On Peter Obi
For the first time since this column began here, I want to depart from media critique and appreciate this medium’s prose on an exemplary personage. At the weekend I stumbled on a testamentary document that profusely profiled the immediate-past governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi. It is a very instructive testimonial in this age of pervasive corruption. Come along with me as we voyage into the enthronement of a good name that is better than silver and gold. Little wonder Obi left N75 billion in the coffers of the state at the glorious end of his eventful tenure! There may have been a few changes in the portfolios below, but they do not subtract from the underpinings of the evergreen recognition. This also explains why former President Goodluck Jonathan made him an integral icon of his transformational government. Equally significant is Obi’s profound appreciation by the Papacy. It is rare in our perverse generation to find a man that robustly achieves both secular and Catholic quintessence.
According to the Debt Management Office (DMO), Anambra is among the least indebted states in Nigeria. And in the words of the European Union (EU) ambassador to Nigeria, David Macrae, “EU has always emphasized on proper management of money. That is why it is important to have people of high integrity like Peter Obi.”
“Obi’s commendable performance in office led us to classify his government as reformist,” affirms the Head of Affairs and Country Representative of DFID, Dr. Richard Montgomery. How many past and serving governors have these kinds of testaments? This is what informed the choice of today’s subject. There is nothing that can be compared to a good name in a man’s life. Credibility is everything.
The World Bank Country Director, Mr. Omo Ruhi, described our focus as “an exceptional leader and very prudent in financial management and I believe his interest is to better the lots of his people which to my mind is very remarkable.”
“Obi was the first governor to visit my office to discuss how to fight poverty in his state and remained determined and dogged by initiating effective economic empowerment programmes,” enthuses the National Coordinator of NAPEP, Dr. Magnus Kpakol. As we go ahead, take note of the calibre of people testifying to Obi’s reputational record.
Yet another endorsement from the former Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Bank of Industry, Evelyn Oputa: “Obi was the first governor on assumption of office to approach the Bank of Industry for collaboration to create job opportunities for the people of the state. He understands the dynamics of the economy.”
THISDAY, obviously Nigeria’s most authoritative newspaper on business and politics, notes thus: “Obi, the (former) Governor of Anambra State, has established a reputation for transparency and budget discipline, a development that is believed to have saved the state treasury substantial amounts of money in the awards and execution of contracts. Obi is known for his tight scrutiny of contracts being awarded by his government.”
The Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council and traditional ruler of Onitsha, HRM Obi Alfred Achebe, adds royalty to the encomia: “Obi has created the enabling environment to fast track industrial growth and development, including attracting companies such as SABmiller to Anambra State. Through steady positive transformation, the former governor restored peace and stability to the state, thus encouraging the people of the state to live dignified life.”
Yet another avowal: “I am delighted to learn that Anambra is among UNICEF’s strongest partners in Nigeria. I commend Obi for his commitment to children, prompt payment of counterpart funding, involvement in the development of education, scaling up of skill acquisition centres and giant strides in the Milennium Develoment Goals and leadership in Water and Sanitation Programme,”declares UNICEF Chief of Office, Enugu, Mr. Charles Nzuki.
Even before the recent Papal acknowledgement of Obi’s devout spirituality, the Rev. Peter Jasper Akinola of Nigeria had made his own referential statement: “Peter Obi is a special gift from God and should be celebrated for his passion for the people of the state, his commitment to good governance, provision of basic things of life such as good roads, water, and health and education facilities, among others.”
The laudatory remarks continue with this terse intervention by the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu shortly before his translation: “Peter Obi is the practical hope the people of Anambra have experienced and believe in. He represents goodness.”
According to Dr. Onyekachi Ikpeazu (SAN), “In the near future, people will realise that the Peter Obi administration is the best thing that has happened in the state.” In the same breath, Prof. Pat Utomi asserts that “Obi is a thinker who deploys ideas trying to change the value frame of his people so that they can achieve