“Governor Obi has done a great job, he has made us proud and his tomorrow is full of great promises” – Chief Onyechi Nzekwu (Omozele). Chairman, Inland Group USA
“Obi is a man of vision, mission, focus, compassion, piety and integrity”. His legacies will serve as a lasting guide for future leaders in the state.'” – Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth Secretary
Every good thing has an end. It was just like yesterday that Governor Obi began his journey as the executive governor of Anambra State but on Monday March 17, he will bow out and hand over to another energetic and able gentleman Wilie Obiano.
“Time and tide waits for no man,” as Geoffrey Chaucer correctly said. Eight years ran so fast and Governor Obi would bowed out of office with dignity and prestige that has been rarely seen or experienced by any politican since the formation of Anambra State. In making this fabulous history and achievement it is now on record in the chronicle and annals of Anambra history that Obi is the first and only governor in Anambra to have enjoyed two terms in the office. We hope that he will not be the last and that Willie Obiano will follow put.
The point of this article is not to write down the achievements of Governor Obi. These are the facts and the truth is that his achievements and accomplishments are numerous from provision of physical and social infrastructures to health facilities. His achievements covered the spectrum of human endeavors, propelling community upliftment.
OBI CARES
What I am try to do is to explore his human quality and caring he brought to bear in his eight years of occupying the seat of the governorship of Anambra Stae. Obi cares for the people of Anambra and each time he carries the burden of the people. This is quite important that a leader feels and understand the pains his people are going through. Take for instance you see Obi administering medical vaccination to children he held in his hands as the mothers of those children stood in awe. He never separate or distance himself from the poor and less privileges citizens of the state.
OBI EMPATHIZES
One of the greatest tools a leader can posse is the ability to show empathy to his fellow human being. Obi never gives excuse to be away from the people. One thing that is outstanding about him is that all Anambrians are taken seriously as stakeholders contrarily to selected few and godfathers. When he celebrated his 50 years birthday, he did not throw an elaborate party for his friends and colleagues instead he celebrated his party in a remote primary school with children all around him.
OBI IS HUMBLE
Unlike most of our present leaders in Nigeria, whose commitments are inclined to expensive cars, designer clothes, watches, shoes and worldly accessories, Governor Obi is not imprisoned with vanity. He knows who he is and does not need expensive suits and accessories to express his profound intellectuality. As a governor he has an open door policy and he is accessible to both rich and poor provided that you are logical and focused.
OBI REACHES OUT
Pe’ OKWUTE may be one of the smartest politicians in Nigeria. He is seasoned politician and he is a strategist. He knows when to make a move, when to talk, when to hold back and when to be quite. He understood the act of politics which ponderously rests on alliance and friendship. Peter Obi is an architect of concord based on mutual benefits and respect. Governor Obi orchestrated what maybe perhaps his greatest achievement: The reconciliation of Ndi-Igbo South east and minorities South south political zones.
SE and SS Reconciliation is a momumental Achievement
One of his greatest breakthrough was extending his hands of friendship to our brothers and sisters in South South political zone; when APGA supported President Goodluck Jonathan for his presidency and APGA did not file any presidential candidate. That was a great move and brought about the reconciliation between SE and SS. Enhance forth the friendship between President Jonathan and Governor Obi deepened and became a source of joy and tangible returns to SE and Anambra State in paricular.
Okwute Ndigbo distinguish himself from his contemporaries with hard work and commitment to a vision of achievements and the strive to restore the dignity of Ndi-Igbo. Governor Peter Obi feels and understands the heart beat of Ndi-Igbo
Yes, I knew him in Onitsha when we were growing up. Obi went to Christ the King College (CKC) with my brothers Damian Chiakwelu and Chuks Chiakwelu. Even at that time he has been showing leadership quality and was industrious. He always knows what he wants and God has abundantly blessed him.
Okwute Ndi-Igbo I wish you the best – Godspeed. Agu Igbo daalu !
Emeka Chiakwelu, Principal Policy Strategist at AFRIPOL. His works have appeared in Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, Forbes and many other important journals around the world. His writings have also been cited in many economic books, publications and many institutions of higher learning including tagteam Harvard Education. Africa Political & Economic Strategic Center (AFRIPOL) is foremost a public policy center whose fundamental objective is to broaden the parameters of public policy debates in Africa. To advocate, promote and encourage free enterprise, democracy, sustainable green environment, human rights, conflict resolutions, transparency and probity in Africa.info@afripol.org, www.afripol.org,