One on One With Hon. Barr. John Amechi Edeh.
My name is Hon. Barr John Amechi Edeh, I am a legal practitioner, my Law Chamber is located at 88 Ogui Road, opposite Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
I am into private Legal practice.
I was born many years ago to the family of Chief and Lolo Okonkwo Edeh of Ugwuagba Ogonogoeji, Akpugo in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State Nigeria.
My father was a strong native chief as he was one of the decision makers and member, Igwe in council of Late Nnaji Onah.
My mother was a successful businesswoman who contributed immensely to the development of commerce in our community as of that time.
How was your growing up?, your role models.
I live under the tutelage of my elder brother who saw me through my secondary school education.
Let’s know your education background?.
I passed my primary and secondary school education in filling colours and I later proceeded to Enugu State University of Science and Technology where I studied law.
I bagged LLB Hons and later proceeded to Nigerian law School, where I got my my BL in filling colours.
We can see that you are a household name in Nigerian politics,
Also how did you get this title, Okaaoburuzo 1 of Akpugo.
The title was conferred on me by late Igwe Gabriel Nnaji (Nwajanja)
in recognition of my selfless services to the people of Akpugo as the youngest Cabinet Chief.
I served under late Igwe Nwajanja as Chairman Chieftaincy Committee, Chairman Constitution drafting Committee, Chairman Disciplinary Committee and Chairman Electrification Committee.
Let’s know what you have done for members of your community for them to love you so much?.
I have donated 500 KVA transformer to my community, Ugwuagba Ogonogoeji Akpugo in year 2009.
The transformer is still functional as of today and they honoured me with a civic reception.
I have graded many roads in my community.
I have equally awarded schoolarship to many indigent persons in my community.
I have contributed in the provision of social amenities for my community.
I have donated money for the elderly in my village to support their businesses.
My annual free medical outreach programme has been consistent, providing qualitative healthcare to our people.
When did you venture into politics?.
I went into politics in 1992 where I was assigned, Chief Supplier of Drinks and other beverages to the then Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Okwesiri Eze Nwodo.
Governor Nwodo supported me very well and i delivered on the contract.
I was later appointed Legal adviser to my ward under the platform of PDP, from 2011 to 2015.
SA on Political matters to Hon Afam Okereke, Former Nkanu West Local Government Chairman.
I was also appointed by the former governor His Excellency, Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as one of his Executive Assistant from 2016 to 2019.
I have contributed to the overall progress of PDP in Nkanu West, Enugu State and Nigeria at large.
Why did you defect to Labour party in 2022?.
Well, the PDP party machinery did not have regard for their own rules and regulations.
Despite my contributions and sponsorship of candidates of the party, the party officials refused to accord me due recognition, as they continue to favour other people who contributed nothing to the development of the party.
I decided to pitch my tent with the Labour party as its ideology is people’s friendly.
They gave me a waiver where I was duely nominated by the Labour party to contest under their platform as the candidate of party in the 2023 National Assembly election as Federal House Representative for Nkanu East/West Federal Constituency.
To the glory of God, the people gave me massive support.
I can see that many institutions gave you awards
Many institutions, communities and some government agencies have given me awards in appreciation of my contributions to their growth and welfare.
Among these recognitions are ~
Ogonogoeji Ndiagu Akpugo award, 2019 in appreciating me for giving them 500 KVA transformer and other positive impacts.
Resident Doctors UNTH award of excellence 202, in recognition of my financial and moral support to the Hospital.
Nwabueze Neighbourhood/Annex award, 2017 for attracting the Security Neighbourhood, Grading of Nwabueze Street and attracting 500 KVA Transformer, mounted at Chukwuejim Street.
I can see that you have traveled to many countries of the World, which of these countries shaped you more, in your line of trade?.
I have traveled to Europe, America, Asia, Canada, Africa to do legitimate business.
Your advice to Nigerian youths?.
Always do the right thing.
Don’t involve your self in evil practices which ultimately leads to untimely death.
Always adhere to the teachings of God, avoid cultism and honour your parents so that your days will be long.
The youths should assume leadership of the country as our old politicians have failed us.
Do you have any advice for the staff and management of Focus Magazine Nigeria?.
My advice to the staff of this great magazine is to continue to live above Board and do the right thing at all time.
Please always uphold the tenets of the journalism profession.
Obama you are a great guy and I know that God will continue to enlarge your coast.
God bless you.