Obiano comes out tops in a surprisingly good Anambra election debate
scholarship

Political debates in Nigeria are hardly an excellent reading of prevailing political dynamics let alone the realities on the ground – this is after all, the country whose current President famously refused to participate in three debates – but the 2017 Anambra governorship debate organised on 12 November by civil society groups, Enough is Enough Nigeria and the National Democratic Institute, moderated by Channels Television’s Seun Okinbaloye and pitting five jousting, mostly well informed candidates engaging in a civil discussion of the relevant issues of the state may be a refreshing indicator of an emerging trend.


The contestants in what is shaping up to be the most closely followed state vote before the high election season of 2018-2019 featured the incumbent governor and candidate for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Willie Obiano, businessman and self styled industrialist Godwin Ezeemo of the Peoples Progressive Alliance, former aviation minister Osita Chidoka of the United Peoples Party, federal lawmaker and All Progressives Congress candidate Tony Nwoye and technocrat and Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Oseloka Obaze. They were grilled by the veteran Okinbaloye on a limited range of issues varying from governance, security and social development to the economy.

In the opening segment, the candidates spoke about the distinctive elements of their platforms. Obaze, in between proving his local bona fide by handily pointing out that he had “lived in Anambra for years,” declared that his administration will end multiple taxation, make education 26 percent of the state’s annual budget and champion human development anchored on education, welfare, social security, protecting life and property and guaranteeing the freedom of movement; Nwoye promised to block leakages in government spending while frittering away a healthy chunk of his allotted 120 seconds blasting the incumbent of appointing over 700 advisers; Ezeemo unveiled his intentions to ensure full employment in an environment where “70 percent of our graduates are unemployable” and drive growth in agribusiness while ensuring environmental sustainability; Obiano said he would use a renewed mandate to make his state a first choice business environment and drive social mobility after touting his credentials on improving security, employee welfare and his ‘181 projects in 181 communities’ mantra; and Chidoka outlined his four steps to mapping out a shared vision of public service and sustainability which would be attained by “applying knowledge, hard work and morality.” It was a lively opening to what would be an engaging discourse.

The moderator took particular interest in dwelling on the underlying politics fuelling the election. Thus, Nwoye had to answer questions about a very public and ugly spat between his political godfather Andy Uba and current Labour Minister and one-time governor, Chris Ngige. He decried the entire situation as“a propaganda of the APGA administration of Chris Ngige” although he admitted that he left the PDP “because of a lack of inclusivity and governance.” Chidoka strongly countered the idea that he salivated for the Governor’s Lodge at Awka when tackled on his political party shopping tendencies, saying that “the issue is not what platform on which I am running. The issue is what I have to offer.” He eventually declared that the UPP “approximates [his] thoughts on politics at the moment.” I fundamentally believe in the renegotiation of the Nigerian state.” Obiano, in repsonse to questions about his relationship with his immediate predecessor, Peter Obi, appealed tot he moderator to allow him focus on his election programme for the state. Further pressed on the matter, he simply said “I am not against Peter Obi. He is not a candidate in this election.” Obaze leveraged on his work experience as an international civil servant, as well as positions in the last Anambra administrations, but explained his deep dive into the world of politics as a call to arms “because the government and the process has been hijacked.” Ezeemo could only volunteer his political goals in general terms, saying that “Anambra is in trouble, we are not in trouble. I am here to serve the black man.”

The economy was also front and centre during the vote, with facts, figures and a healthy helping on innuendo thrown around. Obiano gleefully (and rightfully) informed the country that his state bucked a national recession by being one of the few geographic growth spots and triumphantly declaring that “if Anambra was a country, we would be the 27th largest economy in Africa,” a fact which the debate fact checkers pointed out afterwards was understating the point. In 2014, the year the governor cited when citing the numbers, Anambra actually ranked 24th – a revelation Obiano would be more than happy to accept. Chidoka’s repsonse to this was to criticise the governor for touting Gross Domestic Product figures and growth rates. To him, it was simply “the effect of Western consultants,” adding that “the problem with Anambra is that we rank bottom in terms of corruption and bottom in terms of competitiveness.” The point, while welcomed by certain segments of the audience present in the auditorium was untrue. Lagos props up the rest of the country in clean governance rankings, while a litany of northern states do far worse than Anambra in creating a business friendly environment. Chidoka accused Obiano of not levering on the state’s human resource potential by erroneously saying that Anambra had the highest number of students nationally who met the credible West African Examinations Council examinations standards of credits in English and Mathematics (that honour belongs to Abia). Nwoye said his administration will make Anambra an industrial hub but gave few details. Obaze and Chidoka tackled Obiano on budgetary transparency but the govenror’s retort was to cleverly remind them that as one of the country’s prime destinations for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), his administration had a massive incentive to keep its books in order in a bid to please sceptical foreign investors, which it does.

It was not a totally civil affair as shots were fired. Governor Obiano opened proceedings by accusing his debate partners of having no governing experience. The retorts were almost immediate. Chidoka rather tastelessly, calling out the governor for pointificating about executive experience when he only rose to executive management in a mid-tier bank at 60 while he was a chief executive at 35, in effect making the governor’s point even more trite. Security also made an appearance at the debate with Nwoye correctly stating that economic problems and unemployment was the leading cause of the renewed separatist agitation currently roiling the state and much of Nigeria’s southeast and Obiano pointing out that it was a call for national dialogue and he would be at the forefront of leading the cause for more equity within the Nigerian state.

On the whole, it was an engaging, informative debate, surely a foreign experience for the many Nigerians who tuned in and actually saw their politicians talk about policy with a decent form of sophistication and nuance. Some of the contestants looked better than others. Ezeemo, for instance, appeared filled with nostalgia for his life in the United Kingdom, “a place filled with milk and honey” as he puts it, “to live in a village and assist the people is because of my selflessness.” It helps no candidate to come across looking like he is doing potential electors a favour by seeking the exercise of their franchise, a clear contrast to his assertion that “government is not a one man show”. When asked how he would resolve his Trump-style conflict of interests as a sitting governor of a state where he had substantial economic interests, all he could say was “I have a competent, solid team of managers to run my businesses.” Nwoye seemed only to understand the sound bite theory of political organising. Such tropes as “we will address power. Power! Power! Power!” belong less in a debate room where one is required to explain his manifesto and more in a campaign rally in a secondary school field anywhere in rural Anambra. Obaze and Chidoka, armed with facts and long on rhyming themes and cleverly constructed sentences did not offer much in way of a convincing alternative program of governance other than bashing the person who occupies the seat. That is a recipe for being an effective opposition, not a credible, governing brand.

Obiano, in clear contrast to all the others, has the record of getting things done and it is unclear that the electorate have an appetite for changing a clearly humming, functioning engine of growth and good governance, a week to the ballot box. All the other jousters went to significant pains tonight to tarnish his governing record, with limited success. That the focus was less on their plans and more on Obiano’s star was the unspoken but loudly salient theme of arguably the most politically illuminating night in Nigeria’s democratic history, at least from an intellectual standpoint. For coming out relatively unspoiled, dignified and armed with a message to the state that his good work can only be sustained by him, Obiano is the winner of debate night.

if he likes he should come out bottom or after top....all I know is that money will still miss

nestic:
if he likes he should come out bottom or after top....all I know is that money will still miss

Money will definitely miss no matter who is there. What makes the different in Obiano's case is the fact that he working and also making more revenue for Anambra State

Preciousnelly19:



Money will definitely miss no matter who is there. What makes the different in Obiano's case is the fact that he working and also making more revenue for Anambra State

what state are u from??

Obiano won the debate, Chidoka 2nd, Obaze 3rd, Nwoye 4th, PPA didn’t come to debate.

Besides, all candidates praised obiano for security which is very good knowing the state of insecurity in the state under one Peter Obi.


cuche
Ngeneukwenu
Nwabobo
Mopolchi

Chino
Africonji

nestic:
what state are u from??

The guy is from Anambra...

Preciousnelly19:



Money will definitely miss no matter who is there. What makes the different in Obiano's case is the fact that he working and also making more revenue for Anambra State

You have a point... Obiano generates revenue

I totally agree with you.

globemoney:
Obiano won the debate, Chidoka 2nd, Obaze 3rd, Nwoye 4th, PPA didn’t come to debate.

Besides, all candidates praised obiano for security which is very good knowing the state of insecurity in the state under one Peter Obi.


cuche
Ngeneukwenu
Nwabobo
Mopolchi

Chino
Africonji

globemoney:
Obiano won the debate, Chidoka 2nd, Obaze 3rd, Nwoye 4th, PPA didn’t come to debate.

Besides, all candidates praised obiano for security which is very good knowing the state of insecurity in the state under one Peter Obi.


cuche
Ngeneukwenu
Nwabobo
Mopolchi

Chino
Africonji

It's either you watched a different debate or you had a bottle of O'mpa in your hand while watching it.

It's not about speaking long English, it's about saying the truth.... Obiano was sincere and straight forward

Nonsense!!!
Which debate did u guys watch abeg?
Obiano was competing with Ezeemo in reverse position from the back.
He was stuttering n giving out false figures. I agree it's not all about eloquence but common this is 21st century he needs to articulate his points well and communicate properly as a leader.
He couldn't even defend his project of doing federal roads and waiting for refunds.
He couldn't even defend his 2b dollar airport project for a state like Anambra. Experienced guys like Osita n Obaze just tore him to him shreds for that project.
Imagine him trying to brag about spending Anambra future savings and increasing debts.
He could not even defend well the things he did good.
Abeg guys!!

bobnatlo:
Nonsense!!!
Which debate did u guys watch abeg?
Obiano was competing with Ezeemo in reverse position from the back.
He was stuttering n giving out false figures. I agree it's not all about eloquence but common this is 21st century he needs to articulate his points well and communicate properly as a leader.
He couldn't even defend his project of doing federal roads and waiting for refunds.
He couldn't even defend his 2b dollar airport project for a state like Anambra. Experienced guys like Osita n Obaze just tore him to him shreds for that project.
Imagine him trying to brag about spending Anambra future savings and increasing debts.
He could not even defend well the things he did good.
Abeg guys!!

Guy, you are trying to reason with paid louts. Sane people know that only Chidoka and Obaze distinguished themselves.
Allow these efulefus to do continue deceiving themselves.

bobnatlo:
[s]Nonsense!!!
Which debate did u guys watch abeg?
Obiano was competing with Ezeemo in reverse position from the back.
He was stuttering n giving out false figures. I agree it's not all about eloquence but common this is 21st century he needs to articulate his points well and communicate properly as a leader.
He couldn't even defend his project of doing federal roads and waiting for refunds.
He couldn't even defend his 2b dollar airport project for a state like Anambra. Experienced guys like Osita n Obaze just tore him to him shreds for that project.
Imagine him trying to brag about spending Anambra future savings and increasing debts.
He could not even defend well the things he did good.[/s]
Abeg guys!!

It only takes smart people to know obiano won the debate.. we are not given to empty grammar. Mention the plans other candidates gave out from the debates,, On the airport, obiano was clear, Anambra is notspending 1 kobo? Obiano is not responsible for your inability to be very analytical in following the debates..

globemoney:

It only takes smart people to know obiano won the debate.. we are not given to empty grammar. Mention the plans other candidates gave out from the debates,, On the airport, obiano was clear, Anambra is notspending 1 kobo? Obiano is not responsible for your inability to be very analytical in following the debates..

These guys are just illiterates, they know nothing about the airport city

Obiano won the debate, Oseloka second and Nwoye third. Chidoka was mounting very sweet bullshit,...sweet but bullshit all the same.

In terms of actual service delivery, the PPA candidate who did poorly at the debate may actually be the best in practical terms but no way of knowing now. I listened to the points he was trying to make not the terrible way he delivered them.

Obiano has proven he deserves a SECOND term based on the fact that none of the challengers took him to the cleaners. Oseloka is very good but NOT as governor for now.

Chidoka will NOT amount to much if he continues making pro IPOB noises. IPOB is anti - the entire democratic process. He also goofed trying to ridicule the airport project without facts. So apparently , the Chinese are putting up most of the money. The state is landlocked and Niger river dredging is not delivering the river ports, warehouses and logistics infrastructure that the rapidly growing commercial hub needs. Sometimes you keep your mouth shut when you don't have facts or when someone else has started what you should have done as aviation minister.
Fancy speeches are good but that state has hungry young people.

zazazaza20117:

You have a point... Obiano generates revenue

..Allow chidoka....he shall generate more....

globemoney:
Obiano won the debate, Chidoka 2nd, Obaze 3rd, Nwoye 4th, PPA didn’t come to debate.
He performed better than I expected, incumbent hardly do pe
Besides, all candidates praised obiano for security which is very good knowing the state of insecurity in the state under one Peter Obi.


cuche
Ngeneukwenu
Nwabobo
Mopolchi

Chino
Africonji

Gov Obiano performed better than I expected, incumbent hardly do perform well in debate against opponents, he was able to manage his anger, especially when Obaze was pushing false claims and Chidioka throwing fake data, his performance last night surprised me.
Devil we know is better than an Angel we don't know, not sweet mouth in our neighboring state but poor in leadership style.

you won the dabate for Obiano on Nairaland LOL

post=62336354:



Gov Obiano performed better than I expected, incumbent hardly do perform well in debate against opponents, he was able to manage his anger, especially when Obaze was pushing false claims and Chidioka throwing fake data, his performance last night surprised me.
Devil we know is better than an Angel we don't know, not sweet mouth in our neighboring state but poor in leadership style.

Okwu nkasi obi.

Let the children of darkness be pained.
They are bringing Buhari to the east for the first time because of erections so that he will ask the Police to rig for them.

It is a failed strategy because the people are out to defend their votes to the last.

Willie is willingly working and we are proud of his countless achievements in every sphere of life.

#000000

Adminisher:


Chidoka will NOT amount to much if he continues making pro IPOB noises. IPOB is anti - the entire democratic process. He also goofed trying to ridicule the airport project without facts. So apparently , the Chinese are putting up most of the money. The state is landlocked and Niger river dredging is not delivering the river ports, warehouses and logistics infrastructure that the rapidly growing commercial hub needs. Sometimes you keep your mouth shut when you don't have facts or when someone else has started what you should have done as aviation minister.
Fancy speeches are good but that state has hungry young people.

Chidoka messed up by sticking out his neck to discredit the aerotropolis project. That project is unique in design and the job of every Anambrarian who has the interest of the state at heart should be to encourage the Chinese to commit to the project. If there should be detractors, they shouldn't be Igbo people.
Being a Minister of Aviation by political appointment doesn't make one an authority in aviation matters. Ms Odua served Igbo interest without fear of anybody while she was there, Chidoka's impact was only felt at Road Safety Com. nothing of him was heard in Aviation matters.

Cuche:

Chidoka messed up by sticking out his neck to discredit the aerotropolis project. That project is unique in design and the job of every Anambrarian who has the interest of the state at heart should be to encourage the Chinese to commit to the project. If there should be detractors, they shouldn't be Igbo people.
Being a Minister of Aviation by political appointment doesn't make one an authority in aviation matters. Ms Odua served Igbo interest without fear of anybody while she was there, Chidoka's impact was only felt at Road Safety Com. nothing of him was heard in Aviation matters.

StFU! What does Anambra export to warrant $2bn cargo airport infrastructure?
Why didn't Obiano leverage on Orient Petroleum infrastructure to form a $2bn JV with an established oil company in order to fast track its admittance to NNDC?

What is NDDC membership compare to the economic importance of the aerotropolis under construction in Anambra? Why are some of you so dumb. Anambra Aerotroplis is one project that will not only touch Anambra immensely economically but the entire SE region. Anambra is not just building an airport but airport city. Google AIRPORT CITY, so you can understand what is being built.

[s]

BigIyanga:

StFU! What does Anambra export to warrant $2bn cargo airport infrastructure?
Why didn't Obiano leverage on Orient Petroleum infrastructure to form a $2bn JV with an established oil company in order to fast track its admittance to NNDC?

[/s]

BeijinDossier:
What is NDDC membership compare to the economic importance of the aerotropolis under construction in Anambra? Why are some of you so dumb. Anambra Aerotroplis is one project that will not only touch Anambra immensely economically but the entire SE region. Anambra is not just building an airport but airport city. Google AIRPORT CITY, so you can understand what is being built.

[s][/s]

Kiddo, this topic is above your intellectual grade.Aviation is not top 10 of Naija Forex earners, so what makes Anambra so special? What is the comparative advantage Aguleri has over Manufacturing hubs like Nnewi and Onitsha?

It is a pity that common sense is not common. Umuleri, the location of the airport is where we have enormous table land resources. The airport is just about 20mins to Onitsha, 25mins to Awka and 4omins to Nnewi. Big airports are sited at the outskirt of major cities, a good example is Abuja airport. Anambra airport city is not just an airport but an integrated facility ever seen in the history of West Africa. See more below.

BigIyanga:

Kiddo, this topic is above your intellectual grade.Aviation is not top 10 of Naija Forex earners, so what makes Anambra so special? What is the comparative advantage Aguleri has over Manufacturing hubs like Nnewi and Onitsha?

1. The project is an Aerotropolis, an Integrated Modern City comprising an International Airport with 2 Runways, Malls, Industrial and Business Parks and Airport Hotels.
2. The project will create 1200 direct jobs and over 6,000 indirect jobs.
3. The project will be sited at Umueri, Anambra East LGA of Anambra State
4. The project has 75 % of the jobs reserved for Ndi Anambra.
5. The host community (Umueri) will receive in perpetuity 3% of the profit via Corporate Social Responsibility.
6. The project will cost 2 billion dollars.
7. The project will be executed under BOMT (Build, Operate, Manage and Transfer).
8. The Partners for this project are Anambra State Government, Orient Petroleum Resources Plc. and Elite International Investment Holding Limited, China Aviation Planning & Development Company Limited with Osike Synergy Nigeria Limited and Emsworth Oil & Gas Limited as Facilitators.
9. The partners are interested in building rail lines across the State and possibly inter-connecting the South East region.
10. The project will be ready in three years.
11. The project will cause economic boom for the State increasing revenue and facilitating private enterprises.
12. The project involves skills transfer.
13. The project has capacity to land any known aircraft and cargo planes.
14. The project involves an aviation fuel dump (First in Nigeria) where aircrafts will fly in to refuel.
15. The project contains an aircraft maintenance facility.
16. Other facilities include; Passenger and VIP Terminal, Taxiways and Aprons, Fire Station, Control Building and Towers, Aviation Fuel dispensing facilities, airport cargo sheds, aviation training and services buildings, airport multilevel car parks, airport recreational areas, China wholesale depots, emergency service centers, etc.
17. The project will facilitate the export of agricultural produce such Anambra Rice, Vegetables and Tubers of Yam.
18. The project will facilitate trade and business relation between ndi Anambra and China as well as other international business destinations.
19. The project will unleash the untapped potential of increased trade and commercials, manufacturing, innovation, technology transfer, SME growth in Anambra State.
20. The project will create a whole new world of economic opportunities for the South-East.

BigIyanga:

StFU! What does Anambra export to warrant $2bn cargo airport infrastructure?
Why didn't Obiano leverage on Orient Petroleum infrastructure to form a $2bn JV with an established oil company in order to fast track its admittance to NNDC?

Do I really need to reply you?
We know your type who will go to China to dissuade them from siting the project in the state. Unfortunately for you, the Chinese don't know you. I didn't just expect Chidoka to side with people like you who will want it sited at Ogbomoso instead of Anambra. Isn't that the reason you are fuming
We shall export Aviation fuel, fill in the rest.

Here's the 3D of the ongoing Anambra airport city. It is not an ordinary airport.

3D is not an actual pic!!

Stop being petty, I am only showing you what is being built already. It is not your usual Nigerian airport.

BigIyanga:
3D is not an actual pic!!

Cuche:

Do I really need to reply you?
We know your type who will go to China to dissuade them from siting the project in the state. Unfortunately for you, the Chinese don't know you. I didn't just expect Chidoka to side with people like you who will want it sited at Ogbomoso instead of Anambra. Isn't that the reason you are fuming
We shall export Aviation fuel, fill in the rest.

Folks like you who have never been anywhere like to make ridiculous claims.. W/African aviation fuel hub is in Accra, and Naija-bound airlines fly to Ghana to get aviation fuel, so what stops Orient from dominating Naija market first?

BigIyanga:

Kiddo, this topic is above your intellectual grade.Aviation is not top 10 of Naija Forex earners, so what makes Anambra so special? What is the comparative advantage Aguleri has over Manufacturing hubs like Nnewi and Onitsha?

Olodo, so Abuja airport is located inside Abuja? Port harcourt airport inside port harcourt abi? And the rest of them?
Aviation is not a top 10 earner of forex because your leaders lack vision like obiano. This is an airport city, with provision for cargo and will be first of its kind in Nigeria.
Obiano is not your average Nigerian leader, remember he said if other governors performed like him, Nigeria will not be in recession. Can you disprove that?