Written By: Chido Nwangwu

In every society where human beings exist, there is always the good, the bad and the ugly. From Day One when Governor Willie Obiano, a technocrat and retired banker of international repute, was sworn-in, he was ‘welcomed’ with a rain of malicious, misleading and vicious attacks. And it has even been predicted that, in 2020, the political landscape of the state will be fully animated by a forest of issues and a truckload of both fair and false messaging regarding the Governor‘s performance in office.

However, to understand the realities and dynamics of Obiano’s governorship, we must situate him in the recent political ecology of Anambra. The state is homeland to some of the formidable financial heavyweights in Nigeria and holds an impressive mix of talented leaders. Truth be told, Anambra has, to this day, more than its fair share of spoilers and squads of acid-tongue, elbow-throwing politicos who thrive in crises and malice.

There are financially-armed brigades of pint-size political god-fathers and buccaneers for whom business gets its highest returns from politics. Therefore, for them, they will do and say anything that will help them gain unrestrained access into the treasury of the state. These may include fueling insecurity, escalating criminal conduct and fostering atmosphere of fear.

It is undeniable that Obiano got it right by making Security the priority of Anambra. Remarkably, many of those politicians who scream like carnival barkers, that “Obiano has failed” or “Obiano has no security legacy” could not sleep in their 15 feet walled palaces in their own villages and hometowns before now. Many of them spent the night in neighboring states.

Definitely, Governor Obiano has improved governance in Anambra state. The superior performances are there for Ndi Anambra to see. Over the past 25years, Anambra witnessed, except for two or three leaders, unimpressive confetti of political charlatanry and, in some cases, murderous events which turned away many well-meaning citizens of the State from competitive public service. Many refused to be involved in the partisan swindle for which the recent political business of the great State had become synonymous.

Consequently, Obiano’s emergence reflects the popular vote of Ndi Anambra to maintain a responsible handling of the resources of the state. Evidently, the performance bar for Governors in Anambra has been lifted higher by Obiano. The governor, a recipient of the USAfrica Best of Africa International Banker of the Year 2012 (long before he had an eye on partisan politics) has made Anambra a business destination of choice in Africa.

His government has attracted international investments and partnerships, expanded agricultural production; exported some vegetables and rice; built roads and flyovers; improved access to healthcare facilities and importantly allowed communities to pick their preferred projects while his government provided the funds. Anambra state government has continued to pay workers salaries and pensions as and when due, unlike in other states. All these have been achieved despite dwindling federal allocations and scarce resources.

Even the best plans and initial achievements have, sometimes, been drowned in the fire and thunder of the boisterous politics of Anambra (and parts of Nigeria). Obiano’s harvest of achievements show him as a man who is determined to make development history in Anambra, for good reasons.

Comparatively, Obiano has demonstrated the capacity, the intellection and clarity of purpose in his service to the great homeland of Achebe, Azikiwe, Ojukwu, Ekwueme, Anyaoku and others. Akpokuedike’s approach to governance show values of efficient planning and resourcefulness. Those two uncommon attributes are needed for leadership roles, particularly as Governor of a State with scarce resources and fiercely competing priorities.

‘Akpokuedike’ has been working hard since Anambra beckoned on him to make a transformative difference in the needs of its citizens and strategic position of the State. Ndi Anambra, keep on supporting Governor Willie Obiano because he means well, and is doing the very best for the State.

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