By Amby Uneze KSJI
_"Everything comes to us that belongs to us if we create the capacity to receive it." Rabindranath Tagore_
It is imperative and rewarding to trust elective position to someone who has the capacity, integrity and ability to be accountable to the people who send him to represent them. In this case, the people of Owerri senatorial zone are lucky to have a leader who can offer effective representation, fearless, team player, and confident personality whose only interest it is to lift the fortunes of the zone at the national level.
Therefore, as the 2027 elections approach, the political landscape in Owerri Senatorial Zone is somewhat heating up, with some aspirants showing interest to represent the people. Among these aspirants one person stands out and fits appropriately to the description I had enunciated earlier. He is Prince Alex Mbata, a figure who has garnered considerable attention and admiration for his capacity, integrity, and financial muscle. In a political arena often fraught with corruption and inefficiency, Mbata emerges as a refreshing alternative, one who embodies the qualities necessary for effective leadership in the zone.
Ordinarily, the Senate is not a place for beginners and those who want to learn leadership. Senate is meant for serious-minded individuals who have either reached the top of their carrier in business, governance, technocrats, senior citizens and people who do not want extra wealth to start life.
That is why all over the world before one is elected a senator, such a personality must have the knack for service to the people and not to amass wealth. Hence, the Senate is filled with former governors of States, Captains of industries, retired senior civil servants, Ambassadors and those who served in foreign missions. These set of fulfilled people are not there for corruption, they are supposed to possess impeccable character, self-confident, vocal and out-spoken. They are not fearless to speak truth to the authorities without hoping for any gratification.
Today, you must grow to that level of self-worth; senators like, Ali Ndume from Borno South senatorial zone, who had been in the national Assembly since 2003 having being in the House of Representatives for two terms and Senate since 2011, Enyinnaya Abaribe from Abia State who has spent about 23 years in the Senate is another example, former Senate president, Ahmad Lawan from Yobe State has also been in the Nigerian National Assembly for 27 years, starting in the House of Representatives in 1999 and transitioning to the Senate in 2007. He has served in the Senate for 19 years (as of 2026), representing Yobe North and served as the 9th Senate President from 2019 to 2023. Some of these long serving Senators are there not because there are no other credible people in their zones, but because they have been serving their senatorial districts effectively and they have the required capacity to offer quality and people-oriented representations.
In the case of Owerri Senatorial zone of Imo State, what is uppermost now is not the local government one is coming from or whether this local government had produced a senator before or not, what is earnestly needed now is effectiveness, capacity, and integrity. Owerri Senatorial zone does not want somebody who is learning the rope of politics, easy-to-buy over, not being able to initiate clicks that would enable him get the required motions and bills to benefit his constituents and he who lacks the voice.
From verifiable records, Prince Alex Mbata has excess capacity to represent Owerri Senatorial zone in the Senate in 2027. His capacity is not only rooted to politics, he is a man of the people long before he joined politics. His humanitarian foundation is very germane as he keeps empowering the youths, women, everybody. He had single-handedly constructed some major roads in Owerri installed with solar street lights (Protea hotels to Nekede road for example), the same as the construction of the state-of-the-art Ulakwo Junction to Ugwoma-Obube road - his home town which is several kilometers with solar streets lights as well. There is no doubt that Prince Alex Mbata has spent over N6 billion on these projects single-handedly. That is the capacity we are talking about. This shows that he is not going to the Senate to amass wealth of public funds but he is going there to redeem the image of Owerri Senatorial zone and put it in the map of vibrant senatorial zones of the country.
Prince Alex Mbata's journey into politics is deeply rooted in his commitment to community service and development. With a solid background and a wealth of experience in both the private and public sectors, he has cultivated a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the Owerri Senatorial Zone. His ability to manage various assignments demonstrates his capacity to navigate the complexities of governance, making him well-prepared to tackle the pressing issues that confront his constituents.
Mbata’s previous roles have not only equipped him with the skills necessary for political office but have also allowed him to develop a robust network of relationships across various sectors in the country. His experience in business has given him insights into economic development, job creation, and the importance of sustainable practices - critical elements for the growth of Owerri and its surrounding communities.
One of Mbata's most significant assets is his capacity for leadership. In an era where effective governance has become scarce, he stands out as one who prioritizes the welfare of his constituents. His vision for Owerri Senatorial Zone includes a focus on infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and agriculture - areas that are vital for the growth and sustainability of the region.
Mbata’s approach to leadership is characterized by inclusivity and collaboration. He recognizes that effective governance is not a solo endeavour but requires the involvement of all stakeholders, including local communities, businesses, and traditional institutions. This inclusive approach not only fosters unity but also ensures that development initiatives are tailored to meet the unique needs of the people.
Moreover, his ability to engage with both the youth and the elders, especially women in the zone demonstrates his understanding of the demographic dynamics of Owerri zone. By addressing the aspirations of the younger generation while respecting the wisdom of the elders and women, Mbata is positioned to create policies that resonate across age groups, fostering a more harmonious society.
Integrity is a cornerstone of effective leadership, and Prince Alex Mbata is a paragon of this virtue especially in a situation where corruption often undermines trust in elected officials, Mbata's commitment to transparency and accountability sets him apart from his competitors. His track record of ethical behavior and his unwavering stance against corrupt practices have earned him the respect and admiration of many within the Owerri Senatorial Zone.
Mbata understands that trust is essential in politics that can only be earned through consistent and principled behavior. He has pledged to uphold the highest standards of integrity if given the mandate to represent the zone at the Senate by ensuring that government resources are utilized effectively and for the benefit of the people. This commitment to ethical governance is crucial.
Furthermore, Mbata's emphasis on transparency extends to his engagement with constituents. He is an advocate of regular town hall meetings and open forums where community members could voice their concerns and hold their representatives accountable. By fostering an environment of open dialogue, he aims to bridge the gap between the electorate and their representatives, creating a more responsive and responsible government.
In addition to his capacity and integrity, Prince Alex Mbata possesses the financial muscle necessary to drive economic development in the Owerri Senatorial Zone. His background in business has afforded him the resources and acumen to attract investments and stimulate economic growth. He would apply his numerous contacts within and outside the country to improve on his representation. With a keen understanding of the local economy and the potential for development, Mbata is well-positioned to attract initiatives that can lead to job creation and increased prosperity for the people.
Prince Alex Mbata offers a compelling vision for the future, one that is grounded in integrity, capability, and a genuine desire to uplift the lives of the people he seeks to represent. As the political tides shift, the choice is clear: a choice for Mbata is a choice for a prosperous and united Owerri Senatorial Zone.
*Uneze is the Senior Correspondent of Thisday Newspapers in Imo and can be reached through 08033217716
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