Hon. Chukwuemeka Jude Omobowale Idimogu is the deputy leader of Ndigbo in the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC). He served in the Lagos State House of Assembly twice, representing the Oshodi/Isolo 2 constituency. He recently spoke with IKECHI ELENWOKE about a variety of crucial burning topics.

There is a mix-up in your name. You bear Chukwuemeka and Omobowale at the same time, how come?

I am Igbo from Ihitte Uboma in Imo State. I was born and brought up in Imo State but I have spent a long time in Lagos, Yoruba land. I married in Lagos here and raised all my kids here, so I am a citizen.

I have lived here in Lagos for more than twenty years. I am also married to a Yoruba woman so, even by marriage I am a Yoruba too.

Do your children and wife speak Igbo?

My wife is managing. She is trying, but my children are doing better in both. I speak a smattering of Yoruba, I try but it is not easy. You know Lagos is a cosmopolitan city so there are plenty of foreign influences here unlike other Yoruba states of Ekiti, Oyo, or Osun that are predominantly Yorubas. If you are staying around these areas you will grab the language more easily. I wished I had been in any of those core Yoruba towns at a very tender age because language is a very powerful integration tool.

foods?

Yes. She prepares Igbo dishes quite well. My sister taught her about Igbo delicacies. She prepares Oha, Nsala, and other dishes. I enjoy Ewedu and Amala. If Nigeria is serious about national unity, inter-tribal marriages are a powerful option for addressing some ethnic biases that have been impacting us in a variety of ways. It has the potential to eliminate unwarranted tribal suspicions.

What role does your marriage have in your political life in Lagos? Is there any added benefit?

So much, if I’m being honest with you. My wife is from a large and powerful Kuku family in Ijebu-Ode. I had no idea while we were dating. Her marriage was not planned.

When I first started my campaign, my wife’s background gave me so much confidence that I had to include her image and name on my poster as well. That seemed like it could add some magic. And I think it did. They did not let me down.

I notified my Yoruba friends and in-laws of my intention to run for the Lagos State House of Assembly before purchasing the form. They handed me the PDP ticket and backed me up. I had no clue they would accept me so warmly. I had no intention of entering politics when I married her. We began dating when I was twenty-five years old, and the marriage aspect came up much later.

Can you tell us morea bout your love story?

As I already stated, our journey began when I was twenty-five years old. I needed a female companion. My pals agreed to assist me with one. So they took me to a party in Mushin, and when we arrived, I was shown a female sitting opposite us. But I chose another option at the same table. It was love at first sight, and the attraction was enthralling. At that moment, I confidently informed my connections that I had made my pick, a friend of the one they recommended to me who later became my wife.

Meanwhile, she had no idea what had happened until I told her about it recently. She was astounded to learn about the hidden love tale that led to her current situation. But, I must say, it is God’s intention, not mine, for political benefit or advantage in the future.

My children may decide to leave in their maternal house in Ijebu tomorrow.

I was born in Ihitte Uboma but grew up in Mbaise. Some people believe I am from Mbaise. As citizens of Nigeria, I believe they should be allowed to live, marry, and live anywhere they choose.

And, if Nigeria is to truly progress, we should encourage intertribal marriages. It will bring the country together and develop the smooth interaction that we require.

Your party, the APC, now controls Lagos, Imo, and the federal government. What are your thoughts on the feat?

This is a positive development. This will generate the required synergy for a seamless government. My home governor, of course, is the chairman of the APC governor forum. That is also an advantage.

I haven’t contacted him due to distance and busy schedules on both sides. From both my and the governor’s perspectives. You could phone a governor, but the call might not go through.

But I have time now, so when their election comes around, I will most likely go and provide the necessary support.

What are your thoughts on Bola Ahmed Asiwaju’s election as President in the recently ended election?

President Tinubu has the political will to make difficult decisions. He is a strong and compassionate leader who arose from the ground up. He is well familiar with the terrain.

Consider the withdrawal of gasoline subsidies, for example. More than two regimes danced around the problem but were not courageous enough to make an appropriate conclusion. He took a direct approach. And believe me, it is truly gone. The government is devising methods to mitigate the effects, and there has been commensurate progress.

He claims that paying for the fuel subsidy depletes our limited resources, which should be channeled into other essential areas of need such as health, education, and infrastructure development.

According to him, the fuel subsidy issue is fraught with controversy; we were told that our fuel use before the elimination was 69 million litres per day. However, since the removal, we have learned that our daily usage is 15 million litres.

The distinction is emerging. There’s a lot of commotion going on. However, given the current developments, I am confident that all those participating in the hoax are now facing a difficult market. There is no longer any profit to be made from fuel smuggling anywhere in the country. Anyone who does so will suffer financial consequences.

What are your thoughts on the recent schisms between Igbos in Lagos and some Yoruba factions?

My in-laws are Yorubas. I can’t speak poorly of them as a person, but it doesn’t mean we can’t correct one other when necessary.

We can always discuss any difficulties peacefully. They are extremely accommodating and friendly. Our people are not always evil people.

AllenSpencer:
Peter should divorce his wife and marry a Yoruba woman

Naijaboy18:
God bless Yoruba people. All those who attempt to curse Yoruba people will suffer.

Benwallt:


https://independent.ng/marrying-yoruba-woman-gave-me-political-advantage-idimogu/

Bulldozer90:
It simply means his was appointed for marrying a Yoruba. Lol