the
Jonathan led administration, most people still feel women merely complement the
clamor for equal participation of women in politics. Hence, cannot compete with
their male counterparts.
This School of Thought view the
performance of most women in Nigeria politics as one riddled in controversy. They
often conjure the actions of Ndi Okereke Onyiuke, Stella Oduah et al as
reference point.
Male dominance in African politics is
undoubtedly a true reflection of the African society. It draws its inference
from African social system. The sanctity of the African society and its
inseparable spiritual jinx makes it unthinkable that women should play a role
at all.
There is no distinction between this
world and the other worldly in the African traditional setting. The rites
performed to live, to plant, to harvest are spiritual duties performed by males.
This cultural disposition, projection and its sustenance are viewed as the
exclusive preserve of men.
Our political culture is unfortunately
enmeshed in this pre-cult perception of societal management. This impression is
because of the tough terrain we find ourselves in. Bad as this culture may seem,
no civilization or education is capable of obliterating this mindset. The
political terrain was somewhat a closed circuit, where women are non initiates,
no matter how hard they thrive.
Today, Mr. President, Goodluck
Jonathan, has set the ball rolling for women, as many now dot his cabinet. From
Okonjo Iweala to Chinwe Nwaebili, these women have proved our primordial
concept as Stone Age philosophy.
They have not just delivered; they have set
high standards that most men will sweat to surpass, if they find themselves in
such post in future. It is amongst this pantheon of women of immense value that
Chinwe Nwaebili, Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly finds her lot!
On the day of her swearing in as Speaker
Anambra State House of Assembly, all present had gone home with mixed feelings,
wondering how a woman will do the impossible! That was the general perception
about Chinwe Nwaebili, Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly during her
swearing in, not much was really expected of her.
It is not in doubt that Anambra State
is the unofficial capital of Igbo land. Anambra is the container of all the
problems and progress of Ndigbo. A walk into Awka today exudes some kind of
conviviality, serenity and organization never seen in the governance of the
State, until Peter Obi’s assumption of office.
Obi’s regime could be said to be a
prolegomenon to the enthronement of law and order in a State that politicians
and money bags have preference for anarchy. The antecedents are not funny. It
is this legacy of a solid State build on law and order and its continuation that
Obi and Obiano are like Siamese twins. It is on this altar of orderliness that
other developments which the State boasts of derive its origin. Could it be
that there’s a tide in the names Obi and Obiano?
However, both Obi and Obiano didn’t achieve
this alone. Their achievements are a collective venture that involves corporate
partnership with Anambra House of Assembly presided over by Rt. Hon. Princess
Clara Chinwe Nwaebili, Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly – Adaugo Ogbaru!
Chinwe has the unassuming mien,
humility and candor typical of a sound mind with which she has coordinated her
colleagues in the Anambra House beyond the expectation of everyone who
witnessed her swearing in.
Chinwe’s uncommon clairvoyance in the doctrine
of Separation of Power enunciated by A C Dicey; and the eternal plea by the
inventors of democracy on the need for the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary,
as arms of government to work synchronically is evident in the transformation
of Anambra.
Without fanfare and pageantry, Princess
Clara despite her beauty conducts herself in a manner that dazzles every politician
that comes across her. It is on this impeccable standard and carriage that she
has steered the titanic Anambra House to an enviable status.
This feat is responsible for the grand
support that the governor banks on. Easy passage of bills and corporation with
the executive to ensure meaningful development is attained.
Notably, Anambra State House of
Assembly has commendable bills passed under her watch and leadership. Prominent
amongst such is the bill on kidnapping which has set Anambra entirely another
plane. Managing a male dominated House is a proof of Nwaebili’s mastery in
legislative cues.
While the neighboring Houses of
Assembly are stuck in impeachment theatrics, Anambra seem to have learned its
lesson from the Ngige debacle. The price of good leadership is
inestimable. Anambra House has become
the Eastern bride as sound legislative resolutions continue to be churned out from
that glowing chamber.
This is a certification that Anambra House is a compendium
of men who are determined to change the trend. They are all indeed worthy of
the prefix Honourable. They have shown that having a man or woman as Speaker
doesn’t count, rather, development counts most.
As the rhythm of political jingle makes its way into the
air, women who have paid their dues like Chinwe Nwabili deserve higher
responsibilities to set the pace for teeming young ladies aspiring to join the
trade.
Positioning woman of great virtue like Chinwe in national map will further
advance the logic that women are worthy patriots.
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