•Chief Mascot Uzor Kalu
By Ogochukwu Isioma
According to Williams Shakespeare, “some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”
The case of Hon. Mascot Uzor Kalu, fondly called MUK, “Nwa afo Igbere”, could be the combination of the above three scenarios. Indeed, the progressive and sustained rise of this great achiever of our time is purely as a result of the combination of the above facts. Mascot achieved greatness by dirt of hard work and grace in fulfillment of a great destiny.
The first time I met Hon. Mascot, I was instantly drawn by his ebullient personality. Contrary to what I was used to, he did not make me feel that I was before a “powerful politician.” He did not try to intimidate me with his power, and he certainly did not try to belittle me. That left a strong impression on me and the story did not change in subsequent encounters. The man is very comfortable in his own skin. Mascot showed up quite early in life the diligence, intelligence and compassion that have defined his meritorious life. This has characterised his meteoric rise to prominence in the political, business and social spheres where he has become a pivot and magnetic rallying point among all that have had the privilege to come in contact with him, especially the youths. He remains a brilliant young man of multiple mix, outstanding personality and fame. His positive social aura dominates his environment. Mascot does not assert himself to get noticed. With the dignity of an eagle, the strides of a stallion, the gait of Adonis; his infectious warmth, affable disposition and evincible charm have all combined to earn him the widespread acceptance he enjoys today. It is preposterous for one to underestimate Hon. Mascot or misconstrue his modesty and unassuming personae for weakness; a man who has the stellar reputation of being the best Chief of Staff — overseeing over 800 staff who were responsible to him on a daily basis, implementing the government’s decisions and people-oriented policies — you do not achieve that feat by being a simpleton. Indeed, it is a powerful testament to Mascot’s people skills, managerial acumen, tact, and wisdom that he could do that successfully, before resigning into private business. The only man in history who has done that! I mean, come on, these are qualities, I believe, a state like Abia needs in their next governor.
Affable, unpretentious, and large-hearted — that is the essential Mascot. Yet, for all his famed simplicity, accessibility, and humility, it would be a big mistake to take him for granted. The man is a study in self-belief. All great leaders through generations possess that quality of self-confidence. And Mascot impresses in that regard. Among all the candidates vying for the Abia State’s plum position to occupy the Government House, Umuahia, come May 29, 2023, Mascot stands out and stands tall with the credibility of not just winning an election, but serving successfully. It is his understanding and readiness to address the State’s development aspirations arising from his engagements with every sector of the State that inspired his desire to serve and entrance into the governorship race. In doing this, he has evolved a most people-friendly and development-oriented manifesto where he articulated his vision and strategy for the development of Abia State. Mascot has embarked on a strategic “meet-the-people” campaign as he takes his message to the people of Abia State. His manifesto seeks to give Ndi Abia meaningful development, enhanced peace and security, realistic reforms and opportunities for all. Embedded in each of the concepts on which the manifesto is anchored are visions and clear cut strategies for their realisation. Education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, electricity, industrialization and ICT are the key drivers of the Mascot’s agenda.
The Action Peoples Party (APP) gubernatorial candidate may not be a garrulous person but he can certainly hold his own in public, as quite evident in the ward-to-ward campaign rallies; the only candidate who is able to embark on such a herculean task — just to feel the peoples’ heart(beats), understand what [challenges] they are faced with, and how to address them. Even his critics agree that these are indeed impressive outings. But as any good student of politics knows, it takes more than oratorical skills to make a good leader. One can be fantastically gifted with oratorical prowess and be painfully lacking in the rudiments of governance or leadership skills. What sets Mascot apart are his vision, tenacity of purpose, courage, wise planning, faith, integrity, and the ability to mobilise men and resources to achieve a common goal. He is undoubtedly a consensus builder and unifier and, therefore, best suited to advance Abia State to the next level of growth and prosperity. I can unequivocally say that Ndi Abia have a fine blend of strength and service, courage and compassion, and faith and fidelity in Mascot.
The truth is that no other governorship candidate is as prepared as Hon. Mascot Uzor Kalu. For Mascot, politics is about the people. His political philosophy is anchored on the people’s welfare, his ideology has been people-driven. As an individual, he is compassion personified. This reflects in the Mascot Uzor Kalu Organisation which has brought succour to the needy through scholarships, empowerment, and entrepreneurial schemes, and other support programmes for the young and the old. Mascot is without doubt a rare Abian in a class of his own. His political antecedents and social networks across different divides attest to his unassailable character. He is a consensus builder who has forged deep friendships and contacts across the three Senatorial Districts of Abia State. His down-to-earth personality and accessible nature has endeared him to all Abians. He is at home with the rich and the poor, the educated and uneducated, the powerful and the powerless. It is largely due to his humility and uncanny ability to carry everybody along that the people of Abia State have unanimously endorsed him as the best candidate for the governorship in 2023. Mascot’s grassroots appeal makes him a sure bet for democracy and her populist ideals. He is a listener, and team player. These attributes attest to his uncommon leadership acumen. What is becoming clearer by the day is the apparent and crystal clear signs that Hon. Mascot has earned the peoples’ support and verdict that he is the next governor of Abia State come 2023. Mascot is without doubt very well prepared for the high office of Governor. He has undergone full political tutelage. He knows the people and the people are with him. He understands the issues in theory and practice. Mascot will not be a zonal Governor, but a capacity Governor for all Abians. Hon. Mascot runs on grace, courage, and destiny. He is God’s own project as the next Governor of Abia State. Indeed, this young man will make a good Governor, Ndi Abia, let us give him the mandate to pilot the affairs of the State to the admiration of the people come 11th March, 2023 by voting APP.
• Isioma, a developmental Journalist, Socio-political analyst and social commentator, writes from Umuahia for Igbere TV.
