Kema Chikwe: I Am an Unrepentant Owerri Woman

Her pedigree is unmistakable; so is her political acumen. Strong, suave and stately, Kemafo Chikwe remains one of the most prominent female politicians the Peoples Democratic Party has ever produced. A one-time minister of aviation and ambassador to Republic of Ireland, she was at the heart of women development and involvement in Nigeria’s political landscape. But as her life clocks 70, she feels much of the steam she had in younger years has left her. Her dream of a great Nigeria remains unshaken though. Chikwe reflects in this interview with Stanley Nkwazema, about what could have been and what could still be done

My Regimented Family
Growing up was very structural because I come from a very structured home. My father, the late Nathan Okeoma Ejiogu from Umuayalu Egbu, Owerri in Imo State, was a teacher and educationist. Everything at home was more or less regimented. There was time for everything; time to play, time to eat, to go to school, study and there was a lot of discipline in the home. I attended ATTC Owerri for my Advanced Teachers Certificate, in French and English. Later, I travelled to the United States of America where I studied for my BA and Masters at the Queens College, University of New York. I returned to Nigeria and obtained a PhD from the University of Nigeria. I worked with Anambra Broadcasting Corporation as principal producer and head of talks.

My Parents’ Pursuits
My father was the first African Chief Inspector of Education, Eastern Nigeria. When he retired he became consultant to Ford Foundation of America and UNESCO till when the Civil War broke out. After the war, he was appointed chairman of Public Service Commission East Central State till he died on August 4, 1972. My mother was educated at Ovim Girls School. She attended Government School Aba before she went to boarding school and thereafter trained in Home Economics. She had lived with Sierra Leonean families of Mr. and Mrs. Clark. She was a baker, and at a time she was a seamstress, businesswoman who traded in wrappers (Georges) and what was then called (Intorica). She was a big trader and a major distributor to Golden Guinea Breweries, Umuahia. She was a sub-distributor of other beer brands. My mother was an entrepreneur par excellence. She is also a farmer who did all kinds of things after the death of my father – marketing palm oil all the way to the North.

My Life as Politician and Mother
If I tell you it has been easy, then I am lying; because when you do this, certain things have to suffer. But in my politics, I have been very lucky because my husband, Nze Herbert Chikwe, gave me maximum support. Secondly, I went into mainstream politics when my children have grown; when they were in the boarding schools. It was easier for me to travel to attend meetings. I always found time for everything. Growing up in a structured environment helped me to structure everything I do. I try not to let things suffer. I compartmentalise my responsibilities.

Women and Politics
In politics, you have to play with integrity because if you have integrity, people will trust you. The most important thing is to build the trust, both at home and in the public domain. I feel good when people talk about trust, they think about you. I also tell young girls, your children are very young, for our environment, it is not easy to do politics, when you have small babies. Honestly, elsewhere where you have crèches, proper social welfare system, regulations, security, it will be easy. Since we have challenges with security and welfare system, it is not easy to abandon little children and go into politics. That is not to say that they should not take to politics.
When I was National Woman Leader of PDP, I initiated a programme, the E-Women Network, because I know that a lot of young women want to be in politics. But there are competing factors – the home, politics and their career. I also know that most young women these days practically live with their phones, laptops, and other mobile gadgets. I created the E-Women Network which was an online mobilisation organisation. I gave young women the opportunity. From wherever you are, you can make meaningful contributions through the online platform.

Leadership by Example
What I can tell Nigerian leaders is that when you preach a policy you implement it. Leadership by example is very important. I am worried that there is a lot of tension in the country. This tension arises because of the huge gap between the rich and the poor. Between the old and the young, between men and women; gender inequality. We have a lot of gaps in the country. I pray that our leaders make conscious efforts to bridge the gaps. I also think that the issue of corruption is deadly in the country. However, I think building very strong institutions is the key. When I was in the system I believed in automating the system as in Western world.
If we have good roads, transport facilities and electricity and other things are working the way they should work, Nigeria will be great. Our electoral system also has a lot to do with our progress. The integrity of the judiciary is very important because it is the last bus stop for the common man. If you can’t get justice anywhere, then we are doomed. We cannot see God. He operates through the people he gives responsibilities. Leadership is very divine and anybody that finds himself in a leadership position should see it as an act of God.

My Regrets
You cannot finish a job without some regrets. The major regret I had during my time as Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland with concurrence to Iceland. I came back to contest for a senatorial seat in Imo state. I was not fairly treated. Those responsible know that I was not fairly treated because I believe and they know that I won the election. At the end of the day you are handicapped because you no longer have a platform. The person you defeated now takes up a platform to turn the story around. That was a major regret for me. I could not even be heard in court. I was frustrated, the case was not heard. I did not lose confidence in the system. I just took it that I was one of the unfortunate people in Nigeria.

Affirmatives Action and Nigerian Women
Nigeria has done fairly well comparatively. We have not really achieved the 35 per cent. With the last government, we came up to about 30 per cent. I think, generally, we are progressing and I am confident we will get there.

Owerri Soup
I like rice and stew. You know women are conscious of their weight. I love Nigerian food. I love ofe owerre. I think it is my favourite soup. I love cooking. Even when I was a minister, each time I came back from work I cooked. I find it difficult to appreciate food cooked by someone else. I have to be a cook for a long time before and the orientation changes before I can accept food cooked another person. So I do the cooking even in the village. I love cooking with firewood because it gives that special taste especially when it is native food. It tastes better. I love the barbeque taste, so I love to see people eating. My mother and stepmothers were very generous with foods.

Time with Grandchildren and Love for Dancing
I rarely have had spare time for a long time due to active political life. I think it is because the system is very congested for me. But what I enjoy doing most when I am free is to be with my grandchildren. I enjoy their company. I love music and I love dancing. The only time that I have leisure is when I go to Owerri because there are always occasions of listening to Bongo music and dancing. I really love dancing to Bongo music. The music actually unites Owerri people. That is when you see Owerri people come together and I am an unrepentant Owerri Woman.

Life at 70
You know one thing that is happening; coinciding with my 70th birthday is the political confusion in Nigeria. The dynamics of politics in Nigeria seem to be changing and what you read on a daily basis is that there are problems in the parties. Even in my party. Just a little mistake that was made, the party was blown up. It is painful to me because I am a founding member of PDP. I saw PDP as my baby; I served the party with all honesty, passion, compassion, and commitment. I just pray that we will overcome the problem. When you are 70, you have gone through all the rigours of politics; the elections, families are being torn apart, and enmity everywhere.
It is very painful to me. I will continue to play advisory role and it is not going to be like before. I will support whatever will be good for Nigeria. My party comes first but if something is good and comes from another party, I will be objective in my assessment. We need to overhaul the system in the country.