By Dr. Aloy Nduka
Contributing Editor, USA
I have read and written a lot about her inspiring political style but never met her in person. But recently we met. Hon Princess Mariam Onuoha represents Okigwe North Fed. Constituency at the National Assembly Abuja.
As I have written copiously in the past, she is one woman who continues to uplift the image and role of women in politics, pushing and defending new bills on the floor of the green chambers with uncommon tenacity that continues to draw my attention.
On Dec. 30th 2024 at the Foret Event Center in Owerri Imo State we met. It was at a wedding reception which was equally attended by other big names in Imo and Okigwe business and politics.
The wedding reception was in honor of my nephew, Engr Anthony Nduka Jr and his bride Barr. Karen Chinelo Nduka (nee Oliver).
The bridegroom Anthony Nduka jr is scion of the charismatic political leader and Business man, Clan Chief Sir TonyBlack Nduka, former Mayor of Okigwe.
Roll call of other big names in politics present at the reception included senators Patrick Ndubueze and Osita Izunaso for Okigwe and Orlu zones, Hon Chike Okafor, Imo South Federal constituency, Former Gov. Chief Ikedi Ohakim and his former Chief of Staff, Dr. Emma Ohakim, former Imo House of Assembly Speakers Rt Hon Chiji Collins, Rt Hon Emeka Nduka, Rt Hon Max Duru. Otgers are Hon Mrs Prisca Durueke, Imo commissioner for Finance, Mr. chuk Chukwwuemeka, Professor Nnamdi Obiaraeri, Imo state universty, and the Chairman Isiala Mbano LGA Hon Chika Okorike.
Other attendees are Chief Godson Obijiaku,
Chief Bathram Uwandu, Chief Mathew Ukachu(Emetumba), Hon Simeon Iwunze
Chief Jude Nzeako, Professor Chris Eze, VC college of Agric Umuagwo, Sir Emma Ochiagha, Hon Chief Regis Uwakwe, Barr Chief Chichi Osuji, Chief Alex Onyemobi and many others.
I took time to meet with most of the political gladiators most of whom I knew in my days as Director of Administration and Secretary to the Board of Imo State University Teaching Hospital, but due to the exigencies of time I narrowed my interaction with our own coungresswoman in Abuja – the political Princess whose track record I am already familiar with.
After introducing her to my wife and my kids, our interaction centered on issues of urgent importance to our people: oversight and constituency matters relating to water, light, security and education. Princess Onuoha acknowkedged the enomity of the challenges ahead and asured that she would continue to be guided by equity and fairness in her representation.