By Francis Ekpone
The political atmosphere seems to be fully charged in Anambra State following the declaration of some political heavy weights in the state for the governorship election expected to take place towards the end of 2017.
Political intrigues, pretences, alliances and maneouvering often associated with politics and politicians have rented the political space in the last few months with the potential governorship candidates playing the hide and seek game in search of better political platforms to actualize their dreams of becoming the governor of Anambra state.
There are indications that the incumbent Governor Willier Obiano will face strong opposition particularly with those disenchanted with his political Godfather Peter Obi being the former governor of the state who handed over power to him. On several occasions, Governor Obiano had to disagree over management of state funds and other political ideologies. Political analysts have said that Obi’s group which defected from APGA to PDP are working with the Ifeanyi Ubah’s group, all in a bid to ensure that Governor Obiano did not return to office for a second tenure. Obi has been noticeably absent in most public functions organized by the state, an indication of tough times to come for Other governor.
Some of the strong politicians and likely governorship candidates whose governorship posters are already flooding the capital city of Anambra State have claimed not to have hands in the printing of these posters, a posture, political watchers and observers described as the height of pretence since there supporters wear their vests and display their banners in events where they are noticeably involved.
The former Secretary to Anambra State Government, Oseloka Obaze few days ago in Awka indicated interest in contesting the 2017 governorship election, saying he is very much uncomfortable with the quality of governance in the State.
Obaze, who hails from Anambra North Senatorial District as Gov. Willie Obiano was quoted as saying that he is interested in the 2017 governorship race in Anambra.
According to the former SSG, “a group of aspirants from different political parties, including myself campaigned assiduously and collectively in 2013 to bring the governorship ticket to Anambra North. We funded the Let’s go North” campaign and rallied support for the eventual candidate from Anambra North.
“It was supported by former Gov. Peter Obi, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) members and traditional rulers. Anambra is not where it is supposed to be in Nigerian scheme of events, comparatively, the state is still lifting below its weight and potential.
Obaze, who served as SSG between 2012 and 2015 insisted that Anambra North, having secured that mandate, must be allowed to complete its two terms.
“But if completing the full tenure is at risk, as many now believe it is, there can be no conscientious objectors to rejoining the fray in order to salvage that Northern mandate and uplift Anambra”, he said.
In another recent event, Obaze admitted saying every other thing as quoted above, but denied eyeing the Anambra Government House, arguing it’s still too early to make his intentions known on the 2017 governorship election.
In a related development, the campaign posters of the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil and Gas, Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah, few days ago flooded the capital city of Awka.
The Campaign posters were spotted at Amawbia junction, UNIZIK junction and other strategic places with the inscription: ‘Restoration 2017, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah for Governor Anambra State’
It was gatheered that there was a heated argument over Ubah’s declaration of interest giving that he recently urged his supporters and loyalists to down tools and support the incumbent Governor, Willie Obiano, who is gunning for second term in office.
Uba had in a media chat with journalists in Nnewi, being his country home that the only condition for him to support Governor Obiano’s second term bid is for him to be made the Director General of Obiano’s campaign organization.
One of his Supporters, Emeka Kalu, shortly after the posters were unveiled, claimed that the posters were not for campaign but a poster printed by a fan of Ifeanyi Ubah FC, Emeka Okwa to congratulate Uba for his feat in football adventure. He was rather taken aback when he confirmed that the oil magnet’s posters were actually flooding the capital city.
Ifeanyi Ubah in another press briefing washed his hands off the posters, saying that the campaigners do not have his consent and urged people to discountenance everything thereof.
The disclaimer which was issued by Ubah’s media aide, Ikechukwu Onyia reads, “My attention has been drawn to posters tagged “Restoration 2017” with my picture and the inscription “Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah for Governor 2017” powered by Concerned Anambra Professionals.
“Let it be well noted that persons doing this do not have the consent of Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah and Ubah has distanced himself from such posters even as he urges the general public to discountenance everything connected thereof.”
On his part, the Chairman of Orient Group and leader of Progressives Peoples’ Alliance, PPA, Godwin Ezeemo on Jun 14, 2016 at Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, tactfully flagged off his governorship campaign. He was the PPA governorship candidate in 2013.
The mega rally and commissioning of the PPA secretariat at Aguata saw over 3,000 of his loyalists in attendance spotting crested vest with the inscription, ‘Ezeemo for Governor’
The rally was attended by many traditional rulers from old Aguata region, including the Chairman, Aguata traditional rulers Council and traditional ruler of Akpo, J.O. Okpara Ezechaa, Igwe Paul Egbuacho, Igwe Alfred Ezeobi of Ikenga kingdom, Igwe Col. C.A.O Muoghalu of Isuofia, Igwe Chukwukadibie Emmanuel Onyeneke of Ekwulobia and Igwe E.O. Nriagu of Oraeri kingdom.
At the rally, Ezeeemo charged party members to go back in their various villages and communities to disseminate the good news of PPA as a party to beat in the 2017 gubernatorial election in Anambra State. He assured them that internal democracy will continue to be their watch word.
He, therefore urged Anambrarians to banish any form of sentimental reasoning and take a wise decision on who will deliver the state from the bondage of maladministration and underdevelopment, which according to him, has crippled many rural communities in the state.
According to him, “Anambra is blessed with rich human and natural resources. We have what it takes to be a great nation. We have produced great people, yet, our children are still stagnant in this state.
“PPA will enthrone good governance, provide quality education and quality leadership, and bring sports development because we are the light of the nation,” he enthused.
When asked if he is declaring for the race, he innocently answered, “It is not yet time to unfold plans but we are here to commission our Aguata party office and not for declaration or any other political interest”
The only candidate who has boldly admitted that he is in the race is Governor Willie Obiano who has deployed all avenues to fly the flag of his party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA following his endorsement by some local government areas and communities in the state.
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