IKPEAZU’S PRO-ACTIVENESS IN AVERTING BLOODSHED IN ABIA TAKES HIM TO #1 ON THE YNAIJA EFFECTIVENESS RANKING FOR GOVERNORS

Tensions are high in the country at the moment and one wrong move from anyone in power can set the country ablaze.

The Army’s Operation Python Dance II in the Southeast had every possibility of turning out bloody but for the prompt and well thought out action of Abia governor, Okezie Ikepazu. In the week under review, the Abia governor takes the top position in the YNaija Effectiveness Ranking for Governors.

Though the operation is for the entire region, Aba, the state’s commercial hub is the centre of attention and home to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Following allegations and counter allegations from both the army and the pro-Biafra group, Ikpeazu promptly declared a curfew in the city, which was observed for a week. This singular act by the governor went a long way in calming frayed nerves.

In the same vein, the southeast governors proscribed IPOB activities in the region as they urged President Buhari to withdraw troops. Giving reasons for its decision, Chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum, Ebonyi Governor David Umahi, said it was taken to put an end to the impending crisis in the region. On his part, Rivers governor, Nyesom Wike in a state broadcast said, “Rivers people fully subscribe to Nigeria’s corporate existence and its indivisibility”, as he warned IPOB members to steer clear of the state. Imo governor, Rochas Okorocha, a prominent voice against IPOB activities says Igbos are not in support of Nigeria’s disintegration, Willie Obiano while his Anambra counterpart, says there is no hiding place for IPOB members in the state.

In non-IPOB related news, Ekiti governor, Ayodele Fayose who condemned the alleged invasion of Kanu’s home by the Army, and urged the FG to allow Southeast governors’ speak to Kanu, launched his presidential campaign, making him the first individual to publicly declare his intention to run for the nation’s number one position.

From the best to the worst, see our top ten below.

State Name Party Year Elected Rank This Week Rank Last Week
Abia State Okezie Ikpeazu PDP 2015 1 2
Borno State Kashim Shettima APC 2011 2 1
Anambra State Willie Obiano APGA 2014 3 4
Ebonyi State David Umahi PDP 2015 4 6
Enugu State Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi PDP 2015 5 9
Kaduna State Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai APC 2015 6 3
Delta State Ifeanyi Okowa PDP 2015 7 5
Bayelsa State Seriake Henry Dickson PDP 2011 8 7
Cross River State Prof. Benedict Ayade PDP 2015 9 8
Kano State Umar Ganduje APC 2015 10 10