GOVERNOR of Anambra State, Dr. Willie
Obiano on 17 March renewed his oath of office for a second term following his landslide
victory in the November
18, 2017 election. A mammoth
crowd from within and outside cheerfully witnessed the inauguration. By his laudable
performance which largely, advantageously worked for him at the poll, Akpokuedike-Aguleri
indeed deserved a second term. Splendidly, a cursory look in his new cabinet
will convince every doubting Thomas that the state is in a safe hand and the governor
is determined if nothing else, to maintain the frequency.
The distinguished figures
in the list including a raconteur and media guru; C. Don Adinuba as the
Commissioner of Information, who earlier served in the Presidency as a Special
Assistant to then Minister of Power, Engr. Barth Nnaji, is a clear indication
that the “Light of the Nation” is practically on track and automated for people-oriented
governance, luxuriant growth and excellence.
In the first term, Obiano overwhelmingly
consolidated, complemented the achievements of his two predecessors and took it
to next level. All hitherto seemingly abandoned towns substantially received
senses of belonging particularly through road rehabilitations. Thus, the
choices of the people since the return of democracy have tremendously paid them.
It is remarkable that Ndi-Anambra indeed have taken their destinies in their
hands by untiringly ensuring that only adept leaders mount the podium as the governor
of the state. It is therefore imperative to extend same approaches for the
choices of their representatives at the national and House of Assembly.
From 1999, the state has experienced
diverse political metamorphosis which to a large extent is providential. Dr. Chinwoke
Mbadinuju’s administration was appraisingly, widely zeroed; however, a holistic
evaluation may submit that Mbadinuju contributed correspondingly albeit in a
different dimension. Inarguably, his tenure was the prime era of godfathers
ruling by proxy. And like many other states, the anti-democratic elements
invaded Anambra for control of state resources with strong backup from the
Presidency then under Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. It was completely political bullying and supremacy
combats between elected government officials and Abuja clique. Funnily, Obasanjo,
their arrowhead is presently spearheading a coalition for good governance in
Nigeria. Irresistibly, in any contests the clique showed up interests, it was do-or-die
affairs. Oddly, all elective positions across the federation were always allotted
at the Presidential Villa by imposition and submitted to the Returning Officers
to announce accordingly. For governors, it was either complete compliance to sinister
deals particularly on security votes and sensitive positions or kangaroo impeachment
and immaterial if only six signed impeachment motions against seventeen members.
Beyond jokes, to become a governor,
radical aerobics were sensibly necessary for any eventualities from the presidentially-backed
self-acclaimed godfathers as their hostilities came in diverse violent dimensions
over noncompliance to their orders. The concert was suitable for “Things Fall
Apart extra-ordinary”. Mbadinuju was the first casualty in the state with
almost all appointees foisted on him. Believably, amidst frustrations, the
helpless Mbadinuju retired to faith-proclamations on the state; resorted to reprogramming
the state with affirmative words and consequently, clairvoyantly changed the
state’s original slogan “Home for all” to “It shall be well with Anambra State”.
Unwittingly, the people both the positive-minded, indecorous and hubristic characters
were daily declaring and reciting it; but unconsciously sowing seeds of progress
and luxuriant growth for the state alongside his daily devotions at the
government house which he personally led except when unavailable.
Eventually, due to ceaseless squabbles,
Mbadinuju wasn’t returned for a second term by the clique but replaced with Dr.
Chris Ngige who by mission or omission dined with the clique, hence faced
legitimacy crisis after emergence as the PDP’s candidate. In their usual overshadowing
manner, Ngige was however declared a winner but immediately he was sworn-in, major
crisis busted as he unpredictably, unwaveringly took full charge and sidelined the
‘godfathers’, above all, reneged on all hostile agreements over control of
state machinery and treasury. Strategically, Ngige expeditiously cleared
workers’ piled up arrears and energetically became workaholic; embarked on unprecedented
massive road constructions despite their colossal distractions, possibly in
anticipation of a rerun. It was indeed a positive drama. Suddenly, the
Christian community that hitherto rejected him reversed, embraced him over his
laudable performance especially on workers’ arrears alongside mega projects. On
the other hand, Mr. Peter Obi that was massively voted for as APGA’s candidate and
battling for redress at the tribunal began to face apathy with open demand that
Ngige with a pilfered mandate should ride on.
Along the line, the court’s gavel transferred
the mantle to APGA and legitimacy crisis shifted to Obi on account of high
standard Ngige set in motion. To worsen Obi’s situation, the clique
conspiratorially, hurriedly impeached him and installed their man, Andy Ubah
which immediately hit the brick wall. After Obi’s reinstatement by the apex
court, he quintessentially espoused Ngige’s panache. However, to prevent stealing
someone's thunder, Obi had to painstakingly differentiate
his projects with signposts like “this road was constructed by Peter Obi” for
people to see. It critically became a battle of exploits and feats only.
The most distinctive feat of Obi that
cannot be overemphasized is that despite belonging to opposition, he maneuvered
his way and became the then President, Goodluck Jonathan’s Mannesmann and
advantageously added value to his state. Thus, from Mbadinuju’s predictive
slogan, the state progressed to the “Light of the Nation” as sensitively renamed
by Obi. Inarguably, the state under Peter Obi’s leadership was a desideratum. Willie
Obiano’s first term equally glowed superbly. And by extension, the light shines
around her adjacent particularly Asaba, capital of Delta through real-estate
developments. Last year, Obiano remarkably
approved the proposal for construction of export processing facility estimated
at $150million in Ogidi. Thus, it is indeed becoming well with Anambra state. As
Obiano continues to navigate the state with clear blueprints and proficient
workforce, the light, perceptively, will shine brighter and brighter.
Congratulations Ndi-Anambra!
Umegboro, public affairs analyst wrote from Abuja from umegborocarl@gmail.com (07057101974 SMS only)
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