Behind Every Successful Governor … The Story of Rt. Hon. Princess Clara Chinwe Nwaebili – Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly by Okoro Benedict Chinedum

Although, the crusade for greater participation for women in politics has gained popular acclamation in the Jonathan led administration; most people still feel they merely complement the clamor for equal participation of women in politics. Hence, cannot compete with their male counterparts. This School of Thought view the performance of most women in Nigeria politics as one riddled in controversy – They often conjure the actions of Ndi Okereke Onyiuke, Stella Oduah et al as reference point. Male dominance in African politics is undoubtedly a true reflection of the African Society. It draws its inference from African social system. The sanctity of the African society and its inseparable spiritual jinx makes it unthinkable that women should play a role at all. There is no distinction between this world and the other worldly in the African traditional setting. The rites performed to live, to plant, to harvest are spiritual duties performed by males. This cultural disposition, projection and its sustenance are viewed as the exclusive preserve of men. Our political culture is unfortunately enmeshed in this pre cult perception of societal management. This impression is because of the tough terrain we find ourselves in. Bad as this culture may seem; no civilization or education is capable of obliterating this mindset. The political terrain was somewhat a closed circuit, where women are non initiates, no matter how hard they thrive.

Today, Mr. President, Goodluck Jonathan, has set the ball rolling for women, as many now dot his cabinet. From Okonjo Iweala to Chinwe Nwaebili, these women have proved our primordial concept as Stone Age philosophy. They have not just delivered; they have set high standards that most men will sweat to surpass, if they find themselves in such post in future. It is amongst this pantheon of women of immense value that Chinwe Nwaebili, Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly finds her lot!

On the day of her swearing in as Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, all present had gone home with mixed feelings; wondering how a woman will do the impossible! That was the general perception about Chinwe Nwaebili, Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly during her swearing in, not much was really expected of her. It is not in doubt that Anambra State is the unofficial capital of Igbo land. Anambra is the container of all the problems and progress of Ndigbo. A walk into Awka today exudes some kind of conviviality, serenity and organization never seen in the governance of the State, until Peter Obi’s assumption of office. Obi’s regime could be said to be a prolegomenon to the enthronement of law and order in a State that politicians and money bags have preference for anarchy. The antecedents are not funny. It is this legacy of a solid State build on law and order and its continuation that Obi and Obiano are like Siamese twins. It is on this altar of orderliness that other developments which the State boasts of derive its origin. Could it be that there’s a tide in the names Obi and Obiano?

However, both Obi and Obiano didn’t achieve this alone. Their achievements are a collective venture that involves corporate partnership with Anambra House of Assembly presided over by Rt. Hon. Princess Clara Chinwe Nwaebili, Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly – Adaugo Ogbaru!

Chinwe has the unassuming mien, humility and candor typical of a sound mind with which she has coordinated her colleagues in the Anambra House beyond the expectation of everyone who witnessed her swearing in. Chinwe’s uncommon clairvoyance in the doctrine of Separation of Power enunciated by A C Dicey; and the eternal plea by the inventors of democracy on the need for the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, as arms of government to work synchronically is evident in the transformation of Anambra.

Without fanfare and pageantry, Princess Clara despite her beauty conducts herself in a manner that dazzles every politician that comes across her. It is on this impeccable standard and carriage that she has steered the titanic Anambra House to an enviable status. This feat is responsible for the grand support that the governor banks on. Easy passage of bills and corporation with the executive to ensure meaningful development is attained.

Notably, Anambra State House of Assembly has commendable bills passed under her watch and leadership. Prominent amongst such is the bill on kidnapping which has set Anambra entirely another plane. Managing a male dominated House is a proof of Nwaebili’s mastery in legislative cues. While the neighboring Houses of Assembly are stuck in impeachment theatrics, Anambra seem to have learned its lesson from the Ngige debacle. The price of good leadership is inestimable.  Anambra House has become the Eastern bride as sound legislative resolutions continue to be churned out from that glowing chamber.

This is a certification that Anambra House is a compendium of men who are determined to change the trend. They are all indeed worthy of the prefix Honourable. They have shown that having a man or woman as Speaker doesn’t count, rather, development counts most.

As the rhythm of political jingle makes its way into the air, women who have paid their dues like Chinwe Nwabili deserve higher responsibilities to set the pace for teeming young ladies aspiring to join the trade. Positioning woman of great virtue like Chinwe in national map will further advance the logic that women are worthy patriots.