By Ejike Anyaduba
In the next three years, Governor Willie Obiano will lay down the burden of office as the governor of Anambra State. He will be making history as the second APGA Governor after ex-Governor Peter Obi to successfully lead the foremost State for a two term of eight years.
Obiano’s five years in office have been marked by great achievements notwithstanding a few hiccups here and there. Regardless, it is curious how some of the achievements of the government are taken for granted – things that are applauded elsewhere. That Awka capital existed in outline was never in doubt. That security of lives and property was in a whirl was also not contestable. Just as it is an indisputable fact that education, health, environment, infrastructure, transport, and human capital development flourished more with the restoration of security.
Human capital development is one area where the Obiano government has recorded unsurpassed achievements. Relatively, it is the area that is underreported and or neglected. Few, if any, governments can succeed without adequate investment in human capital. Sadly, it is one sector of the economy that is easily taken for granted, but which has consistently brought down many a government. Mbadinuju’s government might not be the worst in the history of governments in the state, but its shabby handling of the workers’ salaries quickened its demise.
Obiano made it clear that his government would cultivate the human sector. He is yet to default since making that promise on the day he was sworn in. No time in the history of the State were salaries consistently paid on or before the 25th of every month. This has been the rule since 5 years.
All through the dark days of the economic recession when otherwise healthy States owed salaries, Anambra did not. Pensions and gratuities of retired workers came due. As a show of its commitment to citizens’ welfare the government started by clearing all arrears of pensions and gratuities. Today, pensioners receive their money almost at the same time as civil servants. Equally consistent with the position of the government on welfare was the training of civil servants and their promotions. No civil servant, deserving of promotion, has been denied the privilege.
The greatest aspect of the development which the government embarked upon and has pursued with unflagging commitment was the issue of the less privileged in the society. Again, to his charity, he surrendered his salary for the first four years in office (it has since been extended to cover the remaining years) for the upkeep of this group of people. This was followed up with the building of a convalescent home- a sanatorium – at Nteje where the sick and others on the wrong side of life are being attended.
One or two positive developments have since followed on from that point. One, there is de-escalation of the unsightly presence of beggars and tamps on the streets of Anambra. Two, there is greater security. On the face of it, the effect on security may not be easily appreciated. But an example or two would suffice. Years back, two “beggars” in Lagos were arrested for different criminal offences. The one and more notorious, was Clifford Orji, now late, arrested for cannibalism at Toyota bust-stop along Oshodi-Apapa expressway. The other, a cripple, who solicited alms on Bush Street between Anthony village and Maryland, was arrested as an amourer for a notorious criminal gang. Before their arrest, they were seen as mere beggars. No doubt, ridding the streets of Anambra of these tenants impacts on security.
To date, Obiano’s government is the number one disability-inclusive government in Nigeria. Appointments were made in the civil service as well as in political office. One such appointment was the elevation of a visually impaired director to the position of a Permanent Secretary. A sign language communicator was also appointed for effective service delivery.
The Governor’s effort is complemented by the First Lady of the State, Chief Dr. Ebelechukwu Obiano. Her Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFÉ) has lifted a number of despairing souls through provision of artificial limbs, training in special skills, equipping of the skilled, and building of houses for the homeless among others. Prisoners, those who have served out their terms and were released, had a taste of the Governor’s humanity as they were provided with seed money to start life afresh.
The Obiano administration has, within the years, juggled development in both the tangible and intangible sectors of the economy. It is believed that, by the time his government is through, Anambra will compete and, possibly, surpass the best in development in Nigeria.