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Obiano at 68: A man and his legacies

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By IfeanyiChukwu Afuba
In spite of Nigeria’s socio economic upheavals, there’s an abiding sense of hope in Anambra State. The belief is strong that Anambra State is safe in the hands of Professor Chukwuma Soludo.  Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Paulinus Ezeokafor who tasked local government chairmen on July 30, 2023, to emulate Soludo echoed the widespread view of citizens when he said: “The Governor is performing well especially in infrastructure development and agriculture.” However, this singular opportunity of the Soludo governorship arose from the vision and tenacity of one man, Willie Maduaburochukwu Obiano; who as it were, marks his 68th birthday this 8 August, 2023.
 We recall that Soludo was a deliberate choice of Obiano and it took intense nomination battles to secure his APGA governorship ticket in 2021. Obiano was resolute on Soludo because as he said, “I was convinced that he is a very good material.” The Aguleri – born leader stated it loud and clear that “Soludo will do better than myself.” ThisDay columnist and former editor, Olusegun Adeniyi could not help noting that “it takes character to say such things in today’s Nigeria” in the essay, “2023 and Obiano’s Worthy Example” (ThisDay, May 4, 2022).
Anambra’s recent history shows that it took Obiano’s push to salvage the medical programme of the Anambra State University and graduate it’s first set of students. The pioneer class of medical students could not graduate in 2012 after six years of study because the prescribed learning had not been completed. The Nigerian Medical and Dental Council could not grant approval in the face of inability to meet accreditation requirements.
 At the inception of Willie Obiano’s administration in 2014, the remaining medical students were in their eight year, many having abandoned the programme in frustration. And in a burst of empowerment and sponsorship of the Faculty of Medicine, the requisite standards were finally attained, leading to graduation of the last standing 13  in December 2015, after almost ten years. The historic set  were immediately offered employment by Anambra State Government.
It was a similar experience of eyes on the ball which broke the barriers to the State’s attainment of oil – producing rank. Although the Chinwoke Mbadinuju administration had taken initial laudable steps on the venture, successive governments were unable to execute  core demands of the project. Aside making the State’s oil fields in Aguleri – Uno and Ogwuaniocha accessible with good roads and the spectacular 290 metre Aguleri – Otu bridge, Obiano drew on his investment banker reach to ensure that set production levels for recognition as oil – producing were met by the State. Today, accruals from derivation revenue has become an additional source of income for the State, powering development needs.
The list of governorship legacies is long. Constraints of space and brevity will not allow all the details. It will suffice to itemize the agro export initiative of the Obiano administration; opening of Court of Appeal Division in Anambra State in 2018; construction of  NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp; boost to micro, small and medium enterprises through the award – winning Anambra Small Business Agency. Mention must also be made of the oxygen plant at the State University Teaching Hospital; International Conference Centre, Awka; statewide light – up – Anambra shower and N40b community choice projects in each of the State’s 181 towns.
Those who had intimate knowledge of his charitable spirit in private life were not surprised by the welfarist bent of Obiano’s governorship. One of the first acts of the new Governor in 2014 was a fifteen percent raise of workers’ pay, without prompting from any quarters. Disbelief unfolded on his face the day Willie Maduaburochukwu Obiano learnt that operatives of the State Fire Service were entitled to just twenty naira as monthly hazard allowance – and the amount had never been reviewed since creation of the State in 1991. There and then, he directed increase to twenty thousand naira monthly. On another day, a briefing led the Governor to know that Basden School of Special Needs, Isulo, had been receiving fifty thousand naira monthly subvention for the past ten years. “That’s unjust” he said when he recovered from the shock. He instantly approved a new monthly subvention of half a million naira. The administration expended N2.6b on arrears of salaries and benefits of workers of the State Water Corporation, Anambra Broadcasting Service and National Light Newspaper denied them by past administrations.
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Afuba
A man with a deep sense of community life, Obiano’s leadership was infused with desirable dose of regional agenda. In the uncertainties of Mohammadu Buhari’s upset presidency in 2015, Chief Willie Obiano – led government held a memorial to honour the Igbo who died in the events of 1966 – 1970. No other southeast Governor had committed to a rite of passage for the Igbo war dead before Obiano’s outing. Nor after. As discussion on constitutional amendments recurred in the Fourth Republic, Obiano’s Anambra State hosted southeast summit on Nigeria’s restructuring in May 2018 which produced the Ekwueme Square Declaration. Veterans of Rangers Football Club, a symbol of Igbo solidarity and reaffirmation in post civil war era, enjoyed a welfare scheme in Obiano’s governorship. It was a blast of nostalgia, friendship renewal and music on April 16, 2017 when the people – oriented administration organised a free concert in Awka featuring popular bands and artistes of the 1970s in the former eastern region.
In the past one and half years since leaving office, Akpokuedike has largely been away from the stage. Yet,  his low public profile has not diminished his reputation as a man of the people. At the flag – off of APGA’s campaign for the 2003 general elections on January 14, he was mobbed at Ekwueme Square, Awka by hundreds of enthusiasts, many, paying tribute to his live and let live spirit.
Remarkably, the technocrat – politician has not engaged in any spat, struggle or dispute with his successor. In staying out of the orbit of influence and refusing to distract his successor, Willie Obiano leaves us  another legacy in Nigerian government and politics.
A man who trusts  that the judgment of history will vindicate him is a man confident that his good works speak quietly for him in the present.
Cheers to a pathfinder for the blessing of a new age.
Afuba is Director, Public Administration Circle, Awka

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The Lioness of House of Louis climbs another floor

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Chioma Iyke-Ani, Assistant Editor Daily Trust Newspapers

The kids bulldozed into the room at exactly 12 midnight today, April 21st, with the birthday song dancing and thanking God for the gift of another year for the Mummy General of the House.

A woman who holds my breadth and who has changed my life for good. She is organised, creative and a manager of repute. She has kept the House on course throughout this last 25 years of our union and seven years after my mum decided to travel.

I respect her intelligence and commitment to the growth of the union. I can’t thank God enough for the privilege to have her as my soul mate. In my several times of crisis of direction and choice, she has come handy with rich counsel and worthy advice.

Not once, not twice, has she saved the House from disgrace and ridicule. I salute her commitment to a flourishing marital life, her love for my children and relations, and her leadership qualities. A viteous woman, prayer warrior, and counsellor.

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On behalf of the House of Louis of Umuozoke, Umufele, Ibute Amaeke Ngwo of Enugu State which I presently head, I pray that God will continue to bless and honour this woman of inestimable value, the support base and motivating spirit behind our success story.

Ebuka, Dera, Chigo, Chinwe, Ebube and I celebrate and honour you today and always. Rise and shine for your God is alive and will continue to be there for you. Pls spare a prayer for her and thank God for her life.

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Till my last breath, I’ll make peace – Jonathan *I almost rejected VP offer

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For Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria’s President – 2010-2015 – making peace – an attribute which he demonstrated by becoming the first Nigerian at that level to be voted out of power – will remain his major life’s pursuit on earth till his last breath.

The former Governor of Bayelsa State and later Vice President, had made history and gained national and international acclaim when he saved a troubled Nigeria from anxiety by throwing in the towel to acknowledge defeat at the 2015 presidential election that pitted him against Muhammadu Buhari, President – 2015-2023.

He pledged to continue do more by devoting his life to the promotion of peace and service to humanity in the country and across the globe, before the gathering on Sunday in Abuja at a reception organised by the “Friends of Dr Goodluck Jonathan” on his receiving the 2025 prestigious Sunhak Global Peace Prize Award in Seoul, South Korea.

The former President, who said stressed that it had always been his desire to impact lives and promote peace in his space, added: “I wouldn’t say much, but only to thank you and to reassure you that my commitment to peace will continue. I will continue to do my little best until the last day I live on earth. I believe that’s the only way I can serve God, by serving man.”

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Jonathan said that though he suffered while growing up as a child because of his humble background, he always felt sad seeing people suffering or seeing a country going through crisis.

The former governor of Bayelsa added that it was his desire to see that no Nigerian suffer any lack, even though it was not so easy or possible for any president to achieve that.

“That has been my fear, and that was why I was very reluctant when I was approached to come to the centre, to be a Vice President. I said, look, Bayelsa is a small state. Let me see what I can do with this small state, whether I can make significant changes, but today here am I.”

Jonathan, while appreciating the organisers of the Sunhak Global Peace Prize Award for counting him worthy, saying, he never expected it, also expressed delight at the reception for the great honour, even though he initially declined it.

“I also appreciate all those who attended this reception. I have listened to the comments from all of you, and I can only say thank you for those good words. They are quite encouraging,” he said.

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Peter Obi, presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), in 2023, who was the Chairman of the occasion, said that Nigeria would continue to celebrate Jonathan for the sacrifices he had made to make the country peaceful, added that everybody who knew what the former President represented and the hope he had brought to Nigeria’s democracy, would not fail to celebrate him.

His words: “There is no special day to celebrate this award other than today, Easter Day, which is a day of sacrifice. We will continue to celebrate you for the sacrifice you made for this country to be at peace. You have put in a lot of effort to ensure there is peace in Nigeria, Africa and the world as a whole.”

Azibaola Robert, Managing Director of Kakatar Group, who initiated the occasion as the Chief Host, explained that the friends of the former President found it worthy to celebrate him for the global recognition, describing him as someone who has a strong passion for peace.

Stressing that the event was an appreciation of the pattern of life that Jonathan had lived and for the impact he had shown as a politician and a statesman, he said Jonathan, as a brother, had created a big character that is very hard to step in for because every day there is a new lesson to gain from his presence, describing him as a God-sent not only to his Bayelsa people but to Nigeria and the rest of the world.

Hassan Tukur, a former Principal Private Secretary to the former President, while speaking glowingly about him, while describing the Award as well-deserved, said Jonathan had demonstrated his love for peace during the crisis in Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Guinea-Bissau and many other countries across the globe during and after his tenure as president of Nigeria.

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He recalled how Jonathan led ECOWAS, AU and UN to restore peace in Côte d’Ivoire in the aftermath of the crisis that followed the disputed 2010 presidential runoff election between former President, Laurent Gbagbo and his former Prime Minister Alassane Ouattara.

Hear him: “Without President Jonathan’s intervention, the peace wouldn’t have been possible. He saved lives, he saved people, and he saved the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. Today, the country is one of the most peaceful countries in this sub-region.

“There was also a crisis in Mali when Jonathan was in office. He was the only President that took his plane and went to Mali in the middle of a crisis, sitting down there for 12 hours negotiating with all the various interested parties. Up to date, the Malians are grateful that he was the only sitting president who visited their country in the height of their crisis and addressed their problems.”

Also citing how the former President saved Kenya from going to war that would have claimed many lives in that country, Tukur said that even after leaving office, the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation had continued working hard to promote peace in the region.

“This honour is not only to former president Jonathan and his family but to Nigerians and the country. He is a humanist. He is a man of peace. He is a man of integrity. And he is a man of foresight,” he said.

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Former Minister of Information Labaran Maku described Jonathan as a patriot and transformer, in which the country would continue to cherish his legacy and good examples.

“All Nigerians are delighted in this award because Mr President, for all his days in power, both as governor of Bayelsa State and president of Nigeria, upheld the ethics of peace and national transformation.

“It is not easy to find in our clan, around this continent, a leader that will say the presidency of a nation is not worth the blood of the citizen.

“That statement was epochal, and it stood him up. In 2015, he made a national sacrifice; he refused the fight. He handed back government, the first time in Nigeria that someone would lose an election and refuse to go to court.

“May the significance of this event, its impact on our nation, and our search for peace in all communities in Nigeria yield fruits with this recognition from faraway South Korea,” he said.

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Some of the dignitaries at the events included Dame Patience Jonathan; King Amalate Turner, the paramount ruler of the Oloibiri Kingdom in Bayelsa State; and Olori Opeoluwa Ogunwusi, wife of the Oni of Ife, who conducted the toast.

 

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Millions flow for Quadri, Obi’s teenage supporter *Relocates from Ajegunle

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A major transformation is coming in the life of Alabi Quadri, the teenage boy who became popular after he was pictured standing directly in front of the convoy of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), during his campaign in Lagos.

In what appears a positive stroke of fate, the young boy who left the closed walls of Kirikiri Custodial Centre in Lagos, last week after spending three months, in which he said he laboured from morning till evening evacuating human wastes from his cell, has both physical and financial succour in exchange for the horrendous ordeal.

Outside his release from prison, Quadri, is now being moved from Amukoko, a dingy slum in parts of Ajegunle, one the suburbs in Lagos to a better accommodation in the more developed area in the nation’s commercial city, alongside his mother.

Inebehe Effiong, fiery lawyer and human rights activist, who revealed this positive development on Monday, said more than N10million has also been raised so far for the boy and his mother by kind-hearted individuals, who heard of the boy’s ordeal and who were intent on giving him a new lease of life.

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A guest of Morning Brief, a breakfast programme on Channels Television, Effiong, who broke the news of the arrest, detention and eventual arraignment of the boy by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command on the allegation or armed robbery, also dismissed police claims that he was already an adult.

Benjamin Hundeiyin, spokesman of the command, had at the weekend, insisted in a statement that Quadri, who was freed by a Lagos Magistrate Court, sitting in Apapa on the advice of the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), was not only linked to the crime of armed robbery but had attained 18 years and therefore an adult.

But debunking the two claims, Effiong who had initially indicated his willingness to approach the court with a suit to demand for N100million compensation for the damages caused the lad, insisted that the police merely upscaled his age to 18 years to enable the prosecution, even though he is only 17.

Effiong revealed this during an interview on Monday with Channels TV, where he and Alabi were both guests.

The lawyer who commended Adetola Olorunfemi the Magistrate who freed Quadri and Babajide Martins, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who gave the advice, demanded the investigation of Ismaila Ulaniro, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Amukoko and Odigbe Samuel, an Inspector of Police, for allegedly framing the boy up and sending him to trial even when they were aware he was innocent.

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Described their actions as part of an “evil, sinister, oppressive, and corrupt scheme” to frame a teenager for armed robbery, instigated by rogue Area Boys: “The boy sitting next to me, Quadri Alabi, as you know, went viral in 2023 during one of Peter Obi’s campaign tours. He spontaneously jumped in front of the convoy, raised his hand, and the photo went viral. That moment changed his life. Donations were made, and he gained some popularity.

“Unfortunately, with that fame came harassment. Local area boys began extorting him, saying he hadn’t ‘settled’ them. They even told his mother to buy a cow, cook rice, and throw a feast for the community. When she refused, the threats continued.

“This is actually the second time these same individuals, with support from the Amukoko Police, targeted him. The first time, he was quietly detained. The second time, in January, he was returning home from work when he was arrested by area boys, specifically known as Leggy and Baba Waris, who accused him of ignoring them despite the money he had received from Peter Obi.

“They handed him over to the police, claiming he was involved in a street fight. His mother was told the same. She even confronted one of the area boys, who admitted it was about the money. Shockingly, he was detained for a full week before being taken to court on January 27. The DPO, CSP Ismaila Ulaniro, kept him in custody illegally during this period.

“They finally took him to the Magistrate Court in Apapa, alongside four adult men he had never met before. The police accused them of armed robbery said to have occurred on January 22 at 10 p.m. No identification parade was conducted, and there was no evidence linking him to the crime.

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“The police falsely claimed he was 18 in court documents. Why? Because if they had said he was 17, the court would have treated the matter differently—possibly not even remanding him in a regular prison. The magistrate noted this during the hearing but said the only information provided showed him as 18, so she had no reason to question it.”

Alabi himself recounted the experience: “I was just at the entrance of my house when the police came and arrested me. The area boys pointed me out. At the station, I was the youngest there. I was locked up with older men. They asked me what I did, and I said nothing. Before the arrest, the area boys had already taken my phone and the money in my pocket.”

Regarding the donations, Effiong added: “I can confirm that we’ve raised over N10 million in just four days for Quadri. The goal is to relocate him from Amukoko and to secure a source of income for his mother, who is a petty trader. This shows the strength of the Nigerian spirit.”

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