In the consciousness of many people, especially in this part of the world, politics is the fastest way to get rich. But for Anthony ‘Onochieobodo’ Onochie Ochei, the House of Representatives candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), politics is a call to service.
After years in the political wilderness, Onochieobodo is vying to represent the people of Aniocha and Oshimili Federal Constituency in Delta State to improve their fortunes.
Sharing his thoughts with journalists recently, the NNPP leader disclosed his reasons for throwing the relatively calm private world to delve into the murky waters of partisan politics.
“I was inspired to join politics to change the narrative of what an elected political official should be,” Onochieobodo said. “From what I learned growing up, elective leadership positions are opportunities to provide service to the community. You are expected to use your knowledge, exposure, education, and professional experience for the overall good of people.
“I am ready to serve the people of Aniocha and Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, if I get the mandate in the 2023 election. I believe I owe it to my people to serve in whatever capacity is offered. I want to facilitate the rapid development of our constituency,” said Onochiebodo
Glancing at the representation the people have seen since the return to democracy in 1999, Onochieobodo stressed that there is no reason why the people should not expect more from their leaders.
“I think about the quality of leadership that our people have, and I am not happy. So, I decided to consult with my friends and colleagues on how to move forward,” said Onochieobodo.
“I was waiting for the right time to throw my hat into the ring. I can assure you that I received a nudge about a year ago. It was time to get out.
“Our people deserve better representation than they have now. Aniocha and Oshimili deserve only the best. Nothing more, nothing less,” he said.
Onochieobodo added: “Besides, I am still at a stage in my life where I have to continue with the initiatives that I am interested in. I have the opportunity to facilitate some development projects where I am a consultant to the National Assembly and an honorable ministerial adviser.
Speaking further, Onochieobodo said: “A good example is my role during the consultation for the National Assembly. I led the investigation on the contractor handling the Ogwashi-Uku multi-purpose earth dam project for the Ad-hoc Committee of the Senate in the investigation on the Nigerian Food Crisis and Agricultural Sector (1999 for 2008).
“The project is a federal government funded initiative that started in 2006. It is meant to provide portable water, irrigation facilities and hydropower to the people of Aniocha and Oshimili,” Onochieobodo said, but regretted that it now costs “N20,000 to buy a water tanker.”
However, Onochieobodo promised to bring the issue to the front burner if elected in the 2023 elections.