“We need a positive change in our system.” Gen Austin Egwuagu.
4 min read
Brigadier General Austin Kalu Egwuagu, mni (rtd), is a man of impeccable character and honour. The gentleman who retired meritoriously from the Nigerian Army a few years ago hails from Umunwama Autonomous community in the famous town of Izombe in the present Oguta LGA Imo State.
Gen Egwuagu like Peter Obi is not desperate to be a senator but he is desperate to see things work in Imo State and Nigeria. For this reason, the gentleman is offering himself to represent Imo West Senatorial Zone at the senate come 2023 under the Social Democratic Party SDP.
Umuaka Times had an interview recently with the retired general on his ambition and he spoke on a wide range of issues.
Excerpts:
Good afternoon sir. May we know you and have your background details.
I am Brigadier General Austin Kalu Egwuagu, mni (rtd), of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, a member of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Philosophers Association of Nigeria and National Institute of Security Management. I also have a Master Degree in Public Administration.
Which town and LGA are you from in Imo State?
I hail from Umunwama Autonomous community of Izombe in Oguta LGA in Imo West Senatorial Zone.
Still talking about Imo State, how do you assess the current government of Imo State under APC? Has the government performed properly?
There’s no doubt that the current APC government in Imo State has done well in some areas. However, poverty and insecurity seem to dominate the entire space of the state. Unfortunately, many innocent people have been killed in the state as a result of insecurity.
What is the reaction of the people over this development?
Most of the elites and traditional rulers have relocated to Owerri and other safe havens due to the high rate of insecurity in the rural areas.
What about the rising insecurity in the state, how do you comment on that?
I had expected the Imo State Government to have set up a peace committee comprising experienced retired security officers and other experts to interact with the local communities towards finding a lasting solution to the mayhem ravaging the state.
Sir, there is this talk in town that you have a senatorial ambition under SPD, can you confirm that sir?
I am moved by the poor leadership and governance failures in Imo West Senatorial zone to run for the senate under SDP.
Why SDP?
We need a positive change in our system. Call it a revolution if you like. Nigeria has continued to retrogress and there seems to be no hope for our future.
How have you been preparing for this top job?
Creating the awareness for the people to come out en masse to take back their power and not business as usual, is an uphill task which I have already started.
What do you have on the table for the people of Imo West to make them vote for you?
It is my resolve to stop insecurity, bring enduring peace, unity and development for the good and betterment of Orlu Zone (Imo West).
How have you been building your structures and consultations across Imo West?
The people are beginning to realize that everybody is part of the structure. It’s no longer about political parties but ideology.
Would you be interested in a debate among all of you contesting for the Senate in Imo West?
For me, it would be interesting and a great idea to debate with other contestants of Imo West but I think we should first and foremost, restore peace in the zone.
Now let’s talk about the past senators including the current one. Have they been performing well?
It could be observed that Orlu Senatorial Zone is yet to enjoy good representation at the Senate. Please, note that on 8 October 2021, some communities in Izombe were burnt down by soldiers following the killing of 2 soldiers and stealing of 3 AK-47 military assault rifles, 6 magazines, ammunition and army uniforms by some irate youths. Over 100 houses, 20 vehicles and 50 motorcycles were completely burnt as well as the killing of 5 innocent civilians. However, I was able to recover the missing military items and handed them over to the Imo governor and the military commander.
You did well sir but what did the government do for the victims?
The victims were given a bag of rice each, 1 mattress, a bucket and a gallon of palm oil by the state government.
No other compensation?
It’s one year gone and there’s no form of compensation to the unfortunate victims. Their children of school age have dropped out of school as they have no books, uniforms nor homes to live in.
What about their senator, did he play any role?
Their senator is yet to pay them a visit a year after their ordeal.
At the federal level, are you comfortable with the APC-led Federal Government of Nigeria?
Please, take a look at APC 2015 campaign promises and judge how well the government has served the people. Think about snake swallowing money, Boko Haram incursion, banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and general insecurity in the country. It’s not just about grabbing power but significantly protecting and carrying the people along.
Please describe the three most popular presidential candidates (Obi, Tinubu and Atiku in your own words.
In the 3 gentlemen mentioned, we can easily find the old and new school. They remind me of the good, the bad and the ugly.
What is your last words for your supporters in Imo West?
To my brothers and sisters of Imo West, please join hands with me to bring peace, stability and development in Orlu Zone. Let’s liberate ourselves from the claws of wicked politicians and chart a new course for a better society.
Thank you very much for your time sir, Umuaka Times wishes you success in your political career.
May God bless you.
