Chris Uba, the man allegedly behind the 2003 crisis in Anambra State where the then sitting governor (Dr Chris Ngige) was kidnapped, has been named a senator representing Anambra South Senatorial district. This is following a judgement of the Nigerian supreme court on 29th January, 2016 that Chris Uba is the rightful PDP candidate for the 2015 senatorial election in the zone in place of his brother, Andy Uba who eventually won the election.
In a case brought before the supreme court by a factional chairman of the state PDP, Ejike Oguebego, the apex court declared Oguebego the authentic chairman of PDP in the state. The court also ruled that the candidates’ list submitted to INEC prior to the election by Oguebego is the authentic list as against the list submitted by the Emeakayi led faction which was eventually accepted by INEC for the elections.
From L-R Senator Andy Uba and brother Senator Chris Uba
Going by the ruling, all current Federal Legislators, both senators and house of rep members, representing Anambra state in the National Assembly has been sacked. Those affected by the ruling include; Senator Andy Uba (to be replaced by his brother, Chris Uba for Anambra South), Senator Stella Oduah (to be replaced by Jhon Emeka for Anambra North), Hon Obinna Chidoka (to be replaced by Charles Odedo for Idemili North-South), Hon Eucharia Azodo (to be replaced by Tony Offiah for Aguata), Hon Emeka Azubogu (to be replaced by Julius Ofoma for Nnewi North-South/Ekwusigo), Hon Anayo Nnebe (to be replaced by Emma Nweke for Awka North-South), Hon Chukwuka Onyema (to be replaced by Benny Obaze for Ogbaru), among others.
The ruling has thrown Anambra into a state of confusion as the new candidates, 360Reporters.com learnt, are very unpopular for some reasons. Chris Uba, for instance, was recently fingered in Ekitigate scandal where he was said to have assisted the rigging of the 2014 Ekiti governorship election in favour of the incumbent Ayodele Fayose. It is also on record that Chris Uba is now the third person from the same family to represent Anambra South as a senator after his elder brother Andy Uba (2011 – 2015), and the eldest Senator Ugochukwu Uba (2003 – 2007).
Recall also that on 7th December 2015, an appellate court in Enugu nullified the election of Uche Ekwunife as the Senator representing Anambra Central and ordered a fresh election within 90 days. The fresh election will now be held between Chief Victor Umeh of Apga, the new PDP candidate, Sen. Annie Okonkwo, and the new APC candidate, Sharon Ikeazor replacing Sen. Chris Ngige who is now a serving minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
