By Sam Nwanze
Nigeria’s current political system was grafted from the time tested model of the United States of America (USA). It is called the Presidential System of Government.
In this type of government, power of governance is located on the portal of three dimensional institutions; the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary. In America where it was conceived, nurtured and being practiced and other copyists, it is a triangular equilibrium in the sense of checks and balances. This makes USA the grandmaster of Democratic illumination.
Nigeria after Independence in October 1, 1960 understandably, adopted the system of its colonial masters called Parliamentary System still in place in the United Kingdom (UK), the home of His Majesty, the King and head of the Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations.
But after years of political brinkmanship after independence that later resulted to coups, counter coups, devastating 30 months civil war and back to civil rule, the American Presidential system was adopted in Nigeria.
The beauty of the system is the separation of powers to three centre of authorities as a way of checks and balances. This was chorused at that time by those who believed it is the best system for a country like Nigeria. The opposing segment then and even now thinks the Parliamentary system which the colonial masters handed to us is the best as they pointed at the expensive nature of what we now have.
Thus, we got what we wanted the Presidential System, the winner-takes-all system where the President is the Lord of Manor.
The good thing about this system evidently is its seemingly representative nature at the National Assembly, one of the three legs, where we have The Senate and The House of Representatives.
The Senate is made of 109 members mainly elders who have seen life from different dimensions most of who have held top political positions in the country. Indeed the Senate is being seen now as the sanctuary for ex-governors.
But the House of Representatives is where the real representative of the people reside. Made up of 360 members most of who are younger and vibrant men and women who are ready to see things from the eyes of the common people of the country who elected them, to the extent the interest of their party and clash of public interest would permit.
This historical perspective is to underline my intention of highlighting the pedigree of a man who decided to step out of the nation’s Ivory Tower where he presided over a department that is baking young minds in iron, steel and metals engineering to the hallowed chamber of the House of Reps.
His name is Hon., Professor Paul Nnamchi who was elected to represent Enugu East and Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency during the last elections.
Reflecting on why he left the serene academic environment to the murky waters of Nigeria politics, he told this writer recently that his mission into politics and now the House of Representatives is to propagate good governance through people centred legislations. His words, “I decided to step out of the classroom and join politics because Nigeria is at a cross-road now and requires people who can set a new standard capable of lifting the country out of its current critical situation.”
He said that as someone who stayed in Europe many years studying and imbibing the kind of selfless spirit that makes those in government over there commit themselves to serving their people through various governance positions, he decided to venture into politics to see if he could get the opportunity to serve his people and the nation.
He explained further that he joined Labour Party because of its pro-people and pro-workers orientation and perhaps ideology.
“As a matter of fact Labour Party all over the world and other liberal parties tie their interest to the interest of the common people. My motivation is to align with other like minds in the National Assembly to champion the interest of the Nigerian people through well thought-out legislations. First, I have to carry the burden of my people who voted me into the House and make efforts to alleviate their sufferings the best I could and also canvas the needs of other Nigerian people and the nation,” he said.
He explained further that it is not in all issues one plays opposition role but only issues that will not benefit the Nigerian people. “Being in minority in the House doesn’t suggest opposing every issue on the floor but looking at issues critically from the interest of the people of Nigeria, my own people and the nation before taking a stand.”
Professor Paul Nnamchi is a high scholar with outstanding qualifications and impeccable character. A man who said “I can’t be compromised no matter the situation” when asked if he could be compromised. He will be noticed in and out of the House of Reps during the 10th Assembly.
As a Professor at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), he headed the Biomedical Engineering Department. He also handled postgraduate students and other departmental assignments.
From UNN he later joined the Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT), where he built the Toyal Academy Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Tural Sustainable Development.
With this academic background, he has been equipped to play a nationalistic role at the hallowed chamber of the House of Reps under Labour Party.
Hon. Nnamchi is also a Fellow of many professional bodies in Nigeria and abroad. With a PhD, Meng and B.Eng at Sheffield University, UK, a member of International Bio Metals Association and Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), amongst others his contributions will be measured in line with his mission especially, on issues related to his field of knowledge and other interest.
As a matter of fact, before his emergence, his constituency has been under the grip of one family as far as political positions were concerned. Either as Chairman of his L.G.A, positions at the the State or National Assembly, if you don’t belong to that family you “go-no-where” he revealed.
But the Prof had broken the jinx and caused a political paradigm shift during the recent elections.
One good thing about the Prof is his simplicity. Very approachable, humble and soft spoken. No wonder people of his constituency and many other invited guests, political heavyweights and the masses gathered recently at Nike, his community to give him a befitting reception and give thanks to God for winning the election in spite of all odds. It was an occasion where his people confirmed their love for him and pledged their continued support for his political journey just started with his recent inauguration alongside others.
It was at the occasion he urged the youths and other politicians from his constituency to be courageous and hardworking in their desire to be anything in life including political positions, saying that since he could make it and broke the barricade they can also make it. “This has shown that a child of nobody can be somebody tomorrow with God and hard work” he admonished.
It was established that Prof Nnamchi couldn’t have won if money was the main factor. As a lecturer at the top of his career in Nigeria, he was barely surviving just like many of his colleagues. He said, “only God and those who desire a change made me a winner because I didn’t have the kind of money my opponents had during the period”. He revealed that it was his supporters who contributed all their could to make sure he won the election.
At the reception, he assured his people that he will operate open door policy. According to him, “You will witness a kind of representation and actions never seen in our place. I am for you and my doors will be open to hear your views and I will do my best to meet your demands.”
He assured also; “there will be a paradigm shift in the House of Representatives this time around because of the kind of people now elected”.
Nwanze, an Author & Journalist, is a Media Consultant based in Abuja