“I will change the Orlu development narrative.” Dr Jones Onyereri.
11 min read
Rt. Hon. Sir Jones Chukwudi Victor Onyereri, the 2023 Imo State PDP candidate for Imo West Senatorial District is a household name in Orlu and Imo State in terms of politics. The former member of House of Reps has given himself a stout preparation for the political sojourn he has embarked upon. Close to one month, Umuaka Times has been chasing the honourable for an interview but due to his busy schedule, it has not been easy to pin the Harvard trained politician down for a marathon interview. Last week, Umuaka Times had the opportunity to speak with him and the interview was eventually held. He has described himself as the best man for the job and he equally gave Umuaka Times the report card of what he did to his constituency when he was a member of the House of Reps.
I this interview, Honourable Jones also known as Mmiri Na Anwu bares his mind o why he wants to go to the senate.
Excerpts:
How are you doing sir. Umuaka Times is happy to speak with you today. Can you give us a brief background of yourself?
My name is, Rt. Hon. Sir Jones Chukwudi Victor Onyereri, PhD, former member House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Which constituency did you represent during your time?
I represented Nkwerre/Isu/Njaba/Nwangele NINN, Federal Constituency of Imo StateI I was the former Chairman House Committee on Banking and Currency in the 7th and 8th Assembly.
Very good. What about your birth, education and business?
I was born on 15th July, 1967 to the family of late Venerable and Nneoha J.D.J Onyereri of Ishi Owerre in Owerre Nkworji in Nkwerre LGA of Imo State. I am a microbiologist, biochemist, business administrator, public relations consultant and marketer.
I attended the prestigious and renowned College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC) Enugu and Federal Government College Port Harcourt for my secondary and higher school education respectively. Having achieved success at these levels, I proceeded to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where I obtained Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) in Microbiology and Biochemistry and later a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing.
We learn that after all these academic sojourns, you still went back to school can you confirm that?
My determination to acquire more knowledge prompted my return to University of Nigeria Enugu campus where I obtained an Executive Master of Science Degree (MSc.) in Marketing, Public Relations and Doctorate Degree in Marketing as well. I am also a proud holder of ASCON certificate in Public Administration and I did attend various executive leadership programs at prestigious institutions including Harvard Business School, USA.
You seem to have prepared yourself very well for the senate job you see.
Oh yes, these exposures triggered the wonderful leadership qualities we are experiencing in my Federal Constituency today and Orlu Zone would experience more by God’s grace from 2023 as their Senator.
You have been to the House of Reps before, people are asking why do you want to the Senate?
Yes, I have been to the House of Representatives and indeed I performed creditably well to the best of my knowledge. But it’s important to let you know that I am not vying for that same position again. I am seeking for the mandate of my good people of Orlu Zone to serve and represent them at the Senate, not House of Representatives.
Interesting. Can you give details of your achievements as a former house member both in the business of law making and corporate social responsibility?
Thank you very much Umuaka Times, without mincing words, I brought empowerment as a lawmaker to NINN. You can hardly find a community, ward, LGA in NINN that didn’t benefit directly or indirectly from my Sterling Representation at the Green Chamber of National Assembly.
Please give details.
I was doing medical outreach annually for my constituents. I distributed over 400 tricycles known as “keke NAPEP” then, over 400 motorcycles, over 500 sewing machines, over 200 vehicles, and other empowerment items just to mention but a few.
What about education?
I built the best ICT centers in our Federal Constituency, built the best secondary school in our Federal Constituency and many more. These are verifiable projects. Scholarships were uncountable.
This is amazing. Please can you go on and on?
Rehabilitation and reconstruction of Owerre Nkworji Umudi Road, erosion control in different communities in NINN. Delineation of division of new electoral constituencies in NINN Federal Constituency. Call for the implementation of the fiscal responsibility act, 2017 and fixing debt ceiling for the federation. Urgent need to investigate the license status of Gotv in the provisions of terrestrial television services in Nigeria. Need to review constituencies and create additional constituency from NINN Federal Constituency. Need to address non-compliance with the provision of section 14 of the NBC Act by broadcast industries in Nigeria. Call on the Federal Government to adopt a more serious posture about diversifying the economy through non oil export. Call for investigation of revenue leakages and operational deficiencies in Nigeria Maritime Agency.
Asset management corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Amendment bill 2013. Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) Amendment bill 2013. Nigeria Export – Import bank (NEXIM) Amendment Bill 2014. A bill for an Act to repeal the Nigerian insurance corporation act, 2006 and re – enhancement Nigeria deposit insurance corporation act, 2016. An act to repeal and re-enact the counterfeit currency (Special Provision) Act, 1974, and to provide far penalties of counterfeiting (Special Amendment Act, 2016) in currency, and other ancillary matters and Chattered Institute of bankers of Nigeria (Amendment) bill, 2015.
Ok, what about public hearings?
They are on four critical bills; A bill to amend the BOFIA, Act, Cap B3, 2004. A bill for an act to amend AMCON Act, 2010. A bill for an act to amend the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (Establishment, etc) Act, 2011 and a bill to repeal the people’s bank Act.
Did you do anything on electricity?
Yes I did. Remember the Bible says, let there be light and there was light and God saw that light was indeed good. As NINN Federal Constituency never experienced solar light in the past but on my arrival, lightened up the Federal Constituency with over 1000 solar street lights.
Can you name the areas you provided the solar lights?
Please check out with Ama-Uju in Amaigb, Orlu Road Nkwerre, Ishi-Owerre Road, Owerre Nkworji, Nkwerre LGA. Ishi-Owerre – Nkworji Market Road, Nkwerre LGA. Umuanya Road, Amaigbo, Nwangele LGA. Umundugba – Amaigbo (Along Isu council headquarters) Isu LGA. A- Line market Junction, Umuaka, Njaba LGA. P Amazano Road, Njaba LGA. I also did the same at Hon. Eddy Ikwubuo’s area, Uba Umuaka, Njaba LGA. and along Umuwala Road, Nkwerre LGA.
Is that all?
No. I also provided solar powered street lights along factory road (off Theo and Theo Road) Amaigbo, Nwangele LGA and i did the same along Nkwo-Onye Ukwu Market, Abajah Nwangele LGA.
Is it only solar energy that you gave, what about transformers?
In continuation of lightning up my Federal Constituency like never before, I moved into the provision and installation of 500KVA and 300KVA transformers across the four LGAs of my Federal Constituency namely, Ishi-Ala, Umudi, Umuduru-Imo, Umudi, Umulo Village, Amaokpara, Oboro Amurie, Isu LGA., Umuchoke Village, Amaigbo, Nwangele LGA., Obinwanne Autonomous Community, Umuaka, Njaba LGA., Okpo Na Nkume Autonomous Community, Njaba LGA.
No. I did the same in Uburu Ekwe, Isu LGA., Amandugba, Isu LGA., Ishi-Owerre, Owerre Nkworji, Nkwerre LGA., Umuwala, Nkwerre LGA., Eziama, Nkwerre LGA. Dim Na Nume, Nwangele LGA. Amauju Amaigbo, Nwangele LGA., Nkume, Njaba LGA. Atta, Njaba LGA., Okwudor, Njaba LGA. Amucha, Njaba LGA. muna, Nwangele LGA., Ozuoha/Okwuna-Afa-Abaja, Nwangele LGA. Ibele Umuaka, Njaba LGA. Abba, Nwangele LGA. Umuduru-Ekwe, Isu LGA. Ibeoma Ekwe, Isu LGA. Umudi Aro, Nkwerre LGA.
Is that all?
I can see you really did a lot for your people. What about projects to strengthen education in your constituency?
I gave scholarship awards to ten students of International Model School, Umundugba, Isu LGA. i also championed the Central Bank of Nigeria intervention project at Owerre-Nkworji Girls Secondary School, Nkwerre LGA. I provided a 50 Computer I. C. T center at Saint Augustine Grammar School, Nkwerre LGA by Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation I also did the same at Nwangele LGA Council headquarters. There was also the construction and furnishing of one block of three classrooms with VIP toilets at Ogwuaga, Abba, Nwangele LGA. Construction and furnishing of one block of three classrooms with VIP toilets at Town School, Owerre Nkworji, Nkwerre LGA. I also did the same at Central School, Isu-Njaba, Isu LGA., Holy Rosary Nursery Primary School, Amazano, Njaba. Renovation of Nkwerre Civic Center Nkwerre LGA. Renovation of (Ego) Ishi-Owerre Village Hall Owerre Nkworji, Nkwerre LGA. Construction of Ishi-Owerre Road, Owerre Nkworji, Nkwerre LGA.
Sir, you really did a lot during your time as a house member. Did you also carry out any project on water?
Yes I did. I provided water boreholes at Umuchoke Village, Amaigbo, Nwangele LGA., Umuokpara Autonomous Community, Abba, Nwangele LGA., Umunaga village, Nkwerre LGA., Amiyi Autonomous Community, Njaba LGA. As my brother Peter Obi would say, I can go on and on (general laughter).
In terms of employment, how did you perform?
I also did very well in that area as well. I provided jobs to qualified citizens of my constituency at various government agencies like Nigeria Customs, AMCON, INEC, CBN, FRSC, NSCDC, NPC, PENCOM,NSPM, FCT/UBE Board, etc. I also organized and trained people in 2013 at Metallurgical Training Institute. One person from each LGA of NINN.
Umuaka Times learnt you won some awards when you were in office, can you tell us a little about the awards?
Yes, I won several merit awards. My contributions to the political cum parliamentary development, the society, improvement of the well-being of the masses and selfless services to humanity were recognized and appreciated by corporate organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, students’ movements within and outside Africa as I was conferred with numerous awards, laurels and prizes including but not limited to: Ambassador of Goodwill to the State of Arkansas by then Governor Bill Clinton. Outstanding Merit Award (Rotary International Club of Enugu). Flag Bearer of Cancer Advocacy in Nigeria by the International Cancer Initiative. Nehemiah Award by the Diocese of Orlu, Anglican Communion. Joshua of Our Time by the Holy Trinity Church, Diocese of Orlu, Anglican Communion, Amaigbo, Imo State.
Most Outstanding Lawmaker for South East by the Africa Business Week in association with Nigeria-German Business Association and Disciples of Democracy Magazine. There were also Fellow Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria. Merit Award by the Orlu Zonal Council of Ndi Eze. Nigerian Union of Journalist Legacy Award for Quality Representation. Merit Award by Amaokpara Patriotic Union Lagos Branch. Personality Award by the Imo State PDP Women Activists. Award of Excellence by Nkwerre Students Association. Award of Appreciation by University of Uyo. Award of Recognition by Orlu Progressive Association. Most Outstanding Lawmaker (2014) by Disciples of Democracy. Most Distinguished Service Award by Rotary International Inner Wheel District 913.
Award of Honour by Law Students Association Imo State University. Ezinwa Award by Diocese of Orlu.
Now you want to represent Imo West Senatorial Zone under PDP, can you tell your people why you are the right man for the job?
Orlu Zone, you and I know is no longer the Orlu Zone of today. It’s given unto one man to speak for his people. There is no better option than myself for a better Orlu Zone and I have my master plan which I named “Orlu Development & Investment Master plan (ODIMa)“Maka Odimma Orlu.” I shall work with Orlu Professionals Forum to set up a committee to craft a development master plan designed to leapfrog Orlu from its status of a suburban area to an industrialized Smart City.
Tell us how you will achieve this plan.
I shall operate a functional constituency office and administrative framework to ensure the achievements of these objectives. I shall be a working Senator and not a Senator-for-show. Energizing Development Unions (EDU)Similarly, I shall devote my energies towards uniting the people, reviving our developments unions and making them strong pillars of grassroots development in Orlu district. Leveraging Orlu in the Diaspora (LOrD) Similarly, I shall carry out extensive foreign tours aimed at reaching out to our sons and daughters abroad with a view to harnessing the potentials of our Diaspora and to attract their interest to invest at home. Beyond all of these, my scorecard, pedigree and antecedents remain unbeaten in Orlu Zone.
You are a member of PDP and you want to achieve this aim under PDP, don’t you think that both PDP and APC have failed Nigerians?
PDP has not failed Nigerians. When PDP was in power, average Nigerians afforded rice, gas, noodles, etc. Check the dollar rate today under APC and check it under PDP. APC is not worth a comparison with PDP. PDP is the only party that will bring us out of this mess we have found ourselves in Nigeria today. Should we talk about insecurity or the incessant killings of innocent youths or the hunger in the land or the unemployment? Which should we talk about and leave the other? My brother, PDP is the only way out.
So what are your strongest “bullets” to win this election?
My strongest bullets are the masses. The people know who is who. They know the best for them and that they shall vote massively. I appreciate INEC on their level of improvement in our electoral system. Rigging has dropped to the lowest minimum. Our votes shall count this time.
Do you have any program for youths? If yes, give details.
Of course, the youths are the major priority of my service as their Senator. They shall be give job opportunities, skills acquisitions and empowerments. Our youths shall be made self reliant under my watch as their Senator.
Can you simply tell me how grass-rooted you are in Orlu Zone?
Ah, Jones is a household name in Orlu Zone. Even kids in the rural areas of Orlu Zone know me. As a matter of fact, I am the most visible and prominent politician in Orlu Zone. Go and ask.
But some of your opponents claim that they are more grass rooted than you. what is your take on that?
On this, I am throwing it back to you. Go to the villages and verify by yourself and get back to me. Let the people tell you who is closest to them amongst us.
What is your assessment of Nigeria under APC in the last 7 years?
We have never had it this bad in the history of this country. APC’s government is the worst of it all. It’s a total abysmal failure.
Finally how do you describe the Orlu Senatorial Zone??? Is the zone under-represented or not?
I am surprised you are asking this. Are you aware that Orlu Zone is an oil producing Zone? Let me not go deep. Orlu Zone is highly underdeveloped but I shall change the narrative.
So with you, Orlu will be a better place for Orlu people?
By the good grace of God, with me, Orlu Zone shall be great. All that I seek is your support, the general support of every Orlu Zone sons and daughters. Let us get things right with me this time.
Dr Jones, Umuaka Times thanks you very well for this great interview and wishes you well in your ambition.
Udo Diri Gi.
