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Anambra: A State Of Naked Dancers
By: Uba Aham (ubaaham@yahoo.com) 08033217953
It is, indeed, not out of place to assert that the greatest threat to peace and stability of the Nigerian
nation resides in the paradoxical ‘Home for All’ state of Anambra. Not even in the anarchic Niger
Delta region. Hardly does a season elapse without violence and mayhem wracking Anambra state,
especially, since the inception of this political dispensation.
Just a couple of years back, the state forced its name inside the Guinness Book of Records when a
seating governor, Dr Chris Ngige, was, in broad daylight, kidnapped and held hostage for several
hours. This notorious feat has never been replayed in any other state in Nigeria.
Yet, Anambra has the singular reputation of being the only state in Nigeria where government
buildings, including the seat of power (Government House), legislative buildings, radio stations and
workers secretariat, amongst other public structures, were plundered and set on fire. This state of
origin of Nnamdi Azikiwes, Chinua Achebes, Odumegwu Ojukwus, Alex Ekwuemes, Charles
Soludos, Phillip Eneagwalis and Cyprian Ekwensis, just to mention but a few, made big news
sometime ago when its corpse-ridden Okija Shrine attracted the shocking attention, curiosity and
focus of the Nigerian government, local and international press. The list of weird happenings in
Anambra state is endless!
Is it, then, surprising that Anambra is in the news again? This time around, the very existence of
the state is being threatened by internecine budget ‘war’. On April 3 this year, the state’s House of
Assembly threw their legislative apparels to the wild winds, and engaged each other in a free-for-all
fight at the hallowed chambers of the House. While trading hard punches like professionally trained
boxers, the legislators found ready weapons in tables and chairs, and even the mace in the
chambers. This legislative pugilism threw the Assembly premises into confusion, as workers and
observers of the proceedings of the day ran in different directions for the safety of their lives. This
situation, of course, resulted in the dispersal of the Assembly without concluding the issue at
stake, which was passage of the state’s 2008 appropriation bill (budget estimates).
The House Committee on Finance and Budget Matters, headed by Ikenna Mbazuluike-Amechi, had,
in its report, slashed the state’s 2008 budget estimates from N84.2 billion to N57.2 billion. What
this simply means is that the law makers chopped off N27 billion from Anambra state’s budget for
this fiscal year. The legislative fight, of course, broke out when the Assembly split into two
warring factions, with those opposed to the budget slash (pro-Governor Peter Obi legislators)
forestalling its passage by the whole House.
It is noteworthy that the warring factions of the House belong to the same People’s Democratic
Party (PDP), and fighting the minority All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)’s government in
the state, headed by Obi. But this macabre dance between Obi and Anambra congressmen dates
back almost immediately Obi assumed office as governor of the state. It will be recalled that a
similar budget fight erupted, October last year, between the duo over N8 billion supplementary
budget approval. On this occasion, the legislators sat on the supplementary budget, insisting on
having details of how he spent N48 billion budgeted for 2007 before approving it. At this juncture,
Obi threw in the towel, made a volte-face, and curiously dropped the idea. But the fight he avoided
last October is currently confronting him.
It has, indeed, always been a dance in the market place between these law makers and Governor
Obi. Same last year, they (the legislators) carpeted Obi’s claims of prudent financial management
of the state’s resources, claiming that he had, recently, declared surplus of N30 billion for the
state. That means the government spent about N18 billion out of the N48 billion budgeted for the
year. That is not all. Obi, the legislators alleged, made fraudulent withdrawals of about N980
million in the month of May 2007, shortly before Andy Uba of PDP was sworn in as governor.
According to the House, Obi intended to use the unapproved supplementary N8 billion
supplementary budget to cover up the alleged illegal withdrawals.
Just before the legislative fight, Anayo Nnebe’s leadership in the Assembly instituted a probe,
through various house committees, against Obi’s government, and this probe allegedly uncovered
monumental corruption in some ministries in the state, such as Environment and Youths and
Sports Ministries. In the Environment Ministry, the House claimed that about N500 million meant
for an erosion control work at Umuchiana community in Ekwulobia Local Government Area of the
state was misappropriated. Similarly, N20 million meant for office renovation at the Ministry of
Youths and Sports reportedly got disappeared into thin air.
It has to be noted, at this juncture, that the more Governor Obi tries to deny these ceaseless
allegations, the more the allegations pour in like torrents of rain. Although one is not holding brief
for Governor Obi (and there is no reason for that), the point remains that a cockroach can never
be innocent in the gathering of fowls; the present crop of Anambra legislators may never give Obi
and his government a clean bill of health. They have ever related like cats and dogs, and they may
never strike a chord.
The reason is not far to fetch. Obi’s ascension to power is peculiar, as he, in the process, had to
displace Andi Uba, the law makers’ capo. If Obi had emerged governor on the platform of the
PDP, would there have been this kind of stiff opposition against his administration by the House?
Put differently, if Andy Uba had remained governor of the state, would his administration have
come under such scrutiny by these law makers? The answer is ‘No’.
Had Governor Obi not divided the House this time around, who knows, these budget estimates that
have become a subject of national controversy would have, by now, been successfully slashed by
N27 billion by the legislators. And this is where the point lies. N27 billion is, unarguably, a large
sum of money! N27 billion can take Anambra state to a considerable development (al) level. For
one thing, it can give the commercial town of Onitsha a face-lift, rehabilitate some roads in the
ancient town, provide electricity to many of its streets and make the city more attractive to
streaming traders and passers-by. N27 billion can perform the same feat in Nnewi, another major
commercial city in the state begging for government attention for donkey years. It can help to
brush up the popular Nnewi auto market which hosts traders from across the world. But this is the
money the law makers are about slashed out of the state budget-just in the name of politics. Or,
are the representatives saying that the economic term, budget surplus, can go to hell and burn to
ashes in Anambra state?
The issue becomes more heart-rending when it is obvious that Anambrarians play politics with the
future of their state, the future of their children and the future of their children’s children. Is it not
so disappointing when patriotism can no longer be given premium over such extraneous issues like
monetary inducements to fight in favor or against a governor? Is it not shameful when the Group
of 11 law makers is accused of receiving N50 million bribes and a parcel of land each just to
support Governor Obi’s cause? And, the Group of 19 alleged to have received the sum total of
N90 million from a PDP chieftain in the state through one of the House leaders’ bank account in
the state to prosecute the war against Obi, and ultimately, either boot him out again through
impeachment, or make it impossible for him to emerge governor for a second term?
But members of the state Assembly may, aside from party politics, have other reasons for their ill-
disposition towards Governor Obi. Many, indeed, agree that Obi is politically rigid and not
amenable to horse-trading which is associated with young democracies like ours. For instance, he
is generally noted for his miserly approach towards dispensing of political patronages. Even if his
stingy attitude is explained away as fiscal discipline, what of the incessant complaints by the law
makers of his unwillingness to promptly pay them their entitlements? Sometimes, the House
leadership would come close to fisticuffs with Governor Obi before their allowances and other
entitlements could be released to them?
Governor Obi should learn from history. Chris Uba had all the legislators in his pocket, yet former
Governor Chris Ngige (his godson) won their (the legislators) hearts. In spite of Uba’s enormous
influence on the law makers then, they refused to move against Ngige until he left office
unceremoniously. So, the regular logic that the legislators are battling Obi because of party
differences is not tenable.
The problem, actually, lies in the governor’s leadership style. Recall that Obi left billions of naira in
the coffers of the state when this same PDP legislature removed him from office through
impeachment, but Mrs. Virginia Etiaba, his Deputy, assumed his office and, to the best of her
administrative skill, generously dispensed the funds towards the development of the state, as well
as towards the satisfaction of its people. This same House that has been antagonistic to Obi,
embraced Etiaba, and worked harmoniously with her as long as her government lasted. Yet, Mrs.
Etiaba is of APGA, just like Obi.
All in all, Governor Obi should do away with his mindset that he can never have the corporation of
the legislators and close ranks with for a better Anambra state. Now that time has proved that the
impasse can never be resolved through instigation of attacks on the law makers, is it not
reasonable that the governor play more politics- adopt flexibility in action and words, more
importantly, become more amenable to dialogue rather than defiance.
Unfortunately, for now, elders of the state seem to have taken over the functions of the legislators
who were duly elected by their constituents to make laws for the wellbeing of the state and its
people. And, until the elders finish with their arbitration, the House may remain indefinitely
adjourned. Is this not another bouquet of shame? When will Anambra, the cradle of Igbo
civilization, become a normal state in the Nigerian nation? When, for goodness sake?
By: Uba Aham (ubaaham@yahoo.com) 08033217953
It is, indeed, not out of place to assert that the greatest threat to peace and stability of the Nigerian
nation resides in the paradoxical ‘Home for All’ state of Anambra. Not even in the anarchic Niger
Delta region. Hardly does a season elapse without violence and mayhem wracking Anambra state,
especially, since the inception of this political dispensation.
Just a couple of years back, the state forced its name inside the Guinness Book of Records when a
seating governor, Dr Chris Ngige, was, in broad daylight, kidnapped and held hostage for several
hours. This notorious feat has never been replayed in any other state in Nigeria.
Yet, Anambra has the singular reputation of being the only state in Nigeria where government
buildings, including the seat of power (Government House), legislative buildings, radio stations and
workers secretariat, amongst other public structures, were plundered and set on fire. This state of
origin of Nnamdi Azikiwes, Chinua Achebes, Odumegwu Ojukwus, Alex Ekwuemes, Charles
Soludos, Phillip Eneagwalis and Cyprian Ekwensis, just to mention but a few, made big news
sometime ago when its corpse-ridden Okija Shrine attracted the shocking attention, curiosity and
focus of the Nigerian government, local and international press. The list of weird happenings in
Anambra state is endless!
Is it, then, surprising that Anambra is in the news again? This time around, the very existence of
the state is being threatened by internecine budget ‘war’. On April 3 this year, the state’s House of
Assembly threw their legislative apparels to the wild winds, and engaged each other in a free-for-all
fight at the hallowed chambers of the House. While trading hard punches like professionally trained
boxers, the legislators found ready weapons in tables and chairs, and even the mace in the
chambers. This legislative pugilism threw the Assembly premises into confusion, as workers and
observers of the proceedings of the day ran in different directions for the safety of their lives. This
situation, of course, resulted in the dispersal of the Assembly without concluding the issue at
stake, which was passage of the state’s 2008 appropriation bill (budget estimates).
The House Committee on Finance and Budget Matters, headed by Ikenna Mbazuluike-Amechi, had,
in its report, slashed the state’s 2008 budget estimates from N84.2 billion to N57.2 billion. What
this simply means is that the law makers chopped off N27 billion from Anambra state’s budget for
this fiscal year. The legislative fight, of course, broke out when the Assembly split into two
warring factions, with those opposed to the budget slash (pro-Governor Peter Obi legislators)
forestalling its passage by the whole House.
It is noteworthy that the warring factions of the House belong to the same People’s Democratic
Party (PDP), and fighting the minority All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)’s government in
the state, headed by Obi. But this macabre dance between Obi and Anambra congressmen dates
back almost immediately Obi assumed office as governor of the state. It will be recalled that a
similar budget fight erupted, October last year, between the duo over N8 billion supplementary
budget approval. On this occasion, the legislators sat on the supplementary budget, insisting on
having details of how he spent N48 billion budgeted for 2007 before approving it. At this juncture,
Obi threw in the towel, made a volte-face, and curiously dropped the idea. But the fight he avoided
last October is currently confronting him.
It has, indeed, always been a dance in the market place between these law makers and Governor
Obi. Same last year, they (the legislators) carpeted Obi’s claims of prudent financial management
of the state’s resources, claiming that he had, recently, declared surplus of N30 billion for the
state. That means the government spent about N18 billion out of the N48 billion budgeted for the
year. That is not all. Obi, the legislators alleged, made fraudulent withdrawals of about N980
million in the month of May 2007, shortly before Andy Uba of PDP was sworn in as governor.
According to the House, Obi intended to use the unapproved supplementary N8 billion
supplementary budget to cover up the alleged illegal withdrawals.
Just before the legislative fight, Anayo Nnebe’s leadership in the Assembly instituted a probe,
through various house committees, against Obi’s government, and this probe allegedly uncovered
monumental corruption in some ministries in the state, such as Environment and Youths and
Sports Ministries. In the Environment Ministry, the House claimed that about N500 million meant
for an erosion control work at Umuchiana community in Ekwulobia Local Government Area of the
state was misappropriated. Similarly, N20 million meant for office renovation at the Ministry of
Youths and Sports reportedly got disappeared into thin air.
It has to be noted, at this juncture, that the more Governor Obi tries to deny these ceaseless
allegations, the more the allegations pour in like torrents of rain. Although one is not holding brief
for Governor Obi (and there is no reason for that), the point remains that a cockroach can never
be innocent in the gathering of fowls; the present crop of Anambra legislators may never give Obi
and his government a clean bill of health. They have ever related like cats and dogs, and they may
never strike a chord.
The reason is not far to fetch. Obi’s ascension to power is peculiar, as he, in the process, had to
displace Andi Uba, the law makers’ capo. If Obi had emerged governor on the platform of the
PDP, would there have been this kind of stiff opposition against his administration by the House?
Put differently, if Andy Uba had remained governor of the state, would his administration have
come under such scrutiny by these law makers? The answer is ‘No’.
Had Governor Obi not divided the House this time around, who knows, these budget estimates that
have become a subject of national controversy would have, by now, been successfully slashed by
N27 billion by the legislators. And this is where the point lies. N27 billion is, unarguably, a large
sum of money! N27 billion can take Anambra state to a considerable development (al) level. For
one thing, it can give the commercial town of Onitsha a face-lift, rehabilitate some roads in the
ancient town, provide electricity to many of its streets and make the city more attractive to
streaming traders and passers-by. N27 billion can perform the same feat in Nnewi, another major
commercial city in the state begging for government attention for donkey years. It can help to
brush up the popular Nnewi auto market which hosts traders from across the world. But this is the
money the law makers are about slashed out of the state budget-just in the name of politics. Or,
are the representatives saying that the economic term, budget surplus, can go to hell and burn to
ashes in Anambra state?
The issue becomes more heart-rending when it is obvious that Anambrarians play politics with the
future of their state, the future of their children and the future of their children’s children. Is it not
so disappointing when patriotism can no longer be given premium over such extraneous issues like
monetary inducements to fight in favor or against a governor? Is it not shameful when the Group
of 11 law makers is accused of receiving N50 million bribes and a parcel of land each just to
support Governor Obi’s cause? And, the Group of 19 alleged to have received the sum total of
N90 million from a PDP chieftain in the state through one of the House leaders’ bank account in
the state to prosecute the war against Obi, and ultimately, either boot him out again through
impeachment, or make it impossible for him to emerge governor for a second term?
But members of the state Assembly may, aside from party politics, have other reasons for their ill-
disposition towards Governor Obi. Many, indeed, agree that Obi is politically rigid and not
amenable to horse-trading which is associated with young democracies like ours. For instance, he
is generally noted for his miserly approach towards dispensing of political patronages. Even if his
stingy attitude is explained away as fiscal discipline, what of the incessant complaints by the law
makers of his unwillingness to promptly pay them their entitlements? Sometimes, the House
leadership would come close to fisticuffs with Governor Obi before their allowances and other
entitlements could be released to them?
Governor Obi should learn from history. Chris Uba had all the legislators in his pocket, yet former
Governor Chris Ngige (his godson) won their (the legislators) hearts. In spite of Uba’s enormous
influence on the law makers then, they refused to move against Ngige until he left office
unceremoniously. So, the regular logic that the legislators are battling Obi because of party
differences is not tenable.
The problem, actually, lies in the governor’s leadership style. Recall that Obi left billions of naira in
the coffers of the state when this same PDP legislature removed him from office through
impeachment, but Mrs. Virginia Etiaba, his Deputy, assumed his office and, to the best of her
administrative skill, generously dispensed the funds towards the development of the state, as well
as towards the satisfaction of its people. This same House that has been antagonistic to Obi,
embraced Etiaba, and worked harmoniously with her as long as her government lasted. Yet, Mrs.
Etiaba is of APGA, just like Obi.
All in all, Governor Obi should do away with his mindset that he can never have the corporation of
the legislators and close ranks with for a better Anambra state. Now that time has proved that the
impasse can never be resolved through instigation of attacks on the law makers, is it not
reasonable that the governor play more politics- adopt flexibility in action and words, more
importantly, become more amenable to dialogue rather than defiance.
Unfortunately, for now, elders of the state seem to have taken over the functions of the legislators
who were duly elected by their constituents to make laws for the wellbeing of the state and its
people. And, until the elders finish with their arbitration, the House may remain indefinitely
adjourned. Is this not another bouquet of shame? When will Anambra, the cradle of Igbo
civilization, become a normal state in the Nigerian nation? When, for goodness sake?