A sober reflection for Anambra people

Sir: Tomorrow, Anambra people will troop out to elect a new governor. Pursuant to Section 182(1)(b) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, as amended, the incumbent, Willie Obiano is due to transfer the baton.

Arguably, Obiano’s administration sustained the movement. Thus, Anambra has the most proficient administrations from the era of Chris Ngige who pigheadedly pulled down ‘godfatherism’ after things fell apart between him and his PDP-powerbrokers branded as ‘OBJ Boys.’ It was a tough ‘do-or-die’ battle between Ngige and the gladiators for control of state power.

Politics aside, a few of the vital questions Ndi-Anambra must ask themselves before stepping out to cast their votes for a new governor is: which of the gladiators namely; APC – Andy Uba; APGA – Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; PDP – Valentine Ozoigbo; and YPP – Ifeanyi Ubah can be honestly trusted to teach the children in schools? Again, as a region with an entrepreneurial spirit, which of them can be confidently endorsed to chair a board of a business empire with a vested interest, the hope of growth, proper coordination and management without any fears of bankruptcy, liquidation or distress after a short period of existence? Furthermore, which of the candidates can be trusted with integrity, exposure, skills and capability to attract foreign investments to the state? And finally, which of these candidates can be recommended to represent the state in national and international fora with significant and meaningful impacts?

To answer these vital questions would give clues on the way forward for Anambra vis-à-vis the forthcoming poll. These questions can guide in making a choice of a proficient state governor. Governance is about economic growth, administrative skills and in particular, giving priority to the future of the children.

As expected, money will fly around but the future of our children must be a focal point. The election is a secret ballot, hence, voters can still vote to please the conscience irrespective of what was shared if it must be received. The voting pattern remains confidential and nobody knows the candidate or party voted for or not. With the entrepreneurial spirit, accept any goodies shared, but vote wisely. Like Dr. Chris Ngige said, “the election is a battle between the light and darkness.” And I agree with him absolutely.

No doubt, by the 1999 Constitution, all the candidates for the Anambra poll are prima facie qualified having attained the mandatory age of 35 years and with O’Level academic qualification pegged as a minimum qualification.

However, the interest of the state should override every other thing. To sustain the enviable progress recorded over the years should be the utmost priority of the Anambra people.

In other words, Ndi-Anambra must resist egocentrism. Anambrarians should endorse a candidate with proven managerial capability – managed capital and human resources credibly with economic growth and contemporary innovations. Nothing beats administrative experience. Short-and long-term economic development cannot be gathered by embryonic struggles.

Carl Umegboro, ACIArb, a public affairs analyst, hails from Ihiala.