•South East may lose post
Obstacles from within are piling up against the appointment of Ogbonnaya Onu as Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) by President Muhammadu Buhari.
It is old news that the South East has lost out in the power equation in the National Assembly (NASS) with regard to principal positions in the Senate and House of Representatives.
The latest, however, is that the post of SGF, which Buhari reportedly wants to give the zone, may also slip through the hands of the zone.
Interest from other zones
Investigation showed the possibility of the post going to North East or North West or South West or South South.
Insiders in the government said this is largely because of the conspiracy by Igbo political leaders against Onu, former Governor of old Abia State, who is said to be the man after Buhari’s heart for the job.
Sources alleged that Governors Rochas Okorocha (Imo) and Dave Umahi (Ebonyi) and a former Senate president from the zone are among those working round the clock to ensure that Onu does not get it.
Okorocha’s push
Okorocha is said to be pushing former Secretary to the Imo State Government (SSG), Anthony Anwuka.
The former Senate president reportedly led a delegation – which included Okorocha, Umahi and former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi – to a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the South West to enlist his support in getting Buhari to change his mind on Onu.
He is also said to be responsible for some other South East APC members showing interest in the position. One has been seen often at Defence Building, Abuja, where Buhari has his temporary office – as Aso Rock is under renovation.
Twist on Twitter
Onu’s opponents are said to have adopted other measures such as the move to blackmail him on the internet and social media.
It was reported recently that he had announced his appointment to the post by Buhari through his Twitter handle, a story Onu denied, saying he has never owned a Twitter handle.
The Twitter plot was to discredit him before Buhari.
“Somebody created the Twitter handle and used it to send out that message in Onu’s name. The man does not have any Twitter handle and never sent out any message through such medium. It was the handiwork of his detractors,” said a source.
Again, the APC internet account was said to have been hacked by such elements who used it to post a message linking Onu. The party later found it was a fraud.
Last week, another rumour alleged that Onu’s kinsmen converged on his home in Asokoro, Abuja to celebrate his appointment as SGF. Investigation showed that the event did not take place.
These plots, sources said, were intended to present Onu as someone who could not keep secrets, a trait Buhari dislikes. Those behind it turn round to blame Onu for making public an appointment Buhari has not formally pronounced.
Heads roll over support for Onu
It is not certain if the people doing this will get Buhari to change his mind on his choice of SGF. What is certain is that if the post goes to another zone or person, the Igbo know who to hold responsible.
Okorocha was reported last week to have denied being against Onu’s appointment as SGF, a post he described as “a glorified minister”.
He said he wants to see the South East get the Senate presidency or House of Representatives speakership or any deputy.
Okorocha allegedly supports Amaechi for the post of SGF.
His alleged antagonism to Onu was said to be in open view last week when he suspended traditional rulers who attended the special convocation of Abia State University where an honorary Doctorate degree was conferred on Onu.
The event was followed by a thanksgiving service at the Assumpta Catholic Cathedral, Owerri.
Imo State University Vice Chancellor, Professor Aloysius Awuzie, was also allegedly removed from office for participating in the programme.
The alleged betrayal of Onu by his fellow Igbo has been reported to the South East Traditional Rulers Council whose members are said to be angry with the antagonists.
No word from him
Onu could not be reached on the telephone for comment. Several calls to his number were not answered.
When TheNiche visited his Asokoro home, he was said to be busy with party functions, which lasted till late in the night.