By Dr Reuben Onyishi
(Ugoachataberu)
Chief Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo is a father indeed. He is the elder statesman of whom Enugu is proud. The Octogenarian Jim is full of wisdom as egg is full of meat. From his fountain the entire Enugu State drinks largely. Jim is a father in whom we glory, and we bless God for such a gift to us all, Ndi Enugu. Where we are not clear, Jim gives the direction. If we find darkness, his light brightens the path. Where it eludes the youth, his elderly experience provides the clue. We are grateful for Jim.
As a father, Jim receives all of us. He does not discriminate. He treats everyone as a son. Even when you are out of tune, Jim would not drive you away. He would receive you, and guide you to the path of truth. Jim is a man of truth. He is guided by the fact that truth can never be suppressed. It will always find a crevice through which like light shines. The saying that ‘eziokwu ga-aputa ife’ was a child of his brain, a guiding mantra he coined. And it has remained an aphorism yet to be faulted.
When Uche Nnaji went to Jim with drums and cymbals to which his cheerleaders capered and danced at Jim’s house in Amechi Awkunanaw, it was not as though Jim was not still guided by truth. He had received Nwakibie as he would any other son, but that would not detract from the truth that Peter Mbah would do his second term. He received Nwakibie and his friends, and even took a few steps into their dance. But the truth would still be told at the right time. At the right time, Jim told the truth for which he is known. He told it straight in his mouth that all would hear, and pay heed to it.
It was that truth that he released on 6th June 2026 unequivocally during the Ofu Obi Mega Rally of Enugu East Senatorial Zone. His Excellency, Senator Jim Nwobodo, spoke in clear terms that Peter Ndubuisi Mbah had done exceptionally well and,therefore, would serve his second term willy nilly. Perhaps, that was the straw that broke the caramel’s back. Nwakibie, where ever he was, would be distraughted, having mistaken Jim’s geniality for endorsement. Jim in clear terms endorsed Mbah for a second term. Jim spoke the truth with Ofo, the symbol of justice. It was justiciable that Mbah does his second term, given his milestone scorecard in three years.
It was not only Jim who spoke the truth. The former Senate President, Chief Senator Ken Nnamani,also spoke the truth. Onwa, Ken Nnamani, stated it clearly that those who had questionable character, those who committed the crime of certificate forgery, did not make good leaders. He stated that Perter Mbah remained unrivaled and that his reelection was not negotiable. He corroborated Jim and endorsed Mbah for a second term. Since then, the social media has been awash with all manner of attacks on Jim and Ken. Nwakibie seemed to have sent his attack dogs on the elders for speaking the truth. All data boys on Nwakibie’s payroll wanted to justify their pay, and so filled the air with empty cacophony of noises of different hue against the truth. But the irrepressible truth had been told and there is nothing anyone can do about it.
Today, we celebrate Chief Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, our father, for not just telling the truth, no matter whose ox is gored, but going ahead together with Ken Nnamani and the entire Enugu East Senatorial Zone to endorse Mbah for a second term. We say a big thank you to Jim, Jiiiiiiiiim, for yet again acting like the elder statesman he is. We pray God to bless and keep Senator Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo for us.
