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Monday 2 October 2017

Anambra Governorship Election: A Call For Deep Reflection, By Chris Mccool Nwosu

On a day like this, it should ordinarily be apt to spare a thought on the state of the nation. However, our people say that one does not embark on rat hunt while his or her house is on fire. Consequently, I’ve elected to ruminate over burning developments in my dear state – Anambra on this occasion of the nation’s 57th Independence Anniversary. And I invite you to deeply reflect along with me, especially now that in another 48 days, the state will have the opportunity to either re-elect His Excellency the incumbent, Gov. Willie Obiano or elect a replacement in his stead.

In the light of the above, one has continued to keenly observe and mull over the quality of electioneering campaign (which in civilized democracies will adversely contribute to shape the decision of majority of the electorate) currently going on in the state.

So, how have the political parties and their flag bearers for the November 18 Anambra governorship election in the state fared?

Viewed constructively and dispassionately, yours truly is of the candid opinion that while some are working hard to make the campaign squarely issue-driven, others appear to be focused on distracting the smooth float of the campaign towards that direction by deliberately dwelling more on inanities and attacking personalities or individuals whose strategic support, they believe, could shape the eventual outcome of the election. It would also appear like His Excellency, the incumbent’s camp is employing every trick in the bag in its bid to mask what is largely perceived as the below par performance posted over the last three and half years that their principal has been on the saddle.

Therefore, as part of a patriotic effort to streamline issues and straighten the thrust of the campaign in the direction it should go in the days ahead, it has become necessary for those who truly put Anambra first and ahead of parochial or partisan interests to publicly volunteer their thoughts regardless of their partisan affiliations. For me as a person, partisan consideration should come way below the common good; I therefore feel very comfortable to outline the following ‘food for thought’ for the careful digestion of Ndi Anambra interested in being properly guided as we approach the poll.


1. The Accountability Question

Top on the list of key issues requiring the urgent attention of His Excellency, Gov. Obiano in particular (which may not necessarily apply to most of his opponents in the race for Agu Awka House) is his seeming inability to comprehensively account for his THREE and HALF years stewardship to Ndi Anambra in EXPLICIT and EASY-TO-VERIFY terms, barely 48 days to another governorship election in the state.

(Before his supporters crucify me for speaking the obvious, I challenge them to kindly upload or make available to cynics, a booklet or electronic medium containing comprehensive listing of Obiano’s much trumpeted [but very questionable] accomplishments for the period under review that AMPLY justifies his quest to be accorded a second term or hold their peace)

There is no gainsaying that in sane climes, it is trite that for a sitting governor’s reelection bid to be taken seriously, the least expected of him or her is to, first and foremost, explicitly account for his or her stewardship in a format or manner that can be easily verified by segments of the electorate (like myself who may wish to do so), cynics and opponents alike. Has His Excellency, Gov. Willie Obiano crossed this important Rubicon? Only those not abreast with the true state of affairs back home or sycophants, cheap political jobbers (as we have seen of late on different mediums – ostensibly at state expense) and individuals desiring to patronize His Excellency will chorus in the affirmative.

Yet, government – especially one that prides itself as being accountable and transparent as is the case with the incumbent, does not require rocket science to put together something as simple as listing on paper in specific details, the accomplishments it has consistently claimed credit for; instead of inundating the public with crass generalization that cannot be quantified; much more, verified. Again, I insist that these CRASS GENERALIZATIONS which Obiano’s aides and praise singers attempt to bamboozle Ndi Anambra with (and which government continues to waste scarce resources that could be deployed to better use to daily advertise in one medium or the other) cannot suffice in the circumstances for the stewardship account his critics crave, to be able to independently verify the claims. One expects His Excellency to know this; and I make this submission with every sense of responsibility.

2. The Impropriety Of Relying On Mere ‘word Of Mouth’ Evidence By The Horde Of Political Appointees Unleashed On Ndi Anambra To Support Frivolous Claims By Government

One of the most nauseating attitude noticeable in the campaigns so far is the reliance of even highly placed official aides of His Excellency (without exception) who should know better on MERE WORD OF MOUTH as sufficient or appropriate evidence to support most of the very awkward and laughable claims that often emanate from their fold as they distinctively sweat to either confuse or mislead potential voters alarmed at the dismal performance starring them in the face. These attempts are not just puerile but an unadulterated and considered insult on the sensibilities and intellect of the average Anambra man or woman.

Interestingly, when you interview those of them close to you privately, most are unequivocal in admitting the impropriety of the approach but will further argue that propaganda is, and remains an acceptable tool in politics even in civilized climes. Others opine that faced with a DEARTH of an impressive array of tangible delivered projects on ground with which to convince majority of the electorate to support second term, it is a good strategy to aim to distract your opponents from running a focused or issue oriented campaign to avoid being boxed into a tight corner. Those in the latter grouping believe that the most effective way to undermine the smooth running of a focused or issue-oriented campaign by those eyeing the governor’s seat is to consistently saddle them with one wicked allegation or blackmail after another which they will have no option but to spend useful time and energy (and sometimes huge resources) struggling to refute as valuable time elapses.

To substantiate the above, one example will suffice. Let’s take the allegation by aides of the incumbent – and just last week, his re-election campaign DG that former Gov. Peter Obi bequeathed liabilities totaling N186b (at some point when it pleases them, they will reduce it to about N106b or sums in that neighborhood) to his successor.

Sadly, despite repeated demands on social media and local radios by many – myself inclusive, for details of the so-called liabilities to be made public for all to see and verify, (in the same way that the former governor, Mr. Peter Obi advanced EXPLICIT documented evidence that included certified banks’ and financial institutions’ documents and EXPLICIT account numbers hosting every kobo contained in the HANDOVER NOTES in proof of his claims of handing over to Obiano, N75b in cash and INVESTMENTS) the incumbent governor’s camp has been manifestly UNABLE to produce an iota of documented evidence to support its QUEER and apparently FRIVOLOUS claim on the liability controversy which has been long laid to rest by knowledgeable certified chartered accountants who averred from a professional viewpoint that in government contractual agreement, work not yet done cannot be classified as liability.

To be concluded… WATCH OUT!

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