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Nwosu comes with fresh impetus, as ADC coalition tsunami hits Anambra
By Sunny Igboanugo
One of the oft-asked questions regarding the mess, critics accuse Charles Chukwuma Soludo of making in and of Anambra, is what is the alternative? It is a response that comes from the mindset of seeing the current political trajectory in state as one in a quandary.
Well, that question may not be necessary anymore because a tsunami is in the offing. The tempest about to sweep through the streets is already rumbling at the bottom of the sea preparatory to unleashing its full strength with an echo that would reverberate far beyond the state to the national level and even beyond in tow.
Many people had come to the conclusion that in their political choices, they had actually sold the dog to buy the monkey in the state, by electing Soludo governor in 2021 as replacement for Willie Obiano, his predecessor, whose underwhelming performance could only be captured in that symbolic picture of the obviously-rattled and confused lone man sitting in the Abuja office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), with eyes darting in different directions like a frightened rat captured by a trap.
No doubt many had thought that Soludo would bring the breath of fresh air from the preceding eight years of binges, revellings and sheer debauchery in the state. They had believed in the flowery tales of instant transformation of that enclave in the manner never seen before in Nigeria and even in black Africa.
They could not wait to see the Anambra version of the Burj Khalifa, or something even more remarkable than the world’s tallest building, which today, symbolises Dubai as the biggest thing to happen to the world since the days of Egyptian pyramids.
How would anyone blame them? This was their son, who had hitherto crossed the proverbial seven wildernesses and seven seas. They saw him once play at the big stage, hobnobbing with the high and mighty and they believed as one in that crowd the anointing of mega tales associated to them would reach the state.
Is it every day that the land sprouts out the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria? How many of their neighbours have been so privileged? So, they believed him when he said he would install air-conditioners in the streets of Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi and line the lands of Ekwulobia, Ihiala and Nteje with pure gold.
They heard him say that these towns under him would mimic and replicate the Silicon Valley, the United States hub housing all manner of global industrial icons and that everywhere would become a galaxy of glittering stars with breathtaking modern edifices dotting every part of Anambra landscape. They heard all these and shouted in unison – voila! – the Dubai-Taiwan of Africa is here.
But it is more than three years hence and counting and what did the people see? Like the proverbial shell of the snail asked where the mother is – nowhere to be found. No Burj Khalifa! No Silicon Valley! No glittering skies. The Anambra Government House, he is showcasing – where the commonwealth of the people is supposedly sunk, is not even his idea.
It was a project conceived as far back as the days of Chukwuemeka Ezeife, the first civilian governor of the state. It was that government that did the design and ancillary spade-works, before it was awarded by his successors. In fact, it is said that the late Chinwoke Mbadinuju had even done more than 40 per cent of the construction work in the complex, before he was kicked out of office.
He not only did the adjourning environment, which he named the Ekwueme Square, after Alex Ekwueme, former Vice President of Nigeria and his former boss, but the dual carriageway to the complex. While Peter Obi, characteristically did not look in that direction, Chris Ngige and Obiano, could also have added one brick here and rod there.
Yet Soludo carries on and prances about as if it is his exclusive. Daily, he rolls out the drums to celebrate it. Indeed, Soludo’s exclusive idea might not go beyond the Ekwulobia flyover. But that project is not even up to the standard of the Agege Bridge in Lagos. There are also a sprinkle of other local roads here and there.
The question in most lips, remains, is this the limit of all his tall idea? Is this all the people would get from showcasing a former CBN governor after spending four years at the helm of affairs in a state like Anambra? Where is the record of the state maintaining the first position in Education in Nigeria? How come that record has now sunk to the extent that the state is struggling at the bottom ladder? Even the Uga-Amawbia road, the most ambitious of them all, count for nothing in terms of his promises and expectations. In four years?
But had he stopped at that dismal outing in terms of not meeting the terms of agreement with his employers, had he stopped at scoring zero on the Dubai-Taiwan delivery, there might be some leg-room to negotiate the obvious catastrophe. But the monumental failure has since been accentuated with bad politics. As governor, Soludo ought to naturally assume the political leadership of the state. In other words, it ought to be his remit to point the political direction to the people.
Now, that is where the disaster has become more evident. Out of sheer selfishness and personal survival the governor has delved into a most dangerous political hara-kiri. His gambit to drag the state into the APC – a political Golgotha akin to handing the people over to be crucified permanently on the cross by their sworn enemies.
The highpoint of that posturing was the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office in 2027 – a unilateral decision taken by himself and perhaps the coterie of hangers-on within his circle – with neither consultation now approval with the people. Not only that APC from the days of Muhammadu Buhari, its first President was an anathema to Anambra people, who had rejected it from the outset but that Tinubu’s twin actions of handing the South East the short end of the stick in national affairs and his disastrous performance in office, made matters all the worse.
Indeed, not a few found Soludo’s fawning and grovelling around Tinubu during his official visit to Anambra in May, not only completely distasteful but the endorsement offer, utterly gutting and nauseating. What is more? The governor’s gesture is seen as not out of conviction, but totally personal, propelled out of fear of losing the second term in office.
The meaning is that he simply offered the people on a slaughter slab to clearly demonstrable sworn enemies just to preserve himself and his political future, exclusive of their collective interest. This not only amounts to a cowardly act, but a new low. Anambra political trajectory is known for resistance. His predecessors had displayed uncommon bravery and courage while facing similar threats with Chris Ngige and Obi as demonstrable examples.
This obvious betrayal at the political front is not the final blow but the major push! Now ndi-Anambra have risen. The swords are out, unsheathed from the scabbards for what pundits say is going to be a never-seen-before political battle. The battle-cries are becoming louder by the day. Stop him now! Soludo must go! Down APC! Down Soludo! Two sides of the same coin! They not only ring in the heart of the people, but in the streets, the markets and the homes.
Before the new turn of political events, the state had found itself in the dilemma of either-or. For obvious reasons, many pundits saw the battle for the November 8 governorship election in the state as a choice limited between either Soludo or APC’s Nicholas Ukachukwu. It was supposed to be a fait accompli situation.
But enter the African Democratic Congress (ADC)! Since the party was mentioned as the choice for the proposed national coalition of political parties, the nickel dropped. It has now become the new destination for many politicians in the state looking for escape route from the asphyxiating political firmament currently prevalent not only in the state, but across Nigeria.
Enter John Chumah Nwosu! He is the new name reverberating across the entire political spectrum today – the new kid on the block – the arrowhead and beneficiary of the new momentum. An Information Communication Technology (ICT) guru, Nwosu, a native of Oduda, Newichi, Nnewi, and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Jetlink Group Limited, appears to come fully-packed.
Urbane, unobtrusive and soft-spoken, he is currently gathering the arsenal to launch a major political battle in the state billed to commence in few weeks from now. His intention is to liberate Anambra from what he calls Soludo’s years of inertia, decked in empty promises. Listening to him unpack his package gives the impression of a man planning to lead a major revolution.
The agenda of his government, he told WhirlwindNews, would be erected on the foundation of what he calls SHEEEMS – Security, Health, Education, Economy, Enterprise, Market and Social Welfare. The focus, he says would be on infrastructure, including a rail-line for the Onitsha-Nnewi-Awka axis of the state, fair taxation and business-friendly environment, that would focus on a balance of modern and smart method of taxation and compassion for the peoples economic survival.
Hear him: “I believe in the power of good governance. I know that, with the right leadership, Anambra can rise to greater heights and become a beacon of hope and progress, not just for the South East but for all of Nigeria. My vision is to provide a government that is grounded in equity, efficiency, and empathy – one that prioritizes the wellbeing of its citizens above all else.
“This is more than a political aspiration. It is a heartfelt call to service for my people. I envision a government that prioritises the grassroots, one that brings security, development, and prosperity to every corner of Anambra. Together, we can create a future where opportunities are endless and the lives of our people are uplifted.”
Political talks? May be, may be not! But the more important dimension is that Anambra people no longer have a fait accompli situation handed to them in either choosing from a Soludo or the APC, considered two sides of a badly-damaged coin. They now have a choice in a third force – the ADC – in Nwosu. That in itself has become an elixir to the suffocating political firmament in the state.
In fact, the revolution many envisage might happen in Nigeria in 2027, should the coalition politicians are putting together succeed, is envisioned to commence with the Anambra election. This is more so, with Peter Obi, former governor of the state coming into the picture.
It is a big boost that the Labour Party (LP) candidate, who has become one of the biggest events in Nigeria’s history, since breaking into the scene with his monstrous political movement, and becoming one of the biggest names in today’s politics, is playing a major role in that coalition arrangement.
In fact, with the LP, which ought to be the biggest political force in the state completely out of the way, having been relegated to the background due to unending crises pummelling it from all sides, the fortunes of the ADC is predictable. It simply provided the succour to those who could not stand the hitherto syndicate in the state.
That obviously accounts for the vibe across informed political circles. There are talks that Agu Awka, the seat of power in the state is in panic. Officials, hitherto haughty shoulder-raising are said to have switched into a jittery mode graduating int frenzy as they attempt to fashion out a credible response to the political behemoth welling up against them.
As the threat of an abrupt end to the tenancy at that magnificent edifice in Awka he has just completed, becomes real, his traducers have dug in. They have kept up the pressure, reminding the people what true leadership truly looks like and what they are missing in the state. They cite the neighbouring Abia for instance.
Now hear this: “Two governors, same region. One a former Managing Director of bank, decided to convert a government house built by his predecessor into a hotel because he deemed it too luxurious and costly to maintain in line with cost, value and responsible governance. The other governor, a Professor of Finance and former Governor of the Central Bank, made it a priority to build a brand-new extravagant government house – and even held a lavish commissioning ceremony to unveil it.
“When faced with the same issues, they made completely different choices. This is why educational qualification should not be the only basis for selecting leaders…True leadership is about values, vision and the willingness to put people above personal legacy.” Does this sound familiar? Well, that is the new message today.
Of course, given the nation’s political experience, especially in recent years, those plotting the impending tsunami against Soludo confess the task ahead would not be a walk in the park. They know there are still many barriers to destroy and many hurdles to scale over. But many of them are battle-tested, old political war-horses.
Will the earthquake happen? Big question. What is sure, however, is as all eyes focus on Anambra once again and as the storms gather with the ADC train continuing to garner the momentum, while speeding through the rails, not a few people in the state will breathe better with the new opportunity in view.
Who would blame them if they permit themselves a few drinks, even if they may not yet call the party? After all, have they not seen enough?
“He is running in contempt of the court. Justice Lifu should be arrested because he is acting in contempt of the court which is a criminal act,” were the exact words with which the African Democratic Congress (ADC), demonstrated its angst over the court ruling on Monday, ordering its de-registration as a political party in Nigeria.
A furious Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesman of the party, told his host while appearing as a guest on Monday’s edition of Politics Today, a public affairs programme on Channels Television that the judge of the Abuja Federal High Court who gave the order was actually playing with fire because of the consequences.
Directly accusing him of playing the script of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to ensure that President Bola Tinubu emerged the sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election, the party spokesman, was emphatic that the plan would not work, as head or tail, ADC must be on the ballot in all the elections.
Hear him: “There is a Court of Appeal order saying don’t hear this case until October 27. So, on what basis? You can’t place something on nothing. The Court of Appeal said don’t act on this until I hear it on October 27. So, on what basis did he deliver the judgement
“So, for us in the African Democratic Congress, what we’re convinced and they know is what they have done has no leg to stand on legally. What they want to do is to create doubts in the minds of the people that this ADC has too many legal cases, can we actually run on this? And to distract us. But we’re not distracted.
“We’re very clear. It was in spite of all they have done since ADC came on board that we ran one of the best and one of the most comprehensive direct primaries in the history of democracy in Nigeria. So, we are strong enough to withstand this. And that’s why I’m saying that we are going to contest in 2027. We’re ADC. We don’t buckle before dictatorship.”
Stressing on the implication of the judgement, which also affected Accord Party (AP), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) for allegedly failing to meet constitutional and electoral performance requirements, following a suit by the National Forum of Former Legislators, he said it portended grave danger.
He added: “We are not surprised. We know that the Nigerian people believe that there is a problem with the judiciary, but what we did not expect is the level of judicial rascality that was demonstrated today.
“What we are saying is that we reject it in its totality, and we are saying that the people behind this are playing with fire. Hundreds, if not thousands, have obtained nomination forms and contested elections and emerged as candidates on the platform of the ADC.”
Peter Obi, candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), in the 2027 presidential election, is peeved at the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordering the de-registration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying the move is a heavy blow and dangerous to Nigeria’s democracy.
Justice Peter Lifu, who made the order, based on an action brought by National Forum of Former Legislators, agreed that the parties, including Accord Party (AP), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), failed to meet the requirement for continued existence in Nigeria.
But Obi, who left the ADC coalition to join the NDC, incidentally, based on what he explained resulted from the multiple court cases hanging on its neck, expressed his disenchantment, in a statement by the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), on Monday.
Signed by Ibrahim Umar, its spokesman, the group quoted the former Governor of Anambra State as decrying the growing damage to the nation’s sacred institutions on the altar of politics.
Stressing that the rise of nations depended on stronger institutions devoid of political influences, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, wrote on his X platform: “When the controversy surrounding the removal of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, unfolded, I expressed a concern to a friend: that the greatest damage might not be immediate, but the message it sends about the sanctity and independence of our institutions to the world.
“Strong economies are built on trust. Investors can manage security risks, policy risks, and even market risks. What they fear most is uncertainty in the rule of law and a judiciary that is perceived to be vulnerable to political pressure.
“Today, many Nigerians have lost confidence in systems that should protect them. Businesses increasingly request that their contracts be governed by foreign jurisdictions because they have greater confidence in those institutions than in our own. That should concern every patriot.
“We must never sacrifice our sacred institutions on the altar of politics. Nations rise when institutions are stronger than individuals. The Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of the ADC and other political parties is just one of those activities that further reduces the common man’s trust in our legal systems. It should be reversed.
“I pledge that we will restore the dignity, independence, and integrity of the judiciary. The common man must have a voice. The business community must be protected from legal uncertainty and intimidation. Justice must be impartial, accessible, and respected by all. To our judges, legal luminaries, senior advocates, and lawyers: this is your moment. Rise, defend the rule of law, take back your country! A new Nigeria is POssible.”
Not even Lamine Yamal’s second half introduction could help Spain break through the defence of debutants, Cape Verde, in their first ever meeting, as the ongoing World Cup event produced another one of the stunning results on Monday.
Yamal, the Barcelona superstar just recovering from a near two-month hamstring injury, was brought into the game in the second half to zest up the one-time world champion, but failed to break down the Cape Verde’s dogged defence.
Spain’s in the game played in Atlanta, one of the cities hosting the three-nation Mundial, displayed the same dismal outing, which saw them offering far less than the quality, which saw them lifting the trophy for the first time in 2010.
The European champions, which have not won a knockout game ever since, failed to dominate the African side, replicating their less than impressing outings and their eventual exit in 2018 and 2022 editions, even with the claims of coach Luis de la Fuente that the squad was the best in the competition, Spain were considered among the pre-tournament.
Neither Yamal nor Nico Williams, who also was hit by an injury-disrupted season at Athletic Bilbao and was not introduced until the 87th minute, were able to rise to the occasion against the 500,000 people African side, ranked 67 in the world, which is making their debut on the global stage.
In stark contrast to the searing temperatures faced by some other sides, Atlanta’s state-of-the-art air conditioned stadium meant there was no excuses for the slow tempo of Spain’s build-up.
Indeed the mid-half hydration break was met by boos with fans frustrated at the break in play despite the cool conditions.
The only serious move from the European champions only came at the sixth minute to half-time, when Marc Cucurella, fresh for sealing his move from Chelsea to Real Madrid, sent over a teasing cross that Ferran Torres turned onto the crossbar and Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha got back on his feet to turn Mikel Oyarzabal’s looping header over the bar.
Even after the break, the Blue Sharks, were also able to hold back from the onslaught as they did in the first half, where Vozinho, managed to make another superlative save against Aymeric Laporte’s header just before half-time.
Despite the excitement from the crowd after he was introduced, Yamal, billed as one of the stars of the tournament, failed to create any magic with his first touch being the set-up of a decent opening for fellow substitute Mikel Merino which was too close to Vozinha.
In fact, Cabo Verde billed to take on Uruguay in Miami, nearly snatched a famous victory in the final minute of the 90 when Dani Borges planted a header too close to Unai Simon, who saved the occasion, to prevent the former world champions, billed to face Saudi Arabia in Atlanta on Sunday from humiliation.
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