Leadership remains timeless. It should not be about where one comes from, but about what one carries inside. Just as Westerhof built a winning team by looking beyond tribe and background, Abians must look beyond family ties and surnames to assess the capacity, experience, and sincerity of each candidate.
Sir Mascot Uzor Kalu is not his brother; he is his own man, with his own journey, ideas, and leadership philosophy. He has served in various capacities, including as Chief of Staff to the Abia State Government, demonstrating administrative competence, youthfulness, and inclusivity. His aspiration is born not out of entitlement but from a genuine desire to consolidate and improve upon the gains already made in Abia, while correcting what needs to be improved.
Therefore, it would be unfair and intellectually shallow to judge Mascot Uzor Kalu through the lens of his elder brother’s past tenure. Just as every child in a family is different, every leader brings a distinct approach to governance. Democracy thrives when the people evaluate candidates based on vision, competence, and character—not bloodline or assumptions.
Rt. Hon. Barr. Jonathan Chukwuma, former Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, writes from Atlanta, Georgia, USA. All glory to the Most High. 🙏
