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By: Ifeanyi Izeze
Without doubt, the argument bysome political leaders of the PDP Southeast
zone that the party’s presidentialflag bearer, Atiku Abubarkar could not
have picked a running mate from amongstthem without their knowledge
especially when he had bargained with them for theslot, is understandable
and should be appreciated as adding to strengthen ourdemocratic experiment
especially in this era of “me too.” This is more so whenthe zone has its
own calculations on how to take a shot at the presidency whenthe position
rotates back to the South.
Those who knowwould agree that if Peter Obi’s kinsmen (some of their
political leaders) didnot kick in their usual characteristic manner, Obi’s
credentials andsuitability for the office would have become outrightly
suspect. I speak as nwa-afor Igbo!
Ohanaeze NdigboYouth Council aptly captured the picture when the group in
its statement inAbakiliki stated that the insinuation that the Southeast
is divided on Obi’schoice as Atiku’s running mate is untrue and a
deliberate mischief by enemiesof the zone to create rancour where there is
none.
Despite thefeigned furore which was at best an understandable political
gimmick, Atikudeserves praise for making this tough choice among
contending sectionalinterests. Those who know would agree that this was a
deft move to address tosome extent, issues of equity and fairness.
Like him or hate him, Peter Obiis an enigma. Apartfrom the way he managed
Anambra State economically for eight years; Obi hasfrugality, global world
view, vast experience in economic management,acceptability across board
and limited political baggage. Above all, he isstill a young man
relatively speaking.
No doubt, Atiku andObi will make a great team that will be able to steer
our nation back on thepath of progress, economic prosperity and unity.
They are both successfulbusiness men, they both understand the benefits of
industrialization and mostimportantly, they are both employers of labour.
What more can Nigerians ask forif not employment? Obi and Atiku joint
ticket will be a veritable asset in ourquest to get Nigeria working again.
As explained byAtiku himself, Peter Obi’s choice as a running mate “was
largely influenced byhis youthfulness, vast knowledge of global and local
economics as well as beinga financial expert, all experience which Nigeria
is in great need of at thispoint in time.”
Like Atiku, Obiis a successful businessman and wealth creator. His wealth
of experience in thefinancial sector, governance and human capital
development would be of immensebenefit to the government. Also, Obi’s rich
experience in the private andpublic sectors will help him manage the
nation’s economy as the Chairman of theNational Economic Council (NEC).
The bankingsector, which is the mainstay of the nation’s economy, will
have a new lease oflife with Obi in charge of NEC.
As said by Atiku, “In every othersector, such as education, health,
security and infrastructure, Obi as governorleft tangible and verifiable
worthy legacies in Anambra state. Developmentpartners such as the World
Bank, the European Union, the United NationsDevelopment Programme and
UNICEF, adjudged the state as one of the best indevelopment partnership
and commitment to reforms for good governance underhim.”
It is on recordthat at a time many other governors were leaving huge
debts, Obi left theequivalent of US $500 million in investment as well as
local and foreigncurrency, including $156 million in dollar-denominated
bonds. So he understandsthe dynamics of the economy. He has an impressive
track record of tangibleachievements both in governance and in his private
sector life.
Few Nigerianscan dispute the fact that Obi has proven himself to be a man
of vision,mission, focus, compassion, piety and integrity, attributes
needed to turnaround the pathetic state of the nation’s economy.
Does anybodydisputes that Peter Obi has a reputation for frugality and
good economicmanagement, as shown in his deployment of the scarce
resources of Anambra Stateduring his eight years as governor to achieve
milestones that were acknowledgedeven by international development
agencies? His track record shows that he is athinker who can deploy ideas
to change the value frame of his people so theycan achieve longer
sustainable values.
As a businessmanwho has nurtured business from a small level, and ran
government as it shouldbe run by putting the necessary structures in
place, and entrenching decencyand transparency in governance, Obi no doubt
will be an added advantage to ourgovernment. What else are we looking for
as good qualities for someone that isto head the National Economic
Council?
This ticket willbe able to steer our nation back on the path of progress,
economic prosperityand unity. Peter isa great choice. He brings his
business intelligence into governance. He is notcorrupt and as a governor,
he was not wasteful.
Southeast regionhad long deserved a better and higher role in the
administration of thiscountry. Obi himself has proven to be competent
judging from his performance asgovernor.
His choice asrunning mate normally would be the right thing to do. There
could not have beena fairer running mate than Obi, from the Southeast. Obi
is simply good as Obi;end of discussion! This is my view!
(IFEANYI IZEZE: iizeze@yahoo.com; 234-8033043009)