The Councillor representing Obollo Afor Ward in Udenu Local Government Area Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Odo, has described councillorship as a “burial ground for political ambition,” reflecting on the challenges and limitations of grassroots politics in Nigeria.
In a candid statement, Odo narrated his political journey, beginning with consultations during the early years of former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration. He recounted how he sought guidance from notable political figures in his quest for councillorship.
“My brother Ugonna Nwodo took me to then Senator Chukwuka Utazi at his country home in Uzo-Uwani for consultation. To underscore how important I cherished councillorship, I consulted Utazi, being the Senator representing Enugu North then, to help me talk to Udenu stakeholders,” Odo said.
Odo revealed that Senator Utazi discouraged him from pursuing councillorship, warning of the potential risks to his political future. “Councillorship and Chairmanship is a burial ground for political ambition,” he quoted Utazi as saying, adding that the senator advised him that as a vibrant young man, he deserved higher political aspirations.
“Utazi took time to school me on how councillorship could negatively impact my political prospects because I would be dealing directly with ‘village people’ and would be held accountable for even the failure of the governor,” Odo recalled.
Despite the warning, Odo said he insisted on following his grassroots passion. He also spoke of an unfruitful consultation with then Local Government Chairman Godwin Abonyi, describing how “Abonyi treated me as trash,” an experience he said would be the subject of another story.
After several attempts, Odo eventually emerged as a councillor in 2022 under Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration. Reflecting on his experience, he admitted that he now sees merit in Utazi’s advice. “Imagine all the assaults I have faced as an ordinary Councillor. If not for the grace of God, how will someone like me hope to grow politically to become a governor, House of Reps member or Senator tomorrow?” he asked.
Odo lamented the challenges councillors face, stressing that “as a councillor, you are a nobody; you dare not speak up else your political ambition is buried.” He noted that many forget that councillors, like chairmen, governors, and senators, are elected through the same democratic process.
Nonetheless, Odo expressed pride in his service. “The best thing that happened to me was contesting and winning elections as a councillor. I feel fulfilled and happy that it will forever go down in my history that I represented my people,” he declared.
Looking to the future, Odo affirmed his determination to rise above the limitations of his current office. “I reject and refuse to be confined to the burial ground status simply for choosing to represent my people as an embodiment of their aspirations at the grassroots. Someday, I wish to be the Local Government Chairman of Udenu LGA, House of Assembly Member, House of Reps member, Governor, or Senator if it pleases God,” he concluded.