Governor Peter Obi: A step towards a new Igbo
Oliver Obi, Maryland USA
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
During
his campaign visit to Maryland in 2003, Mr. Peter Obi reminded the people of
Anambra State to hold their leaders accountable for the resources of the states.
To Mr. Obi, accountability is the only lasting solution to the current problem
facing the state. He did not mince words when he listed what he would
accomplish during his first 365 days in office. In any consideration, Mr. Obi
did not sound political. Rather, he presented himself as a true business man
who wanted to help the state survive its current problems. Mr. Obi promised to
come back to Maryland to present an evidence based list of his job performance
and urged the people to come back to see for themselves when the time comes. At
the gathering, many were convinced that Mr. Obi deserved a chance.
When people learnt that Governor Peter Obi was scheduled to visit Maryland on his way back to Nigeria from the past World Igbo Congress Convention (WIC) 2007, they knew the time had come to find out for themselves if Obi lived up to his promises. Many people both Anambra and other states came to hear Governor Obi speak. For some, it is all about meeting the man who in the face of all odds turned a new page in Nigeria’s history book. Some also wanted to see for themselves the man who is changing things in Anambra State to the point that once known as the worst and ungovernable state in the country is becoming the best states Nigeria ever had. Why not, Governor Obi has defied the status quo and is doing the unthinkable.
While some wealthy Anambra State citizens ride the state’s erosion-laden roads in luxury vehicles, Governor Obi’s official vehicle is Peugeot car. To some Anambra State citizens, Gov. Peter Obi is a symbol of humility. His value system is what Ndiigbo need to set themselves free from the current problem facing them. Governor Obi’s humility and steadfastness in changing things in Anambra State may well be the long awaited answer to the lasting Igbo question. Taken from a brochure titled: “Anambra State Government, Planning and Laying the Foundation (part 1), some Igbo leaders and people had these to say about Governor Obi:
He is the only Governor in the
Southeast, being the only one authentically voted into office by our people. I
can use my name at anytime or place to vouch for his integrity. I have not had
any cause to doubt him since I started dealing with him. If he (Obi)
misbehaves, I will tell him, but so far, no regrets.
--Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu
This is the first Governor of Anambra State who is not a politician. I have not met up to five men in my life of 60 years who are as decent and urbane as Governor Obi.
-- Prof. Ilochi Okafor, VC, UNIZIK
I am impressed with the man, and the civilized way he fought to regain his mandate: no violence, no fighting, no bitterness, but inspiring belief in the rule of law. The way he is going as a governor shows he is focused.
-- Chief Efot Ekatte, Secretary to the Governor of the Federation (SGF)
The Governor’s performance is very encouraging as it is focused on the welfare of children and the future of the society
-- Dr. Simon Okafor The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese.
We are lucky to have the present administration in the State, which is very focused. All the things that are relevant to our survival: agriculture, security, job-creation, and so on, Governor Obi is pursuing them vigorously. Communities and corporate organizations should join hands with the government to achieve the set goal.
-- Dr. Raymond Obieri, Chairman, Nigeria’s Stock Exchange (NSE)
I have no hesitation in saying that Governor Obi has started very well. What impressed me when I met the young man unofficially was his profound humility.
-- Igwe (Prof) Laz Ekwueme (Igwe of Oko)
Humility,
Governor Obi is humble to a fault. At the gathering in Maryland, unlike some
other state governors, he came with Chief Umeh and not an entourage of people.
After his address to the people, he yielded the floor to Chief Victor Umeh, who
is also a very humble servant of the people and a strong believer in a changed
Nigerian society. With a combination of Governor Obi and APGA Chairman, Chief
Umeh, many left the meeting, believing that Ndiigbo will once again become an
important variable in the Nigeria equation. During a buffet set up luncheon
after the meeting, Governor Obi served his own food and took his time to shake
hands with people.
When Governor Obi was at the planning stage of the state development program, most people, educated, old and young wondered what the delay was all about. The delay is best qualified with the popular scientific term known as “latent period”, a time in a given process when there was no visible evidence of activities. Like scientists, Governor Peter Obi and his administration understand the importance of latent period to any given successful process. The governor believes strongly in planning and he always says that “if you have not planned, then you have planned to fail”. Today, Anambra State has lots of structures to show for Governor Obi’s first 365 days in office. Without doubts, it is evident that governor Obi understands the right direction to move Anambra State and all these can be credited to his believes in planning, honesty, focus and above all humility.
Governor Obi is putting structures necessary to run a successful state government. His administration believes that democracy without law and order is one which is not complete. The State Ministry of Justice Building Onitsha and Judges quarters Onitsha are near completion. Anambra State Housing Corporation, Emergency Relief Center, Awka comprising Fire Services, warehouse, clinic and police post are near completion. Other structures like the Secretariat Complex, Stock Exchange Onitsha, Onitsha Business Center, Cardiac and Kidney Dialysis Center Onitsha, The State Board of Pharmacy, Female Surgical ward, Umureri General Hospital, two Mini Stadiums at Onitsha are all under construction. Without doubts, there is hope for Anambra state and it is now evident that the God which installed Governor Peter Obi in office is the only one God who wants to shine his lights on Anambra State.