OKIGWE NORTH FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY: RT. HON. PRINCESS MIRIAM ONUOHA (NWANYI WU IHE) A SQUARE PEG IN A SQUARE HOLE

AS ERGAF-AFRICA ACKNOWLEDGES

By Eberechukwu Okechukwu (MA. PDE, BA, TEFL)

When one of the foremost English preachers and champion of parliamentary reforms, Sydney Smith, espoused the maxim: “when a square peg is placed in a square hole, extraordinary things happen,” he must have had leaders like Rt. Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha (Nwanyi Wu Ihe) in mind.

The recent declaration of Rt. Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha as the Best Performing Female Legislator in the House of Representatives by ERGAF-AFRICA is yet another well-deserved feather to her already decorated cap. The recognition did not come as a surprise; rather, it is a fitting acknowledgment of her sterling contributions to lawmaking, quality representation, and people-oriented projects that have transformed lives across Okigwe North Federal Constituency.

For ERGAF-AFRICA, an internationally and nationally acclaimed, non-partisan, non-governmental organisation with an enviable reputation for objectivity and fairness, to single out Nwanyi Wu Ihe for this rare honour is deeply significant. It is an eloquent testimony that her efforts in the Green Chambers are not only visible but impactful, resonating across the socio-political space of Okigwe North Federal Constituency in particular and Imo State as well as Nigeria in general.

Indeed, the declaration was hinged on solid, verifiable parameters: bills of great national and constituency relevance that she has sponsored or supported on the floor of the House; the quality of her representation, which reflects inclusivity and pragmatism; and a wide array of people-oriented constituency projects spread across communities in Okigwe North.

From the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre, Okigwe which is already taking shape, to her bills for the establishment of health institutions in Isiala Mbano LGA, the facilitation of federal jobs for numerous youths, facilitation of admission into tertiary institutions for students in Okigwe, Onuimo and Isiala Mbano LGAs, facilitation of the award of contracts for road construction, repairs of failed sections of roads within Okigwe North Federal Constituency through Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), her relentless interventions to address power supply challenges in Okigwe LGA and environs, and the reconstruction of schools, empowerment of indigent persons, the list of her achievements is both robust and inspiring. These projects, too numerous to mention in full, underscore her resolve to touch lives, build infrastructure, and chart a sustainable path for development.

With her antecedents and groundbreaking achievements, it is safe to say that Rt. Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha has come, has seen, and continues to conquer on all fronts. She has not only proven her mettle but has equally redefined what effective representation should look like.

As the saying goes, “if it is not broken, let us not mend it,” and more so, “the reward for hard work remains more work.” The marvellous works she has done, the ones she is currently doing, and the many more that are in the pipeline will only be possible if she continues to represent her people.

For Okigwe North Federal Constituency and Zone, the best options remain her continuation in the Green Chamber or promotion of such a shining light to the Red Chamber. She has the cognate experience, the clout, the zeal, and the zest to leverage her years in order to further consolidate in the Green Chamber or even ascension to the Red Chamber where the ranking status will count and smoothen the delivery much more dividends of democracy for her people.

Truly, Rt. Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha (Nwanyi Wu Ihe) is a square peg in a square hole, a gift of leadership, service, and vision to her people.