(Valentine writes from Awka, Anambra State)
Like the last three government before it, the present governor of Anambra state in the person of willie obiano has been very busy – doing absolutely nothing for the improvement of the state. A state with hard working men and women driven by desire and passion to excel in their fields of endeavor. An Anambra based journalist once said that “the present governor is sitting on gold chair and foundation casted by his predecessor enjoying state funds on frivolities.” I have to agree by that assertion and even more.

Anambra state has in the past been known as a state commercially poised to be the best in sub-Saharan Africa. With this great feat comes a challenge that needs to be tackled so the status quo can remain. Such challenge comes in the form of security lapses, bad or non existing basic infrastructures, social vices, hooliganism and cultism among others. The present government is saddled with the responsibility of seeing to perfection, the opposite of these challenges; but reverse is the case.

So much noise and hype has been made in the media about improvement in securing the lives and properties of people living in the state. I throw out a challenge to anyone who is willing though, to oppose me with facts, that in terms of security, positive change has been achieved.

Cultism and cult related killings are on the rise in the state. Just the other day, three able bodied young men were gunned down at the Obosi-Nkpor axis of the state by cultists; even more and heinous killings have occurred. To nip such ugly development in the bud, the authorities need to re-orientate the youths on the ills of cultism. Also, secret agents should be drafted into those Red areas to furnish the appropriate authorities with detailed information – as they unfold.

The issue of Agriculture in the state is moribund, as no vital agricultural policy has been initiated by the present government since inception into office. The man at the helms of affairs takes pleasure in media propaganda and public deception. We were all aware of the recent hype and falsehood being peddled in the media about the state exporting vegetables to foreign countries and earning forex for the nation; and the mass production of rice. The government thrives in such propaganda.

Until the Willie Obiano led government begins to focus on revitalizing the Agricultural sector through policy reforms and provision of Agricultural grants, we will continue to see food – just on the pages on newspapers and televisions. I implore Obiano to go learn such from his northern counterparts.

There has been varying degrees of protest in the state on reforms targeted at destabilizing the livelihoods of its citizens. Recently, the fruits and vegetables traders at Upper Iweka in Onitsha has been in the news protesting of the ill treatments meted to them by the government. Their nightmare started when the government, in the name of cleaning the state, relocated the market and chased the traders to a new site at Atani in Ogbaru Local government area of the state, without putting in place, structures to house the traders. On a visit to the new site of the market by our correspondent, nothing could be seen on ground in terms of development. No physical structure is on ground, except for the fence and gate put in place by the local government authorities and the market executive.

The issue of multiple and over taxation as being witnessed in this regime is well enough to make any true business entity seek for relief elsewhere. During the first quarter of the year, there was a stern warning by Banks and other financial institutions operating in the state to the government, threatening to go on strike if it does not rescind its policy geared at extorting huge sums from them – all in the name of tax. The poor traders in the state are feeling the heat the most, as they must comply with the wicked directive; else, their daily source of feeding and livelihood will be shut down. From Eke Awka to Oye Nimo, from Ose to Akuora, the story remains the same; people are compelled to fund the lavish lifestyle of the chief executive. Pure water hawkers, okada men, barrow pushers, artisans all inclusive in this excessive show of shame by the government. I urge those in charge of policy making to take into consideration, the plight of the common man. These people should be considered first; not just during elections and electioneering period. Willie Obiano is indeed a square peg in a round hole.

Mr Obiano should get his acts together and strive to make the state great. He should surround himself with intellects and not the vultures hovering around him, to scavenge on the commonwealth of the state.

renegade09:
We got it very wrong with Obiano. He's dragging us back 20 years. He lavished the over 75billion naira left by his predecessor. Nothing on ground except 3 archaic and hugely inflated flyovers on a 2km stretch of Federal road. He only works on the pages of newspapers and on the internet. Still waiting on any meaningful developmental strides from him. In fact, truth be told, he is a failure!

drskyfly007:
Better than other south eastern governors...

Their nightmare started when the government, in the name of cleaning the state, relocated the market and chased the traders to a new site at Atani in Ogbaru Local government area of the state, without putting in place, structures to house the traders. On a visit to the new site of the market by our correspondent, nothing could be seen on ground in terms of development. No physical structure is on ground, except for the fence and gate put in place by the local government authorities and the market executive.

renegade09:
We got it very wrong with Obiano. He's dragging us back 20 years. He lavished the over 75billion naira left by his predecessor. Nothing on ground except 3 archaic and hugely inflated flyovers on a 2km stretch of Federal road. He only works on the pages of newspapers and on the internet. Still waiting on any meaningful developmental strides from him. In fact, truth be told, he is a failure!

realglobe:

Stop taliking rubbish.. Obiano has done more for the state than all the previous governors combined since 1999. Keep waiting to see meaningful strides from obiano mr. blind man. Obaino is the best Anambra governor ever.. haters like you are irrelevant and will never stop the moving train.. get a life

renegade09:
. You r funny indeed. I'm sure u don't even reside in Anambra state. Please stop chasing shadows and tell us where your hero has done any meaningful project in the state. Pls don't come up with the $5m ugu scam.

ahamonyeka:
You mean obiano knows nothing only to put pathing on his hair cut.

realglobe:

I dont discuss with people with village mentality. Obiano is the best Governor Anambra has ever had. Tell me a governor better than obiano in the history of Anambra or any governor in nigeria better than obiano currently and we can begin to compare notes

dubemnaija2:


it's a huge insult comparing the performances of Peter obi and Ngige with Obiano. if you can point out just one thing Obiano has truly achieved since coming on board as chief executive

dubemnaija2:

very correct

renegade09:
We got it very wrong with Obiano. He's dragging us back 20 years. He lavished the over 75billion naira left by his predecessor. Nothing on ground except 3 archaic and hugely inflated flyovers on a 2km stretch of Federal road. He only works on the pages of newspapers and on the internet. Still waiting on any meaningful developmental strides from him. In fact, truth be told, he is a failure!

realglobe:

You are very foolish for mentioning that criminal called peter obi.. Mention one signature project peter obi left for the state after 8 years? Is it security? Infrastructure? Workers welfare, investments? You must be either blind or living in a cave to ask me what obiano has truly achieved as governor. rubbish

Kingsley1000:
i don't reside in anambra,since my people are contented with his style of governance,let him continue

Averted:
you are a big fool .. pple like you that has never left your slum .talkmore of knowing what's hapening in anambra ..will be running mouth
..Willie is Working take it or leave it

renegade09:
. You r indeed a bumbling buffoon! Give me facts. Enough of the Willie is working garbage! Lowlife brain-dead slowpoke. Where is your Willie working? U have failed to tell us. Anambra has been going down daily. The roads r gone. Planlessness is the hallmark of this government!

NRIPRIEST:
When true sons of Ọmanbala speaks none of you will matter. Akpọkuedike till his tenure is over.