Nnamani, Chime, Ugwuanyi make list to replace Uche Nnaji

The resignation of the Enugu-born resigned Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has created a Ministerial vacancy for Enugu state.

Two former Governors of the state, Sullivan Chime and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, are in contention with a top Defence Strategist, Dr Davidson Nnamani.

Ex-Governor Chime and Dr Nnamani are members of the APC in the state, while Ugwuanyi is of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike-led G-5 group of PDP sympathisers to Tinubu.

The race appears to favour Dr Nnamani, who is younger and brings some expertise in the security challenges before the administration.

Also coming in as a factor is the peculiar circumstance in Enugu politics between the Enugu and Nsukka political blocs. The incumbent Governor of Enugu, Peter Mbah, is from Enugu block; the two immediate past Ministers from Enugu, Geoffrey Onyema and Uche Nnaji, came from Enugu block. 

Nsukka block, where Dr Nnamani and Ugwuanyi hail from, is the most favoured for rationality and justice, especially as Nsukka block has not produced a Minister since this democratic dispensation, despite having over 52% of the voting population.

 Former Governor Barr. Sullivan Chima former governor from Udi local government who produced Onyeama who just left after 8 years and equally   

Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former governor and a member of PDP from Udenu local government, who lost the senatorial seat to Okey Ezea in 2023, is making a subtle move through his friend Minister Wike to take the slot. 

Dr Nnamani Davidson, a PhD holder in defence and strategic studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy, from Isi Uzo Local Government, the same senatorial zone as the resigned Uche Nnaji, seems to be interested in the post. 

Nnamani, who is a strong pillar of APC in his local government, is a grassroots politician, detribalized and versatile.

It is left for Mr President to use his discretion to pick the best that will represent the state in the Federal Executive Council.