CHIEF (HON.) ALLWELL HEACHO ONYESOH (JP): A CURSORY LOOK

Born to a humble family in the old Port Harcourt township of Etche parents. Chief (Hon.) Allwell Heacho Onyesoh (JP) whose chronicle of political history is a conglomeration of intellectual sagacity, emotional equanimity, humane disposition and unique potential always inform his choice of political moves.

A critical perusal of Chief Onyesoh's political credentials would leave one with a conviction that if experience counts in Nigerian politics, then Allwell should be a professor of politics. The Political Octopus, as he is popularly known, is an advantaged well-bred politician, courtesy of his upbringing. His mother was a renowned politician in the Nigerian Second Republic.

Young Allwell started his political career in his twenties. And at the age of 33 he was elected the Chairman of National Republic Convention (NRC) of the old Etche LGA in a keenly contested poll. And in 1997, following the formation of new political parties in Nigeria, Chief Onyesoh contested and won the Etche constituency II seat in Rivers State House of Assembly under the platform of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP).

By 1998 Allwell and his friends formed the famous Restoration Team ( a political front for the actualization of Dr. Peter Odili's governorship ambition), including Hon. Kenneth Kobani, Prince Uche Secondus, Rt, Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Hon. Abiye Sekibo, et all which was emptied into Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), at the formation. And collectively, they worked for and championed the eventual victory of Dr. Peter Odili as the Governor of Rivers State.

Allwell's political dexterity has always endeared him to men of goodwill. He was appointed a commissioner for Education, and later Sports for four years each. Hon. Allwell Onyesoh and Hon. Kenneth Kobani were the only two cabinet members (commissioners) that served for the whole eight years of Dr. Peter Odili's regime. Suffice it to say that Allwell's impregnable records in the ministries of education and sports are yet to be beaten.

With his wealth of experience as a former commissioner of education, Allwell on assumption of office in 2011 as Chairman, Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board beckoned, ensured and secured the approval of Rivers State Governor, Rt, Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, for the successful employment of thirteen thousand, one hundred and fifty one (13,151) graduate teachers in August 2013. An unprecedented feat that did not only save the public schools from total collapse, but serves as a means of livelihood in many homes today.

To say the least, Chief Allwell Onyesoh's enviable tracks and intimidating credentials cannot be exhaustedly condensed within the confines of this piece. Allwell's political touches permeate political differentiations. Speaking at the Easter convention of Ogbaku Etche, Hon. Jerome Eke of PDP, member House of Representatives, sealed it when he acknowledged that Chief Allwell Onyesoh is a respected political father across party lines. Hon. Eke extolled Allwell's spirited oriented contributions to the political empowerment of the youths.

There will be no gainsaying that Allwell's 2019 senatorial ambition is unique, coming at a time the voices are united in support of it. It is today a common belief that the likes of Chief Allwell Onyesoh is a round peg for a round hole, or better still, a square peg for a square hole.

By:
Chibuike Godspower Iroegbu