By Chidinma Omar


i.   Would 2027 be the magic year for Hon Emeka Atuma where he only need to say his wishes and it will be done? 

ii. Although, it is nearly two years to the next General Election, but across Abia Central Senatorial district the people are earnestly searching for a People-centric representation in the Upper Chamber. They point here and there to visible, vocal Senators who are speaking, and doing for their people. And lament that Abia Central is like that man in the folklore who sits on the bank of a river and washes his hands with his spittle. The consensus is that Abia Central has mighty men like the Biblical Gideon who ride to battle and bring back laurels, and Hon Emeka Atuma stands atop that list of men

iii. Would 2027 therefore be Emeka Atuma's year? "Perhaps. I see Emeka Atuma sitting in the Red Chambers in 2017 for two reasons: First, the principles for winning are aligned  in his favour. If you remember your Bible, it says: 'Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. There is a two-party agreement here: Atuma wishes it, and the people wishes it for him.

iv.  "Second, Atuma is an incurable optimist, for him, no mountain is too high to climb. He has walked the road towards the Senate so many times, that this time  he can literally walk blind folded into the Senate. I mean he has tried so many times, that in 2027, victory would embrace him", says Mr Tony Icheku, a journalist and Public Affairs Analyst.

v.   Icheku was reacting to a recent vox pop on a popular social media platform where Atuma was overwhelmingly voted for as the most preferred politician to represent Abia Central Senatorial district in the Senate in 2027

vi. The quest  for quality representation in the Red Chambers for Abia Central recently cropped up as a talking point on one of the social media platforms and the consensus was that the district is missing out compared to what Senator Orji Uzor Kalu representing Abia North is doing for his people and the collosus-like presence of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe who has emerged as the most vocal advocate for Igbo interests on the floor of the Senate. From discussion, it became a voting affair:  'Who would be your most preferred representative for Abia Senate seat in 2027?' Atuma out distanced three other known names to emerge the most preferred leader for the seat. Qualities that stood him out include his strategic political exposure, national influential and connection, drive for tangible socio-economic development and people-centric leadership focusing on human capital development 

vii. Another discussant on the platform, Chief Cally Ekwe reacted this: "Although I am not from Ikwuano LG, but they are our neighbours here in Isiala Ngwa North, and we have heard his legacy projects even though he is not in office. The Senate may be for lawmakers, but some Senators are bringing something extra for their people. And from my assessment, I see the go-getting spirit in Atuma. I think he should go for us in 2027"

viii.  Another chips in: "The Senate is not where you send a novice to go and represent you. Can you count the number of former governors, former Ministers, former House of Representatives who are there? Why do you think men like Senator Orji Uzor Kalu command so much influence? The Senate is a field of play for big boys, our people must be wise, we need a man with clout to go for us. As a former House of Representatives member, a former National Officer of a major political party, Hon Emeka Atuma has what it takes to give Abia Central quality representation. The Senate is where the national cake is shared and if your representative cannot be heard or commands no influence, you can only read on the pages of newspapers or hear on television how federal presence, infrastructure, and human capital development are going to your neighbouring Senatorial districts, if we continue to play the emotional game, we in Abia Central will miss this phase of development. God has given us a man prepared for the job - Emeka Atuma", said Hon Alloysius Nkemakolam from Isiala Ngwa South LG

ix.   After his single term in the House of Representatives, Atuma still commands relevance in Abia and national politics as his passion to serve his people and build his community remains unmatched. “If today, I fail to contribute to the building of a better Abia, what legacy would I leave for our children and generations yet unborn? My politics has always been one of competence, creativity and dynamism", he says, talking about his motivation for public office 

x.  From 1999 to date, a clear pattern has emerged amongst the political ruling class: The egocentric self-centred politician who may remain in office for twenty years and give forty excuses why he is unable to rehabilitate even one kilometre road that passes even his/her own house. On the flipside is a politician who needs a political office to expand the scope, the quality and quantity of service to people and community, and it is to this class that Atuma belongs. Little wonder the young and old drop his name as the best thing that will happen to Abia Central once he sits in the Red Chamber!