Date Published: 10/22/09

Sir,

Anambra Governorship: PPA on a wrong start

It is unfortunate what transpired in the much touted good chances for PPA to control the Anambra government house come 2010. Some believe it was as if something diabolical came over the party in Anambra at this last moment. There were people that built up the party in that State but were shortchanged in preference to a new and doubtful entrant. It is yet to be clear what transpired.

House of Representative Honourable Mrs. Uche Ekwunife just came over from PDP where she was refused a platform (in any case, where she was not in the reckoning); few days into the PPA clinched the gubernatorial ticket above other expected winners. If this situation must remain after December deadline for substituting of names, then PPA should bid the Anambra Government House goodbye.

Honourable Mrs. Ekwunife was a bank manager in Awka when former governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju was in power. Though she was a the Standard Trust Bank official and while still married to Mr. Ekwunife, she allegedly called the shots at Mbadinuju’s government house. She later ventured into politics and now a member of the House of Representative which she got through the platform of PDP. Majority Anambra people who are aware of her escapade believe she does not have the clout whatsoever to command any meaningful vote when the race starts.

Well it is entirely the prerogative of the PPA to determine who flies its flag, therefore the situation remains its cup of tea. The race is getting to close to call among a trio of Dr. Chris Ngige who majority of the civil servants and peace-loving Anambraians would prefer, incumbent governor Peter Obi and any PDP candidate. PDP should forget getting to the government house this time through any form of rigging because it is no more possible in Anambra.

Diokpa Dike Odu

Ozomagala Street

Onitsha, Anambra State