The governor of Anambra State, Dr. Willie Obiano,
on March 17, 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 the State witnessed the inauguration. By his laudable performance which largely, worked for him at the poll, Akpokuedike-Aguleri indeed deserves a second term.
Splendidly, a cursory look at 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 presence of distinguished figures in the cabinet, including a raconteur and media guru, Don Adinuba as the Commissioner for 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 on the achievements of his two predecessors and took government to the next level. All hitherto abandoned towns substantially received sense of belonging particularly through road rehabilitation. Thus, the choices of the people since the return of democracy have tremendously paid off. It is remarkable that Ndi-Anambra 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 approach to other elected offices in the State.
From 1999, the State has experienced diverse political metamorphosis which to a large extent is providential. Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju’s administration, by popular appraisal, was scored low; 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 back-up from the Presidency then under Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. It was completely political bullying and supremacy combats between elected government officials and Abuja clique. Funny enough, Obasanjo, their arrowhead, is presently spearheading a coalition for good governance in Nigeria.
In any contest 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 face kangaroo impeachment. It was immaterial then if only six out of 17 lawmakers signed impeachment motions against the governor.
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 non-compliance 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. 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 citizenry, both the positive-minded and indecorous, hubristic characters, were daily declaring and reciting it, unconsciously sowing seeds of progress and luxuriant growth for the State.
Eventually, due to ceaseless squabbles, Mbadinuju wasn’t returned for a second term. He was replaced with Dr. Chris Ngige who then was dining and wining with the cabal. But no sooner that Ngige was declared the winner of the governorship election that he too faced serious crisis. His offence was that he unwaveringly took full charge of the State affair and sidelined the ‘godfathers’. Above all, he reneged on all hostile agreements over control of State machinery and treasury.
Strategically, Ngige expeditiously cleared a backlog of workers’ salary arrears and energetically embarked on unprecedented massive road constructions despite serious distractions from the opposition. It was, indeed, a positive drama. Suddenly, the Christian community that hitherto rejected him reversed and embraced him over his laudable performance. On the other hand, Mr. Peter Obi who was massively voted for as APGA’s candidate and battling for redress at the tribunal began to face apathy, thus encouraging Ngige with a pilfered mandate to ride on.
Along the line, the court’s gavel transferred the mantle to APGA and legitimacy crisis shifted to Obi on account of the high standard Ngige set in motion. To worsen Obi’s situation, the cabal conspiratorially impeached him and installed their man, Andy Ubah who 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.
The most distinctive feat that Obi recorded was that he maneuvered his way and became the then President Goodluck Jonathan’s man Friday and advantageously added value to his State. Thus, from Mbadinuju’s predictive slogan, the State progressed to the “Light of the Nation” as later renamed by Obi. Inarguably, the State, under Obi’s leadership, was a desideratum.
Obiano’s first term equally glowed superbly. Last year, Obiano remarkably approved the proposal for construction of export processing facility estimated at $150 million 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, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Abuja.