How Bad A Leader Governor Willie Obiano Has Been By Ebuka Onyekwelu

I have taken time to look into the current administration especially as the election draws nearer. Below is exactly how the administration can be assessed based on what it has done over the past three years and a few months. To my mind, certain issues that must form core part of our deliberation has been completely evaded and we simply focus on name calling, fruitless arguments, etc. What has His Excellency Willie Obiano done to demonstrate good leadership? This question must be answered. Below is my modest effort at answering that question.

Capital City Development- In the speech after his swearing-in, His Excellency remarked his total commitment to the development of Awka the capital of Anambra state. Before now, Awka has no sign of a modern capital city, whatsoever such that you can pass Government House without even knowing. But today, the story has changed. When you enter Awka, you see expansive roads as seen in cities. You see working street lights at nights, not only in Awka but in different parts of the state. More needs to be done certainly, but what has been done already is commendable.

Agro Investment- The government of Anambra state under Chief Willie Obiano has attracted several investors particularly in the area of agriculture. Today we have the Coscharis farms, Delfarms and so many others whose investments runs into several millions of dollars. These investments culminate into direct and indirect employment opportunities for our people. They also add to the state treasury in the form of revenue through taxes.


Education- Anambra has maintained her leading position in WAEC. What this means is that the government has maintained the standard, in other words; the government has CONTINUED with the standard of education in Anambra state before his administration came on board.

Security- Anambra today is judged the safest state in Nigeria. Truly there is no doubt at all about improved security in Anambra state. Of course, there may be cases of breach of peace here and there but generally, the state is safe and enjoys high level of peace. It is not coincidental that Anambra state is now peaceful under Chief Willie Obiano; it is deliberate. And so we must appreciate His Excellency's efforts in this regard.

Governance- The current administration led by Chief Obiano has demonstrated leadership; visionary leadership and strong governance. When you look, you will notice that there are so many government agencies. Actually this is extremely commendable. No serious government can really deliver on its mandate without strategic government agencies. Governance is not about one man or even a group of men. It is about institutions. So with these agencies, the value and ideals the government intends to transfer to the society is given to them and they run with it. Then the government has more time to focus on other aspects of governance. For instance, look at Awka Capital Development Authority, this agency is the one in charge of the elevation of Awka to its current level of development. Look at the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, it is the agency in charge of wooing investors into Anambra state. So what I am saying is that there is division of labour and professionalism in the government of the day and this goes a long way to ensure good governance delivery. So you can see clearly that the government does not revolve around one man.

Social welfare- The governor has shown commendable solidarity with the middle and low income earners in Anambra state. Apart from the salary increase amidst economic downturn, he has also provided vehicles to cushion the adverse effect of the prevailing reality in the area of transportation. This is one of the most beautiful achievements of the governor. I don't want to mention that Anambra state is not owing workers' salary on the premise that payment of salary is a mandatory responsibility and right of the employer and employee, respectively. This is the standard. We must not be deceived by those irresponsible dealers that cannot pay salary but still parades as leaders. However, making buses available for workers and low income earners across the state at a very affordable rate and sustaining it, is highly commendable. For instance; the bus charges N100 from Awka to Nnewi and vice versa. But the market price of moving from Awka to Nnewi is N400. Therefore instead of spending N800 a day, you spend N200. The economic impact of this on low income families is too deep for proper analysis in this piece.

So in essence; Anambra State under Chief Willie Obiano has good leadership. It is not perfect, but based on these verifiable landmarks, the question of good leadership is not in doubt.