By Ifeanyi Afuba
What equips or
stands one in good stead for the arduous task of governance? The self
initiative to serve? Aptitude cum personality constitution? Or the will to succeed? Among the many theories thrown up in the
efforts at unraveling Nigeria’s tragic condition is the perception that the
country has had the misfortune of being led largely by persons who were
reluctant to assume authority when they did. With just three exceptions, other
Nigerian heads of government are considered to either have been drafted or
persuaded to assume the mantle of office. Thus, shorn of a sense of mission,
they were soon overwhelmed by the burden of managing the Nigerian estate. If
this construct of ambition – great leadership correlation is to be regarded as
valid, then as rules go, it is also subject to exceptions. For David of the ancient kingdom of Israel
and for Willie Obiano of Anambra State who clocks the round age of 60 August 8,
2015, -good governance need not be driven by political ambition.
There is a
purpose to life and we are found out by our definition, interpretation and
expression of the essence of life. We find merit in the Shakespearean wit that here
is no art to find the mind’s construction in the face because there is a measure
to character that transcends appearance. But while character is a significant
actor in the theatre of life, it is not sufficient unto itself. Affirmation of a man’s worth takes place at
the meeting point of personality and destiny; an actualization no degree of
rival positioning or self – projection can avert. David who was disregarded by
his father as the young herd boy undeserving of consideration for kingship was
not only chosen above the other preferred sons
but rated as the
greatest king of olden Israel. In striking similarity, Chief Willie Obiano was
not even into politics at the time let alone an aspirant for the office of Governor
of Anambra State in early 2013. His star sought him out. And while it is only
sixteen months into a four year tenure, there is no doubt that Obiano istarted
on the road of becoming Anambra State’s outstanding and accomplished governor.
The portrait that
emerges from Governor Willie Obiano’s strides in private life and public
service is that of an actor with such natural confidence as to be described as
his own man. It cannot be disputed that
Obiano has registered bold imprint on
the socio –
political life of Anambra State in so short a time. Drawing from the typical
succession syndrome that has significantly attended the fourth republic experience,
some had nursed the fear before and after the 2013/2014governorship election,
that Obiano would be Mr Peter Obi’s proxy in office. This mindset was somewhat
fed on the notion that as a political ‘neophyte’, [as a embittered sacked aide
chose to rate him], Obiano would be dependent on his battle – hardened
predecessor to survive the turbulence of Anambra’s politics. As it were, Governor Obiano’s stable
influence on the fortunes of the state’s polity in less than one and half years
as an independent – minded leader has left many an analyst gasping with
surprise. It is a measure of Chief Willie Obiano’s leadership qualities that
without leaning on anybody, he was able to calm the stormy waters of the
state’s politics as well as violent crime in a matter of months. Interestingly,
Obiano the political ‘neophyte’ has breathed new life into the APGA. He takes
the credit for giving the party expanded national presence reflected in the
legislative seats won in Bayelsa and Taraba states in the 2015 poll as well as
presentation of governorship candidates for the first time in Oyo, Nassarawa
and Katsina states.
Today, APGA
candidates are in strong contention for the governorship of Abia and Nassarawa
states at the election tribunals. There is a message of a clear – sighted and
independent mind in the fact that the Aguleri – born first citizen of Anambra
State had chosen to retire from the boardroom at the very active age of 55
whereas his track record of achievements could have opened more doors in the
corporate world. A priest had related to
this writer how shortly after the governor’s inauguration, he the clergy man
sent the subject a text message advising him not to treat the election
petitions challenging his victory with levity. The Governor’s response was short
and telling: ‘I trust in God!’
Prior to the
election that brought Obiano to power, those who knew the chartered auditor and
investment banker as a private citizen described him as a large – hearted man
who finds joy in giving. Naturally then,
expectations trailed the new leader’s arrival irrespective of the fundamental
difference and choices available in personal lifestyle and public management.
Consistent with a natural disposition, we saw Obiano embark on a systematic
continuation of all the projects inherited from the preceding government. A
rare feature on the pages of our competitive government and politics, the
policy was a gracious act of acknowledgment as well as continuity. He could
have chosen to find reasons discrediting and abandoning most of the projects
and simply initiated those he will take full credit for.
Spurred by a
spirit of concern for others he could neither ignore nor suppress but only
respond to, Willie’s sense of generosity began to find expression within the permissible
limits of officialdom. First, his
monthly salary to the end of his tenure was dedicated to upkeep of the poor and
needy. In the fourth month of his governorship
he granted the state’s workforce a fifteen percent pay raise. Three months
later in October 2014, he ordered the distribution of a full bag of rice to every
civil servant, teacher and pensioner. And just about a week to his 60 th birthday,
on the state’s civil service day, he announced another round of rice donation
to public servants. Reaching out to the
generality of citizens, the -Governor launched a fleet of luxurious buses
operated at subsidized cost to ease public transportation. Snacks are soon to
be introduced as part of the bus ride package. The mass transit vehicles are of
course separate from the buses earlier deployed to ferry civil servants to and
from work along important link routes. Obiano finds the time to compliment
staff and aides on work well done; this same character trait has seen him
upgrade some political appointees who went the extra mile in the discharge of
their briefs.
But Obiano the
humanist is also a man of standards who insists that defining rules must be
followed; that global parameters of engagement are applied in the conduct of
government business. On the occasion of the first 100 days of the administration
in July 2014, the Governor had put citizens on notice that the policies on road
worthiness of vehicles and environmental sanitation would be vigorously
enforced in the interest of public safety. Today, residents are learning to
live with the responsibility the regulations demand of them. In further manifestation
of a disposition for standards, Governor Obiano is resolved to give Anambra
state better quality of roads. It is considered profitable in the long run to
build durable roads at higher cost than constructing sub – standard roads at reduced
cost only to spend more money on remedial work a couple of months later. On the trail of his inauguration, renovation
of government establishments is still ongoing to give the departments the
befitting status they deserve. Modern bus shelters are springing up in the
state’s urban centres; locations previously starved of street lights as a
strategy for saving funds gradually being illuminated.
You could say
that the Anambra State chief executive is also a man of taste. You have only to see his breath – taking,
palatial country home constructed years back as a private citizen to appreciate
the point. This is a sprawling edifice
which charm spoke as much from the outstanding architectural design as the
rustic background scenery. Aside the stately ambience of the expansive
structures, the management of the uneven terrain left you in no doubt that
whoever commissioned the ambitious project was someone with a sense of class
and style.
At first
impression, the temptation to call the chairman, BOT of APGA, a metropolitan
man would be strong. The people’s
governor strikes a debonair air with his carriage; trendy safari suit; cool
sunglasses; and fedora hat that sometimes reveal a stylish hair parting that
evokes memories of the 1960 Nelson Mandela.
Ordinarily, decades of service with corporate organizations at the highest
levels plus the mighty influence of globalization would have left many vulnerable
to the tide of cultural imperialism. But not the Willie working to weld the
state’s talents and wealth to a wholesome new brand. Obiano is another country
boy; a native immersed in his roots; a Kunta Kinte for whom westernization
cannot erase the allure of his heritage. In the count down to the election that
brought him to power, a columnist had described Obiano as ‘a man given to
ceremoniousness.’ What the writer was
trying to say rather vaguely was that here was a fellow for whom expression of
the Igbo culture comes naturally to him.
The Akpokuedike of Aguleri who speaks his dialect fluently is a
traditional, not an honorary red cap chief.
Even as Governor, as he savoured the blend of traditional drumming and
flute notes, he has occasionally risen to the call of the rhythms, executing
dexterous pre - dance steps to the delight of the audience. It was the same
Obiano who a few months back inspected a police guard of honour in full native
regalia.
We thank God for
the gift of William Maduabuchi Obiano to Anambra State and to humanity.
Notwithstanding his shortcomings as a mortal, Obiano like King David has become
a source of strength for Anambra state. It is heart – warming to find that a
man who lived the Christian virtue of reaching out to your neighbor as a
private citizen has not allowed the palace mentality of Nigeria’s public office
to devalue his spirit of regard for others. May he find greater fulfillment in
the years ahead.
