Soludo and the Made-in-Anambra Work Ethic by Uzor Maxim Uzoatu
It is with bated breath that the world waits for Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo to assume duties as Anambra State Governor on March 17 in this year of Our Lord.
Anambra
Where Soludo Should Start.
Congratulations to Prof Soludo and Anambrarians. We have shown that we are mature and peaceful.
How the South-East should respond to Amotekun.
“It is the opinion of many great authorities that every nation or people build its future on its past, that is, a past that has been properly studied and understood, and whose seminal experience has been extracted and redeployed for further use”. ~ Prof. Adiele Afigbo Ever since Mohammed Yusuf was extra-judicially murdered by the police in 2007- a costly insurgency that has so far claimed over fifty thousand lives and displaced about three million continues to ravage the nation. The hydra-headed problem turned into a conflagration which continues to oxygenate the activities of bandits in the North-West and killer herdsmen across the nation. The inability of the national defence and security apparatus to contain the insurgents has seen an otherwise localised conflict permeate the other regions in different guises. In the South West kidnapping became so rampant that even the high and mighty were not spared. Chief Olu Falae is lucky to be alive while Pa Fasoranti’s daughter -may her soul rest in peace- wasn’t so lucky. What’s more, President Buhari’s lopsided appointments in the security architecture and his reluctance to replace the service chiefs in the face of perennial insecurity culminated in the birth of Operation Amotekun. Well, so the Yoruba leaders say. I am not sold on that narrative. I believe that Operation Amotekun is actually more about politics than security. Why do I think so? Well, part of the reason should be obvious to the discerning observer. With the exception of some Nordic countries and a few others, even the most liberal democracies have its security framework usually designed with the principal consideration of protecting the ruling elite let alone Nigeria where ours was largely shaped by long years of military dictatorship. Precisely, the established operational paradigm in the country can rightly be described as regime security rather than national security. This is better exemplified in the fact that it is normal to have the number of security operatives attached to the office of a local government chairman supersede what is left to guard the local government area itself. Tinubu himself is very much aware of this. As the political godfather of the South West, his measured statement calling for dialogue with the federal government couldn’t have been better crafted given his rumoured ambition to succeed Buhari. Who wants to stir the applecart? And did his caution prevail? Certainly, the northern dominated federal government is aware of existing security outfits like Hisbah, JTF and the rest. So it makes little sense to boisterously oppose a similar initiative by the politically aligned South West. Moreover, any other amorphous security organisation out there that exceeds set boundaries as the so-called legal framework will definitely outline can always be tamed. Cut to size and reduced to omonile like Obasanjo did to the Oodua Peoples Congress OPC. So, as the Federal Government led pally with South-West Governors on the contentious issues concluded with a mutual agreement public attention will understandably switch to other regions particularly the South-East. Leaders of the region will be inundated with more calls to reproduce something identical. Already we ‘ve had some chest-thumping from usual vocal quarters. While Ohaneze Youth Council called on the conspicuously silent South-East Governors to resuscitate the defunct Bakassi boys, IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu promised to relaunch the disbanded Biafran Security Service with the aim of supporting Amotekun with one million men. However, our leaders need not succumb to these chaotic and discordant demands. There are factors to be taken into account before any coordinated response if at all there will be one as different geopolitical regions in the Nigerian enclave has its peculiarities. This is even more so with the South East. For one, baring Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state, the remaining South West Governors will face reelection sooner or later with Akerodolu of Ondo state looking to renew his mandate later this year. The region’s electorate often described as the most politically sophisticated couldn’t care less about the fact that bulk of the governors are members of the ruling APC. Given the opportunity, the Oyo state experience may be replicated in states where the governor’s report card is subpar. Now given that the security of lives and property is always a paramount factor in electioneering campaign and if your people have been lamenting the poor security situation, what better promise than an indigenous outfit to secure the region? Moreso, when it will likely be opposed -as we have seen- by perceived traducers or invaders like Miyetti Allah as Odumakin and Femi Fani Kayode, would have them believe. We can now see the reason behind the collective insistence and perhaps desperation of the governors to fly the spotted cat. Perception is key. In reality, the converse is the case in the South-East. Only Hope Uzodimma will seek re-election. The rest are doing a second term. Moreover, the region has fared best in terms of security over the last two years. According to the statistics released by Nigeria Security Tracker (NST), it had the least percentage (1%) of reported cases of kidnapping between Jan-Sept 2019. Compare that to (43%) in the North West and you can see who really needs to emulate Amotekun. The truth is that silently the South-East governors though often perceived as inept by a majority of her people have performed creditably in the area of security. Gone are the days when the region was notorious for kidnapping. In Anambra state, for instance, Governor Obiano encouraged community policing from day one. Each town union is well funded to maintain a vigilante group who collaborate with the police. The governor also regularly equips the state police command with vehicles, communication and security gadgets including drones. This laudable initiative has earned the state several accolades as the safest in the country and is currently being xeroxed in Abia and Ebonyi states. So Igbo leaders need to be circumspect and proactive here. Ours is a region blessed with abundant natural resources like oil, coal, zinc, limestone, salt and much more which remain largely
Obiano: What legacy for APGA?
The principle that the end justifies the means is and remains the only rule of political ethics; anything else is just a vague chatter and melts away between one’s fingers ~ Arthur Koestler in Darkness at Noon The votes have been cast, yet the recent APGA primary election can rightly be described as the most controversial in the party’s history. Despite the repeated assurance of a level playing ground by the party leadership, we have been inundated with reports of widespread electoral malpractices ranging from intimidation, sabotage, blackmail, nepotism to imposition. Last June I was in Anambra for about three weeks. While working out with a high ranking official of the state government his phone rang and he excused himself to take the call outside the noisy gym. He returned a few minutes later and as we chatted he informed me that a politician who recently decamped to APGA was already inquiring about the delegate list for the party primaries scheduled for September. I replied that the politician must be a veteran. I was proven right in due course as the politician subsequently left APGA after futile attempts to access the delegates. That was an indication of things to come. I reckoned that if such a heavyweight politician couldn’t access the delegates, it is axiomatic that the coming primaries was likely to have been predetermined and would be anything but free and fair. Senator Stella Odua opened the door of strife when she decamped to the PDP citing ‘lack of internal democracy’ as her reason for leaving the party she joined less than four months ago. In Anambra South Senatorial district which is arguably the wealthiest in the continent, the battle for the Senate ticket kicked off with stories of the party’s plan to impose Bianca Ojukwu on the people. Ifeanyi Uba who moved his support to APGA after a botched attempt to obtain the gubernatorial ticket of the PDP alleged a breach of an agreement to grant him an automatic ticket. In Imo state despite claims in some quarters that no election was held Senator Ifeanyi Ararume’s camp has been in wild jubilation as reports of his victory filled the media. A friend had questioned the propriety of granting the former Okigwe Senator who only joined the party a waiver while denying Ifeanyi Uba same after he worked assiduously towards Obiano’s second term. As it were, Bianca Ojukwu was upstaged by the seasoned Nicholas Ukachukwu who eventually clinched the ticket after Ifeanyi Uba was disqualified. However, as I write the rumour currently making the rounds is that the party leadership has concluded plans to annul the election and substitute his name with that of the APGA matriarch who came second. It appears that we may not have heard the last about that exercise. These are a few prime examples of many disputed cases of irregularities arising from the exercise. In fairness to Obiano, he has done well in terms of governance. That much was confirmed by a resounding victory last November. However, unlike his predecessor who was known for his frugality and prudence in resources management to achieve maximum results, Obiano is renowned for his flamboyance and love for aesthetics which by the way has produced good results too. So it is a matter of style which each leader is well entitled to. But while Obi may have performed well in governance, being a businessman somewhat limited his perception of politics to mercantilism. Peter rarely trusted others’ ability to deliver. During his time he sat atop a pyramid where he determined everything including those that could have been successfully executed via delegation. Consequently, he failed woefully in building what Nigerians refer to as ‘a structure’. (A group of influential loyalists capable of mobilising the electorate to deliver needed votes). This left him with little political followership as he left APGA and was equally responsible for his candidate’s poor showing in the gubernatorial election. Obiano seems to have learned from this. Firstly, he has maintained a close relationship with former APGA Chairman and serving Senator Victor Umeh who is regarded as a sagacious politician that understands Igbo politics. Secondly, since his re-election, the governor has redeployed many officials of the state. He has also delegated political affairs to Umeh and his trusted SSA Chinedu Obidigwe while governance is substantially handled by Primus Odili his Chief Of Staff. And finally, a retinue of youthful special assistants has given the semblance of an even spread to his empowerment project. With his desk decluttered the governor was able to look at the bigger picture and quickly went to work. Having previously stated his regrets about the PDP’s rape of his party even after campaigning for former President Jonathan in 2015, Obiano smartly reckoned that his people’s aversion for the APC will harm APGA’s chances in the general election should the rumoured pact to endorse President Buhari come to fruition. This insinuation was quashed as the governor smartly resisted further pressure from the centre with an announcement of the party’s intention to field a presidential candidate. Sources claim that he may have opted to work clandestinely for the president with whom he enjoys a warm relationship. In so doing he will assist the president without incurring the ire of his people and in the same breath leverage on federal might to deliver APGA candidates. Killing two birds with one stone. With the primaries done and dusted work has to commence if the party is to succeed during and beyond the coming polls. Some aspirants have threatened litigation while many party members are disappointed, enraged and frustrated at perceived injustice on the part of the leadership. On the sidelines, there are talks of an imminent implosion if aggrieved party stalwarts are not placated. Of course, all these are lucid however they are also not strange. There is no political party in the country that is not faced with similar problems. In every election, there must be winners and losers. Governor Obiano stands on
My thoughts on the Anambra State Guber Elections 2017 by Uchenna Orazulike Nnoli
By the time you are reading me, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) should well be on its way to claiming a landslide victory in one of the most keenly contested elections in the history of the state. This victory is symbolic in many respects, and signifies the coming of age of the ruling party as the defacto political movement of the Anambra people. By the end of the next four years, APGA would have been in power for 16 straight years, having overturned People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) political control of the state Government in 2006. Since then APGA has developed in to some sort of platform for the people’s revolution against what was perceived as a reign of renegades, as PDP opened their doors to all sorts of villains that orchestrated the worst era in the life the state, including the kidnapping and torture of a sitting Governor, the wholesale mortgage of state resources to political godfathers, and the unbridled interference of Abuja in the politics of a proud people, who affirm their republican culture strongly in all forms of socio-political engagements. APGA’s ascent to power in the state was for the people, a deeply cherished victory over godfatherism, and the unbridled influence of outside interests in their politics. This paved the way for the evolution of a people’s movement. However, bickering within the party led to schism, as the first APGA elected Governor-Peter Obi led a retinue of his supporters to the PDP, citing fiscal recklessness and non-performance of his successor and bosom friend, the incumbent- His Excellency Gov. Willy Obiano. The exit of Peter Obi and his supporters constituted the most significant risk on the continuity of APGA in the state house, and opened the vista for all sorts of possibilities. The possibilities were shapened by various factors which include: 1. The unofficial but generally accepted state zoning policy which expects power to revert to Anambra South after 8 years of Anambra North holding power. 2. The intent of Abuja flirting with an opportunity to get back in the fray, working with its appointed stalwart and top APC financier, and looking to exploit the gap created by the APGA rift. 3. The angling of an emergent young generation of political players (Mid 40s and below) seeking to assert themselves politically in the state. These factors and possibilities conspired to facilitate a most exciting and intriguing period of electioneering campaigns which saw a straight battle between APGA, PDP and APC, while UPP presented a refreshing candidate that offered a whole new perspective to political campaigns going forward. The debates were invigorating, the campaigns were issues-based, and saw an unprecedented involvement of young people which was a big positive. As is usual with the godfathers, money also flowed, only this time it’s difficult to fathom the extent of its effect. As the days to the election drew close, tension was at fever pitch, anxiety over the deployment of over 26,000 policemen, and the threats of election boycott by the separatist movement-IPOB. In all, in defiance to the campaign of fear, associated palpable tension and rumor of federal government intended interference, the elections have held largely peacefully and a few lessons should be noted : 1. Godfatherism as a political culture has grossly receded. None of Chief Emeka Ofor, Chief Aurthur Eze and Peter Obi was able to deliver his local Government Area. 2. President Mohammadu Buhari showed statesmanlike conduct in resisting the temptation and of course, the call by APC faithful in Anambra state for a more direct interference in the electoral process, promptly ordering the Inspector General of Nigerian Police to reverese himself on the swapping of Governor Williy Obiano’s police aides only 4 days to the election. Under PMB, the politics of federating units is becoming more autonomous, this is good for democracy. 3. The efficacy of money distribution and bribery of the electorate is increasingly failing as an electioneering strategy. 4. Effective political campaigns have as much to do with clearly articulated manifestos delivered with obamaic eloquence, as it has to do with building effective platforms on which to drive the campaigns. Chidoka and his supporters did a great job in raising the quality of discourse, but will do well to create a movement and not just a political party to drive possible future campaigns. 5. Young people are seriously knocking on the door, Tony Nwoye and Osita Chodoka ran spirited campaigns, and drew their support bases mostly from young population. While an ineffective political platform and the decision to run against what appears to be a generally accepted political zoning formula did Chidoka in, Nwoye was undone by a negative perception of his relationship with a failed political godfather, whose last successful political outing in the state was the enthronement of former Governor Chinweoke Mbadinuju- the worst disaster to have graced the Anambra state Government house. In addition, there were doubts over his pedigree for the office and less than convincing communication of his personality and message to the electorate. 6. Young people going forward must build effective political movements, craft a change agenda that resonates with the people, and build around candidates who have unimpeachable pedigree, exemplified by verifiable entrepreneurial, academic and professional track records. The break-even point is as close as the dedication, commitment, hard work and intelligent strategies that young people are willing to throw into the project. You can imagine that a young candidate will in 2021, from feelers, will be up against a Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo. The person flying the generational flag must have the profile and capacity to stand toe to toe with Soludo in an issues-based campaign. The handover of power to the generation under 45 will never be an emotional decision, when Peter Obi ran for governorship at about 43, he didn’t appeal to sentiments, and he had a truckload of outstanding personal accomplishments behind him. 7. Chief Victor Umeh (Ohamadike) doesn’t appear to me to be receiving due respect as one of South Eastern
His Glory Shall No Man Take by Nonso Chukwudebe
We have a choice to determine whether we can trust a mans feeble and desperate words over a constitutionally enshrined edict.
The army medical outreach in Anambra and the extended consequences of propaganda.
May the person you roused from sleep never wake up before you.~ Ignatius Uzus In 2015 Honourable Dozie Nwankwo informed me about his foundation’s free eye care services at a burial in Enugu Ukwu. He simply told me to spread the word and I did. I also ensured my aged uncle who was suffering from cataract was adequately briefed on the benefits of such services. He went and today, he still has his sight thanks to the free surgery he received from the medical experts. I woke up to a dull morning yesterday, the forecast wasn’t too good after we had enjoyed the plenty sunshine of the first week of October. I still had to go for the routine school run and on getting back I just glanced at my twitter TL and didn’t see any story worthy of derailing me from the piece I was writing about “the killing of Nigerians in South Africa”. However, a few hours later I took another glance and noticed the trending story. The tweets were coming in droves, what is happening in Anambra? I checked my facebook page and saw that some of my friends who know my reach as an Anambrarian had tagged me with the same question. The mushroom and IPOB leaning blogs unleashed their vuvuzelas “Buhari’s Fulani army injecting Igbos with monkeypox!!!” The mainstream media headlines also filtered in, there were captions like “Panic in Anambra as parents withdraw their wards from school over army medical outreach” Quickly, I started making calls to verify the news. The first person I called was Governor Obiano’s aide, he told me to ignore the lies and propaganda by mischief makers. We laughed over a few campaign jokes and hung up. As I went back to my facebook to post an update I saw that my TL was filled with pictures of parents absconding with pupils on foot, bike, and keke. The pictures depicted panic as in the news headlines. I called the aide back but he didn’t respond. I called a few other government officials I know, they said the information was still hazy and promised to get back. Then I remembered a friend whose dad is a supervisor of the Anglican schools in Awka South LGA and promptly rang him. He said he had been properly informed that the news was a hoax. I shook my head and by the time ABS released the official press statement by the SSG the damage was already done. When it became clear that the panic was orchestrated by mischievous and unscrupulous politicians who spread the evil rumour for cheap political gains some of our so-called educated elite quickly switched to questioning the process, they queried the propriety of military medical personnel offering such services? they challenged government officials on the right of immunizing pupils without the consent of parents. They asked if adequate sensitization and dissemination of information was carried out? This line of reasoning is utterly preposterous. For one, all over the world, these outreach programmes are normally carried out regularly by the military through specialized units like the medical corps and the army corps of engineers. They constitute the human face of the much-feared military and boosts its public relations. Those questioning the right of medical personnel to immunize pupils without parents’ consent are either plain stupid or mischievous as no such thing transpired in the first place. They deserve no attention. However, the valid question about the adequacy of sensitization and dissemination of information can be answered with the fact that similar programmes were successfully conducted in Imo, Abia and Ebonyi states. We saw pictures of General Ihejirika participating in the programme last week. Moreover, not too long ago a group of medical doctors flew all the way from Canada and the USA to offer similar services in Awka South LGA, we can be certain they carried out proper and adequate sensitization before coming down. A lady doctor I know was glad that they had a successful programme even as she expressed shock at the ignorance of our people on issues regarding health care. Perhaps the best response to our sensitization disciples would be this cheeky question by another smart lady I know, “If the news that the Military was infecting the kids with ‘monkeypox’ spread as quickly as it did which led to the panic, why didn’t the real information spread as fast?”. The answer to this question can only be found in the lies and propaganda embedded in the recent secessionist agitations. It will do us good to consider some of the consequences of spreading such stories without verification. A lot of enlightened people I know who scream restructuring still label our military “the Fulani army”. It may garner applause from the ignorant ones but to what end really? Even if some politicians in Anambra decide to dish out lies for selfish reasons, I believe it behoves the enlightened folks to verify the stories and put the right information out there. The stories have spread across the nation and if we are sincere to ourselves they have not benefitted anybody, not even the lousy politicians that originated them. Perhaps the only beneficiaries will be the military officers who will sell off the already allocated drugs for Anambra state and pocket the proceeds. A few days ago Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe told an audience in faraway New York that “he is a NIGERIAN senator”. Ohaneze Ndi Igbo has also made it clear that they do not want secession. Why do some still behave as if Igbos will secede tomorrow?. When shall we start thinking of re-integration in our national politics? Of course, some will keep blaming the military, others will also blame the president. He is a man majority of Igbos love to hate. The hatred like I always say is mutual. The valid question I keep asking is who loses? Is it a man that has accomplished almost everything in life or a region that is facing the worst political stagnation since the civil war? Disparaging
Public service announcement on army medical outreach in Anambra state.
The attention of the State Government has been drawn to an ongoing medical outreach being undertaken by the Army in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area. The State has been made to understand that the exercise is part of Army social responsibility to members of the public. However, strong apprehension among the populace has followed the exercise leading to the withdrawal of students from schools by parents, misconception of the actual motive behind the exercise by stakeholders, community leaders and a general reservation by the public for whom the outreach is intended. To this end and to ensure no further escalation of the situation, His Excellency the Governor, Chief Willie Obiano has contacted the Army Authorities and advised for immediate stoppage of the medical outreach until wide sensitization is conducted to reassure people of its intentions and benefits. The exercise has therefore been put on hold. Parents and guardians are strongly advised to stop withdrawing their wards from schools as the situation has been handled. All schools within the State will remain open as there is no cause for alarm! Community leaders, Presidents General and all Stakeholders are hereby reassured of the commitment of the Governor and the State Government to the wellbeing of Ndi Anambra. The State Government also strongly condemns observed rhetorics on social media completely misrepresenting the situation with insinuations of the spread of diseases and death of students in schools arising from the exercise. The State categorically refutes these rhetorics and confirms that there is no death of any student anywhere in the State. Mischief makers are warned to desist from spreading falsehood. Anambra remains calm and peaceful! Thank you! Prof Solo Chukwulobelu Secretary to the State Government.
Winds Against Obiano’s Return by Hon. Hon Victor Afam Ogene
In, perhaps, more ways than one, the November 18, 2017 gubernatorial election in Anambra can be fittingly described as a referendum on the leadership ability of the people from the Anambra North Senatorial zone of the state. Consisting of seven, out of the 21 local government areas of the state, Anambra North had never had the good ‘fortune’ of having one of its own mount the exalted seat of the governor since the creation of the state, almost three decades ago. Well, that was until four years ago, when the immediate past governor of the state, Peter Obi, led the clamour and actualisation of the “Anambra North for Governor” project, which led to the election of the incumbent, Willie Obiano. Today, after three and half years on the saddle, it is time for stock-takings regarding whether the incumbent, nay the people of his senatorial district, would be entrusted with a fresh four-year mandate. Although every election ought to centre around an individual candidate’s ability to deliver on the job, the coming Anambra polls have, quite against the norm, dovetailed into a citation on the leadership capability of the entire people of the governor’s senatorial zone. An easy reference is made to the governor’s clannish tendencies in filling many appointive positions with his Aguleri kith and kin, as well as having started and completed no fewer than 35 roads within the community while leaving the other 170 communities in the lurch. For a man who ascended the governorship stool on the promise of Continuing, Completing and Commissioning projects started by his predecessor before Commencing (4Cs) any other, Governor Obiano didn’t take long in recanting this pledge. For, as soon as he mounted the saddle, he spared no effort at proving that he was antithetical to everything former Governor Obi represented. Whereas Obi is known for his prudence, Obiano is an acclaimed spendthrift; just as Obi’s sobriety is made nonsense of by his domineering disposition; and his frugality jettisoned for an ostentatious affinity. Few examples would suffice. While Obi maintained a five-car convoy, Obiano’s stretches to above 25; while Obi flew regular flights, and sometimes on economy tickets, Obiano routinely chartered jets; just as he revels in champagne trysts in the Lodge, while Obi was famed for severely cutting down the costs of governance generally. Now, as someone who hails from that region and who actively played a defining role in actualising the North’s governorship quest, this rankles. Yet, no one can gleefully deny the sincere concerns of our brethren from the Central and South Senatorial zones, when they make infamous references to ndi North, as represented by Governor Obiano, as “happy-go-lucky fellas” – a euphemism for a people who prefer to merry when the bell of duty tolls. Ironically, the angst of the people does not only dwell on the governor’s dubiety, infrastructure-wise (a story for another day), but rather on his many foibles, many of which are in contrast with the governor’s status as His Excellency! Quite understandable, though, is the fact that man by his very nature is given to several idiosyncrasies: an excessive desire for wine; an irresistible proclivity for womanising, and perhaps a drunken addition to power and its abuse. Yet, all these and more are tolerable in private life, but not when it concerns the occupant of a public office. Moreso, the high office of a state chief executive officer. Indeed, the dividing line of moral probity is reinforced by the use of the word, Excellency, as against the commonplace prefix, Mister. Though high ethical and moral rectitude is expected of everyone regardless of title or status, a heavier burden of acceptable social conduct, at all times, is placed on the head and shoulders of every public office holder. This, instructively, is what ought to differentiate an Obiano, who as a dainty banker can afford to spot a stylish 1950’s patting of the hair and the many distractions that it breeds, from the man who the people choose nearly four years ago as their standard bearer, with misplaced belief in his ability to further the moderation curve which his predecessor had enthroned. Instead, what confronts reasonable indigenes of Anambra in the public arena are often tell-tale signs of a somnambulist. The lesson is forcefully reinforced when we recall that in spite of all his charisma and eight years of superlative service to the American people and the world, the Bill Clinton years is, perhaps, best remembered by that little indiscretion of allowing an “inappropriate” liaison with an intern, Monica Lewinsky, right within the hallowed precincts of the White House. In Awka, despite having a beautiful ornament of a spouse, the ferocious spat of the First Lady with a former female legislator was so engaging that at some point, the buzz word in and around Awka, the Anambra state capital, was that His Excellency was more enamoured to “Ukwu Sara Mbala”. Added to the realization that instead of growing the state’s fortunes as bequeathed to him, Governor Obiano has proceeded to not only lavish same but has even taken the audacious step of accumulating debts of his own, one can begin to understand the on-going negative profiling of the people of Anambra North. But the average Onye Anambra North does not fit this label. On the contrary, they are an industrious lot, being predominantly farmers who work hard to eke out a living. Indeed, above all else, they are a people given to a high degree of fidelity to the truth. Which is, perhaps, why it is the people of the North that would readily agree that they sold a defective merchandise to ndi Anambra in 2013. And as a conscientious lot, it behoves them to change the bad product, with profuse apologies, and then proceed to replace the deficient with a better one. Luckily, the major political parties in the country, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), have both picked candidates from the North Senatorial zone. All that the voting
Anambra Governorship and The Godfather Question by Ifeanyi Afuba
In this article originally published by Elombah.com Mr. Ifeanyi Afuba takes Peter Obi and his minions to the cleaners. Read on.. In spite of his anger, real or feigned, my friend Mr. Valentine Obienyem knows that he can neither privatize nor ban the history of Anambra State from public discourse. His rejoinder of Friday, September 8, 2017 [Daily Sun] to the essay ‘Anambra: Godfather’s futile dance’[Daily Sun, September 1, 2017] was an attempt at scaring people away from an objective discussion of the state’s recent experiences. The opinion in question was credited to Chinedu Nzeribe, a retired banker. But even with the verifiable details of bank identification, the writer’s status and accompanying passport photograph, we are told by Obienyem’s oracle that this is a ‘non-existent name!’ If Obienyem could deny the iron – cast evidence before our very eyes, then he could also say that Willie Obiano is not the Governor of Anambra State. In the circumstances, could he be trusted to be truthful on the issues raised? History is both the account of events and part of major actors in the various dispensations. It is in this light that the role of Mr. Peter Obi in Anambra’s journey comes up for interrogation. Mr. Peter Obi came into the public space in 2001 when he joined issues on the state’s condition with his poser: Is Anambra State cursed or are we the cause? Obi’s activism continued through the intervening years to his inauguration as Governor of Anambra State on March 17, 2006. After eight years of governorship, Obi is still in the public space as a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party. These 16 years of active involvement in Anambra’s government and politics means that up to a point he is part of the contemporary issues. It is therefore not for lack of something to do that commentators dwell on the former governor’s activities. It is not necessarily about liking or not liking his face. The truth of the matter is that any dispassionate reading of the state’s political history cannot omit the godfather syndrome. In a tribute to Mr Peter Obi on his 43rd birthday anniversary published in Vanguard, July 19, 2004, I observed: ‘If there was one lesson to be learnt from the first four years of the fourth republic, it was that sooner or later, instability would rock a government installed by a political godfather. Ask Chimaroke Nnamani. Ask Chinwoke Mbadinuju. Ask Kwara’s Mohammed Lawal.’ Mr. Peter Obi’s struggle for the restoration of his stolen mandate was a crusade against the godfather tendency, a patriotic pursuit for which many of us lined up behind him. The stability and multi-sectoral achievements of the Willie Obiano administration partly results from the independence of the regime. The present Anambra State government was enthroned by the people of Anambra State and to whom it is accountable. It is an ego trip for anyone laying claim to the singular capacity of delivering the regime in 2013/2014. Admittedly, there were individuals such as Peter Obi and Victor Umeh who played crucial roles. It is also true that Mr. Peter Obi’s preferred candidates for the APGA ticket in that election were Oseloka Obaze, Chike Obidigbo and Chinedu Idigo. Their candidatures were found unsuitable by the party largely represented by Victor Umeh. In the ensuing stalemate, Obiano easily emerged as the candidate acceptable to the varying interests in the party. And somewhat like David disregarded by his father as the young herd boy undeserving of consideration for the kingship but who rose to become the greatest ruler of ancient Israel, Obiano the unlikely candidate has proved to be the pacesetter in Anambra’s development journey. With the hurricane destruction trailing the godfathers’ years still haunting our memory, it is only natural that the alarm bells will begin to ring at the prospect of a return to this frightening scenario. Ndi Anambra have a legitimate interest in assessing the three prominent candidates in the November 18, 2017, poll. While it is clear that Obiano is not leaning on anyone – to the benefit of Anambra State – the props pulling up the other two candidates are subjects of intense debate. Mr. Oseloka Obaze has not denied that his aspiration to be Governor is backed by Peter Obi’s sponsorship. Nor has Obi himself denied that he is back to the same project he unsuccessfully tried to execute four years ago. We do not necessarily need the eulogies being sung of Obaze by Obienyem to determine that this is a mission to be pursued relentlessly. The question that arises is why Obaze’s candidature has caused so much bad blood among PDP members. At least four among the seven contenders for the party’s ticket, namely Akaolisa Ufodike, John Emeka, Lynda Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ubah objected to the emergence of Obaze, with Ifeanyi Ubah said to have already instituted legal action. With Obaze having such a divisive effect on the PDP, why should anyone think that he will not fare worse with Ndi Anambra who have learnt to jealously guard their freedom and commonwealth? The dummy has been sold to the public that the duo of Willie Obiano and Victor Umeh drove Peter Obi out of APGA. How do you send away a man already at the exit door by himself? Shortly after the inauguration of Governor Willie Obiano in March 2014, Peter Obi was considered for the position of Secretary to the Government of the Federation by then President Goodluck Jonathan. Anyim Pius Anyim who was holding the office at the time would have none of that and quickly rallied PDP pressure groups to his side to retain the position. With the office of the SGF foreclosed, Jonathan subsequently designated Obi for ministerial appointment. The nomination was greeted with protests. Even after the Ken Emeakayi leadership of the state chapter of the PDP passed a resolution endorsing the selection, the protests continued and the nomination eventually had to be withdrawn. Even a fresh student of Nigerian politics realises that a
The Igbo Nation: Leadership Vacuum or Leadership Usurpation by Kelechi Jeff Eme
The populist route is laden with cheers and encomiums that men find difficult to resist. The voice of reason is momentarily disparaged but elastically conditioned. My first take is to shred the notion that Igbo land lacked leadership. This completely nullifies the narrative that the IPOB Leader, Prince Nnamdi Kanu only attempted to fill a vacuum deserted by eminent Igbo men and women. On the contrary, the Afara Ukwu Prince was prior to the mayhem in Abia State, a subset of the leadership that is conveniently declared vacuum today. The Igbo establishment adopted the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) as its route to national political relevance. It ensured that the revered Dim Emeka Ojukwu was politically humiliated in Igbo land in 2003. It, however, compensated him by ensuring the victory of APGA in his home state of Anambra. Even when the erudite Chuba Okadigbo of blessed memory broke rank and became the Vice Presidential candidate of the present Commander in Chief, the leadership was never pretentious on where to align Igbo interest. The Ohaneze Ndigbo was the first to endorse and order all Igbos to vote for former President Goodluck Jonathan. The entire Igbo land delivered over 97% votes to him in 2011. That was solid leadership and no vacuous spinning can obliterate that. Leadership is about order, direction, followership, and loyalty. The same Ohaneze Ndigbo directed the entire South East to vote for Jonathan in 2015 despite his neglect of Igbo land. The zone obeyed the order and delivered about 90% of its votes to Jonathan. The rest they say is history. My point is that we never had a leadership vacuum. I mentioned earlier that Prince Nnamdi Kanu was a subset of the leadership until recently. He was part of those that obeyed the order decreed by Ohaneze Ndigbo on who to vote for in 2015. He was unrelenting in his verbal annihilation of APC and never minced words in advocating for votes for Jonathan. This was in line with the position of Ohaneze leadership. My point is that Kanu did not occupy a leadership vacuum created by Igbo elders. He only attempted an uprising against the leadership that actually ensured he was released from detention and guaranteed his freedom. It was supposed to be a win-win scenario until he touched the tiger’s tail by decreeing no election in Anambra state. Those in the know will tell you that his violent utterances unsettled the Igbo leadership and prompted the issuance of several warnings to him. The meetings he held with the governors and the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo were all aimed at taming his apparent instigation of the youths to disobey constituted authorities. The big lesson here is that we must identify red lines and deal with such accordingly. The maturity of Abia State governor in handling the days of mayhem is quite commendable. He immediately reached out to the Hausa community, the leadership of recognized unions and traditional rulers to ensure that the situation never got out of control. He simply prevented an Armageddon. That is leadership. The synergy of Governors Ikpeazu, Obiano, Ugwuanyi, Tambuwal, Ganduje and El Rufail worked wonders in maintaining peace and stability during the crisis. This peace is even more needed now. There should be an immediate exchange of goodwill visits by the governors to reassure our citizens that there is happiness in living together. Last line: the same leadership that people are abusing and defecating upon is clearing the mess left by the Utopians. Kelechi Jeff Eme https://www.facebook.com/kelechi.eme
An advice for Senator Andy Uba.
As the curtain draws on the Anambra APC governorship primaries, I believe that it is time for those who are close to Senator Andy Uba to tell him some home truths. Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State who is the chairman of the panel that conducted the primaries came back to the country from Mecca where he had gone for the Hajj and proceeded to submit his report in Abuja where he addressed the party chairman and other members of the executive. Shettima had stated that: “The Committee particularly notes with satisfaction that before and during the election, all aspirants confirmed to have received the list of delegates. The committee also notes with satisfaction that before and during the election, none of the aspirants raised questions concerning the integrity of the list of delegates. “The committee notes with satisfaction that all delegates were duly accredited and conveyed to the voting venue in the presence of agents of all aspirants and none of the agents raised questions about the integrity of the process before and during the election. “The committee notes with satisfaction that none of the aspirants questioned procedures of voting, sorting, collation, and counting of results before, during and after the election. The committee notes with satisfaction that security agencies provided adequate personnel that guaranteed the integrity of the entire process and that none of the aspirants raised questions concerning the integrity of any security personnel. “The committee notes with satisfaction that chairman of the election appeal panel, former Minister of Works, Dr Hassan Lawal was in Awka with the committee and he observed all election processes. Presidential Adviser to the President, Baba Femi Ojudu was also in Awka to observe the election at the instance of the National Secretariat and he has prepared his report. The committee also notes that the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) observed the conduct of the election in compliance with electoral laws”. From the foregoing, there is little doubt that all is now set for the party to go ahead and submit Dr. Tony Nwoye’s name to INEC as its authentic flag bearer before the close of work today as required by the electoral act. It is the right and proper thing to do if the party sincerely wants to make inroads in the South East where it has continued to be viewed with scorn. We all witnessed a free and fair primary which was even broadcast live on TV. I have no personal relationship with Andy but I have friends who have worked and still work with him. I have also met him on one or two occasions and I can say this about him. He is an articulate and business minded person. In 2007, I was among the organisers of the gubernatorial debate put together by the League of Anambra Professionals (LAP) which held at Parktonian hotels Awka. After much running around on the eve of the scheduled date we woke up a little late and proceeded to the venue just before 7: am as the debate was to commence by 9: am. On arrival at the hotel, I was surprised to learn that Andy was already there and was even supervising the hotel staff who were arranging the hall. One member of staff revealed to me that he had been there for at least an hour. I was impressed. In the usual Nigerian manner, the debate started later than scheduled as aspirants and organisers alike arrived late. I recollect that when Andy’s name was announced as the first aspirant to mount the stage and deliver his manifesto there were shouts of Nooo!! from a section of the audience. But those of us who were there early insisted that he was there first and he was allowed to go on. His speech was crisp and coherent and he left very few in doubt about his articulate ideas to move the state forward. My respect for him tripled on that day. He went on to emerge the winner of the debate and even after Maurice Iwu’s abracadabra propelled him to the government house I wasn’t too sour having supported and campaigned for Ngige because latently I somewhat believed Andy will actually perform beyond people’s expectations. Unfortunately, his reign was cut short by the supreme court but not before rumours filtered in that his proposed cabinet list had leaked and many were shocked at the quality of little-known technocrats he had pencilled down for appointments at the expense of the usual carpet baggers and sycophants Subsequent bids to get to Agu Awka even after he joined the red chamber as a Senator have all come to nothing. He has crisscrossed parties from PDP to Labour back to PDP and now in APC yet actualising his dream remains elusive. Perhaps the most painful aspect for him this time around is that unlike the previous times he contested in the same primary election with his estranged political son and despite his bravado, he lost to him by a very wide margin. He was rejected by the same delegates who had promised him their votes only to cast them for Tony Nwoye. I sincerely feel his pain, but these things happen for a reason. He should realise by now if he hasn’t that he was deceived and perhaps ripped off by those he trusted. Whereas many will feel that the stigma of previous shenanigans in Anambra could have cost him the election the truth is that he had little chance of winning Tony Nwoye in a free and fair primary. I say this because I know that Tony has been rooted in Anambra since last year meeting with and mobilising various constituencies. The era of jetting in from Abuja to hijack a political process is long gone. All politics is local! Tony Nwoye is his boy and will remain so, he served him once and even though things went awry later the young man has maintained publicly that Andy is his boss forever when he said that ““I
Anambra decides: Now the battle begins by Vincent Ujumadu
The various political parties presenting candidates for the November 18 Governorship Election in Anambra State have nominated their flag bearers, thereby signifying the commencement of the real battle for who will occupy the Agu Awka Government House from March 17, 2018. At the last count, over 10 political parties had nominated their candidates, although political observers know that the battle would be fought by just about five parties. The political parties that had selected their candidates include the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, which has the incumbent governor, Chief Willie Obiano as its flag bearer, All Progressives Congress, APC, which nominated Dr. Tony Nwoye, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which has Mr. Oseloka Obaze as the candidate, Progressives Peoples’ Alliance, PPA, with Mr. Godwin Ezeemo as the candidate and the United Peoples Party, UPP, which nominated Chief Osita Chidoka. Other parties and their candidates are the Advanced Congress of Democrats, ACD, with Mrs. Oby Okafor as the candidate and the Peoples Party of Nigeria, PPN, with Mr. Henry Ikechukwu Onuorah as the flag bearer, among others. APGA –Willie Obiano The emergence OF Governor Obiano as the candidate of APGA was not without the usual political intrigues. In fact, Governor Obiano’s political camp was really bruised by Chief Martin Agbaso, who created a faction that almost tore APGA apart. But for the calmness adopted by the governor and the leadership of the party, the crisis would have continued to linger. At a stage, Agbaso appeared to be having an upper hand, especially when an Enugu High Court declared him as the authentic national chairman of the party, which would have meant that he would be the person to forward APGA candidate to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. However, Agbaso fell like a pack of cards due to the superior legal powers of the Obiano camp, which got the Court of Appeal to vacate the Order of Mandamus obtained by Agbaso against the national chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Oye. With the Agbaso distraction over, the party appears focused on the campaign for Obiano’s reelection. A high –powered campaign team headed by the former national chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh has been put in place and the team is made up of who is who in the party. Some of the members include the state deputy governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke, who has also been retained as the governor’s running mate, members of the national assembly produced by the party, selected members of the state House of Assembly, some former and serving local government chairmen and the party’s local government chairmen. All the 21 local government chairmen of the party have also been handed campaign vehicles for easy mobilization at the ward and local government levels, in addition to dozens of campaign buses procured for the campaigns. Obiano’s Chances As the incumbent governor, he has an advantage over other candidates, coupled with the fact that he has some achievements of his administration on his side to show to the people during the campaigns. Some of his landmark achievements include security, which has unarguably made Anambra one of the safest states in the country. He has also attracted investments to the state, especially in the agricultural sector, such that Anambra has become an exporter of vegetables. He also completed one of the longest bridges in the southern part of the country to link the oil rich Aguleri Otu in Anambra East Local Government where the Orient Petroleum has its refinery. Obiano’s administration also prides itself as one of the few states in the country paying workers and pensioners regularly with the result that there had not been any industrial action against his government since 2014 when he mounted the saddle. Although there are formidable opponents challenging him, there is the belief that he might overcome the odds to emerge the governor of the state later this year. PDP – Mr. Oseloka Obaze The victory of Senator Ahmed Makarfi as the National Caretaker Committee Chairman of PDP appeared to have brought sanity into Anambra State PDP, as the branch noted for factionalism was able to conduct its governorship primary in a peaceful manner. In the past, several aspirants would have conducted their primaries at different venues and declared themselves winners and then wait for the courts to pronounce which faction was authentic. Although there were still some bickering by some of the aspirants before and after the primary, sanity still prevailed during the exercise as a former diplomat, Mr. Oseloka Obaze defeated other contestants to pick the party’s ticket. Obaze, who served as the Secretary to the State Government during the administration of former Governor Peter Obi and also served under Obiano at some point, has started well by visiting the major stakeholders of PDP in the state so that the party would be truly united before the campaigns begin fully. With former Governor Obi, Chris Uba, Nicholas Ukachukwu, Professor A., B.C. Nwosu, and many others on his side, indications are that he would embark on a robust campaign that will likely yield the required result. He is from Ogbaru Local Government Area, which many consider as a great advantage for him in view of the large population of the local government. He knows the state so well and is seen as a serious candidate. APC –Dr. Tony Nwoye The candidate of APC, Dr. Tony Nwoye, has been named the giant killer by his admirers. Mr. Nwoye, a medical doctor, contested for the same position in 2015 during which he came second. He defeated Nicholas Ukachukwu to emerge the candidate in 2015. He was the state chairman of the PDP at one time and was later to become a member of House of Representatives from where he participated in the governorship primary and picked the party’s ticket. Known as a great mobilizer, Nwoye’s defeat of the like of Senator Andy Uba and the national auditor of APC, Chief George Moghalu, who had been a consistent member of APC from the days
