[OPINION] While The Hate Continues Against Peter Obi, He Soars Higher, By Tobenna Obiano.

I have read litanies of destructive criticisms and propagandas heaped upon Mr. Peter Obi. I now read, smile, turnover and move-on because I personally don't take those seriously. Even the ignorant knows Obi is fine and refined. Case closed!

One thing keeps him sterling, the argument has always ended with, "Peter nwere aka aradite. He is just too stingy, even to himself". I have watched or looked out to read where he stole or committed any crime, but then the problem many have with him is that he is stingy or conservative or too disciplined in spending, and not wasteful as it is customary with most Nigerian politicians.

In view of the forthcoming Anambra State Gubernatorial Elections, one is actually confused and angered with the continual show of shame wholly coming from a divide all upon the person of the immediate past Governor, Mr. Peter Obi.


Somehow, it's continued and those guilty aren't willing to give up one beat. It's now turned characteristic and already become unbecoming. A man who have been fought for well over three years, yet his profile and the respect he commands fails to reduce, yet these guys aren't willing to give up. It's now become ridiculously shameful, annoying and very cheap.

Ofcourse, Obi has litanies of well read, intellectually able and capable image markers who have vast knowledge in media practice and who can answer for him intelligently. Well, as an Obi fan, I take exception to the name-calling and the endless insults, campaign of calumny and ridicule on the person of Mr. Peter Obi. I say so because I fail to reconcile why someone who many Nigerians, amongst the high and mighty, lowly and prosperous love, respect and revere, yet his own kit and kin are fighting endlessly to shame him.

Also, in the forthcoming elections, he isn't a contender, why ignore contestants and face Obi? We may choose to ridicule or shame a person or perhaps rewrite common facts for our own gains, but let us let posterity be the judge. Falsehood may pay for sometime, but never for a lifetime, the truth always fights its way to limelight.

I would use my hometown of Nibo as a pointer and reference in this narrative. I would draw examples from the take of some major players in politics and their stand, as well, equate it with realities, laying bare facts and figures which can be easily verified to drive home my points on why Obi shouldn't be demonized for whatsoever reason at all. We mustn't allow our hate or common cheap gains or selfishness to ignorantly cover up our sense of reasoning or judgements, it's a war of the conscience and soul, and we shouldn't give up on those all-important two.

Now, any honest Nibo man or woman, young and old alike should be grateful to God for the gift of a community like ours. We are peaceful, progressive and a happy people.

We are richly endowed in human resources, talk about men of integrity, we have them in their numbers, we have scholars, we have outstanding religious leaders, there are many successful entrepreneurs here, we have polished politicians, we have fine and refined thinkers even amongst the many Nibo youth populace. God has richly blessed Nibo and the saying that our community is the city of light is so true, and as we often say in Nibo, "uwa m, uwa asaa, aga m abu onye Nibo" also stands.

Now, let's talk about politics. We have also had sons and daughters of this community who have had good records and an amazing working relationship with Government at various levels. Ofcourse, opportunities may not be thesame, but somehow, everyone strives to bring home something towards the progress of our community.

Let me spare you names, but as a perfect pointer, the time of Barr. G. C. Enekwechi as Chairman, Awka South Local Government Area which now is more than two decades gone, he opened up most inter-link and community roads in the Local Government, particularly in Nibo which was a great job and we must never forget. That's one good thing about keeping records and history.

I wouldn't want to discuss the Government of Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju. The fact that schools in Anambra State were kept under lock and keys for a whole year is enough to write him off and keep him out of the discourse. Under him, there was absolutely nothing near Governance. Infact, The godfathers, his godfathers fed fat on the wealth of Anambra, while he was helpless and hapless.

He may have achieved one thing or another for one or so persons, fair enough, but on a general landscape, that during the visit of former President, Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003, for Mr. Mbadinuju to refer to the major road leading into Nibo, a walking distance and common boundary from the Amawbia Governors lodge as road leading to farmland is to me, a grave insult to my community and even if I get to forgive, I won't forget. It hurts, it really does.

The coming of Dr. Chris Ngige brought about the radical turn around of things in our community. Yes, the world knows he governed on a stolen mandate. His political party, which then was still led by the godfathers held firm grip of the party, led him to the then powerful Okija shrine where it was alleged he swore allegiance to his godfathers through the deity.

He suffered various classes of abuse as he went all out in war, after breaking out from the oath he took of loyalty to the godfathers. He began doing their bidding, but at a point, stopped and refused vehemently to turn in the state coffers to these big thieves codenamed godfathers. Ofcourse, they wouldn't have it, they came all out to fight him to finish.

When two elephants fight, the grass suffers. The State House of Assembly complex, the State Broadcasting station, the Deputy Governors office, the Judiciary complex and the Onitsha Governors lodge were all burnt down by criminals acting on the orders of these powerful godfathers.

The mother of all the abuses was when these criminals actually went as far as to kidnapping a sitting Governor, the diminutive Mr. Chris Ngige was stolen and kept in a toilet of Choice hotel located in Awka, the Anambra State Capital. At those dark ages, the police looked the other way, and some instead of arresting the criminals, actually hailed them, somewhat maybe as partners in the crime. It was a terrible past.

One thing became Ngige's selling point, love or hate him, he began the roadmap into the building of a new Anambra. He conceptulaized, began and actually went roadwire. It was then that the major road leading into Nibo from the Amawbia Governors lodge to Mbaukwu was done. We thank him. He constructed somany roads that at a point, even while serving on a stolen mandate, Anambrarians were happy with him. He proved that it is doable. The goodnews is that most of the roads that were done by his administration back then, stands the test of time even till this day.

The godfathers are often ruthless and wouldn't give up. They fought with all arsenals within their disposal until Ngige was removed through the Nigerian court that ruled in Obi's favour, that Ngige had all along been serving on a stolen mandate.

Then came Obi, after having endured three solid years in the judiciary process pushing to get back his stolen mandate. It took patience from Obi's side as an individual, the collective hardwork from his team of lawyers and God's grace for that to be possible, and the records stands, it was first in Nigeria's political history and that opened up the door for others who their mandates were stolen later to be subsequently installed as rightful winners.

Now, even when Obi came in, there were litanies of distractions, after three years of his fighting through he Court to his installment, then came a wrongful impeachment. What was the reason? "the guy is too stingy and doesn't share monies". He was illegally impeached through the backdoor and from outside Anambra State. Infact, the impeachment was carried out in Asaba (hope I'm right). That was how again, Anambra made another history for the record of first female Governor, as Obi's Deputy, Dame Virgy Etiaba was installed Governor. Obi fought through the courts for three solid months and was again reinstated.

Obi returned to work and just as he was settling to begin, there came another distraction, elections were illegally held and again, Dr. Andy Ubah was sworn in as Governor. He illegally served for 16days where he went as far as selling the only known state owned means of income then, the Ikenga hotel for a pitiable sum of N5million. Ofcourse, Obi returned to the court and they directed that Ubah vacates office with immediate effect as Obi's tenure hasn't then elapsed.

Obi returned, pushed as much as he could to convincing the State House of Assembly on the need to return schools to their original owners, the church. It was a miracle that the house then led by Chief. Anayo Nnebe later softpeddled and gave a go-ahead for that. Anambra began to soar higher, ranking first in National board exams. It was Obi's magic, where Government funded those, rebuilt or renovated where necessary, equipped science laboratories and libraries, and above all else too, donated school buses to all the schools in the state, including private ones. Nibo gained both in the renovation of Ezeike High School and also, school bus.

Then on roads, Obi took it up from where Ngige stopped and Nibo again gained, as he constructed the road to Umuawulu from Eke Nibo, the road through Ezeawulu to Nise and to Enugwu-ukwu ring road and lastly, the Agu-Awka ring road into Nibo. These are three major road projects. How have we suddenly forgotten? This is simply unfair.

No doubt, we pushed steadily and honestly for the Ifite roads as well as Ezeawulu roads. I personally also approached Obi on the issue of those roads and he assured me that it would be done. I was shocked to learn that he stated pointblank to the faces of few Nibo youth that becaus they didn't vote for APGA back then, he wouldn't do the roads. Those to me, remains hearsays which has no backup and therefore, cannot be substantiated as true. It therefore counts less.

This is not to say that it isn't possible, for we know politicians can honestly do and undo, Obi is no Saint and so, he isn't an exception. But until proves are provided, it remains on only "alleged" basis.

What about health? Amaku general hospital was upgraded to the State university owned teaching hospital and many other General hospitals were also upgraded and better equipped. Our community health center gained too. Umu-Ezeike in US had built and equipped our former maternity complex. Obi's Government awarded and built the Doctors quarters. We understand that Gov. Obiano or his wife commissioned it, but Obi awarded and did it. Even so,assuming not, Government is a continual process.

The water project done by Obi in Nibo where those who maybe were gainers back then or hopeful gainers with pride told us it is the best in the world. We hold them to their words. We wonder what has changed and why they have suddenly began dancing to another tune. Obi's water project in Umuanum, just after the maternity and an extension in Ezeawulu are wonders to which we should be thankful.

In security, Obi shut down criminality and fought it to a standstill. He bought hundreds of Innoson made vans and donated to various communities, markets and parks to be used in pursuing criminals. He went ahead to saving salaries for three years or so to serve as volunteer workers. Nibo again gained, there was an Innoson van gifted by Obi's Government to our community.

Ndi Igwe as custodians of culture, elders and chief security men of their communities needed to have good vehicle to help them in discharging their duties. Obi's Government again donated to all the 178 Igwes in Anambra State. Our revered, respected and beloved Eze Ugonwanne, Ezeike Nibo got his.

Sentiments aside, we should be true to our words and have the balls to speak truth to power at all times. Honesty is a very expensive commodity, while we don't expect it from cheap people, we should lead them aright and out of that cheap act.

Anambrarians saw wonders in Obi and voted him in again for a second tenure. We won at the polls and ended his tenure in glory. The hallmark of every true leader is to plant trees which they may not live to enjoy the shade those trees may beget. Obi left office with shoulders high, while keeping his cool and maintaining his unparallled humility.

It's on record that before Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, representatives from Federal Government, bank chiefs, then newly elected Gov. Obiano and ndi Anambra, he gave an account of his stewardship where he stated publicly that he had saved nearly N75billion  in hard currencies and naira, in assets and investments for his successor and the state. He went ahead to mention the banks. In times of less and recession, this savings was to be a fall back on; bear it, Obi was the man who saw tomorrow, case closed!

Then came Gov. Willie Obiano who actually before his coming, not many knew about him. Infact, let's spit it out, he flew on the willing wings of Mr. Peter Obi. No doubt, on his own volition and under trust, Obi wholly gave up his shoulder that Obiano may lean on, to excel.

Most of those who vigorously campaigned and fought for Obiano's victory did so, solely because we believed in Obi and we  gave in al our trust and love on him, which was simply transferred to Obiano. Infact, I, as the founder of the Facebook page: ANAMBRA STATE FORUM WORLDWIDE pushed so hard for this success. It could be said that I was the youngest person amongst many who fought so hard with my pen on paper, or keypad on gadgets for this success be attained. I have no regrets doing that. This is a verifiable fact!

Obiano came promising, had the ground already tilled for him, had no distractions coming his way. Many communities have gained under his watch. We must be true to this. The appointment of our son, Hon. Obi Nwankwo as a Commissioner and promotion of another in the police to his ADC or so, then the community choose your projects of N20million was a lead, the power-city project is another great deed of his and now, our almighty Ifite road in currently under construction.We also lately heard of the Acharlorji road. The fact that he awarded it or those to companies owned by our own children gives us unparalleled joy. They would not fail us.

Bottom line, Ngige was the road master who led the way. Obi arrived fully made, took it up with unparalleled humility, thoughtfulness and honesty raising the bar to leaving a big shoe behind for his then would-be successor, going by his many records, he was a resounding success in all ramifications and Obiano hasn't performed very poorly. He began well and still has the time to do wonders.

Often times when people speak or write against Obi, I find it along the cross line of misinformation, confusion, selfishness or plain hate. Most of those who wrote Obi off has not told us he stole Anambra monies, or that he mismanaged Anambra wealth or that he was caught in a scandal of any sort. The only argument is that he has an "aka aradite, aka gum". The man is too stingy. This is our society and this is why nations fail.

If Obi's style of refusing financial recklessness or living a life of rascality or any of such shameful and abysmal lifestyle are his bad or weak points, instead of this hate, he rather should be applauded, appreciated and raise up as a model and mentor to the people of the younger generation.

Show me one place, just one where Obi has stolen, backup your claims with facts and figures which can be verified and if found to be true, I will lead the way to cast a stone on him, but if it's the rounds of propaganda, lies, and hate by enemies of good governance, keep the arrogance, the bias and the shame all to yourself. We would continue to ignore.

Lastly, in the forthcoming Anambra Gubernatoral elections, one is saddened to see people myopically and ignorantly pointing fingers towards Obi as the godfather of the PDP candidate, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, a fine and refined creative thinker, a sound and seasoned gentleman and a polished persona who already has a clean track record in variant successes from the United Nations where he worked for onwards of three decades.

Even if so, these guys who push up this sentimentally-driven propaganda fail to note quite clearly that Obiano was also Obi's magic and making. There is no doubt about that. Therefore, if it did be so, Obiano also was Obi's godson. Has he failed Anambra State? If you say No, you are right and if so, Obi is a worthy godfather who doesn't lead his godson astray or demand huge pays front he state treasury or burn down Government properties.

The last of an alleged demand for N8billion doesn't hold water; for one can't leave more than a quadruple of same amount to come behind to beg for a quarter of same. It doesn't measure up and it holds no water.

There should be a clear distinction between a mentor and a godfather. Mentors are models, they lead their followers, their mentees aright towards the right path. Obi is a worthwhile mentor and even if he were to be a godfather and has been this kind of gracious in his godfatherism, bring it on, we need hundreds of his kind of godfathers in modern day Nigerian politics through States and at the National level.

Obi is like a cat with nine lives, you may push to ridicule, shame or abuse him, he simply comes out stronger. The love is pure, real and can't be bought.

Until his record is equaled or beaten or broken, enemies fight in vain. He who God has blessed, no one can put down!