Saturday, 18th November, 2017 is a date every ear in Nigeria will strenuously stretch to hear news from Anambra State.
On that special day, the electorate in Anambra will troop out in their number to cast their votes in order to determine who governs the State for the next four years.
It must be stated, frankly-speaking, that Anambra has been one of the very few lucky states in Nigeria that have had good governors since 1999.
Apart from 1999-2003 when the State was governed by Mr Chinwoke Mbadinuju, the State has had articulate, visionary, prudent and result-oriented governors.
The governors, in their chronological sequence, are Dr Chris Ngige, Mr Peter Obi and the incumbent Chief Willie Obiano.
Away from sentiments, these governors have proved that with determination, patriotism and strict adherence to prudent financial management, a very poor state could become an economic eldorado.
Special note must have to be taken of the unique transparent administration of Mr Peter Obi.
All through his tenure, it was strikingly evident that Obi never chattered any flight, for whatever reason. Obi was discipline personified. He had no room for flamboyance and extravagance.
No wonder, Anambra State is what it is today!
This evening, five governorship candidates stood for more than one hour, expressing their ideas on how they intend to govern Anambra State, if elected next Saturday.
Dr Tony Nwoye is the candidate of All Progressives Congress, Governor Obiano is that of All Progressives Grand Alliance, Chief Obaze Oseloka is the candidate of Peoples’ Democratic Party, Industrialist Godwin Ezeemo is for Progressive People’s Alliance while Chief Osita Chidoka flies the flag of United Progressive Party.
Anambra State has, interestingly, attained a height any democratic polity should look up to as a standard.
They know they have very credible personalities that can hold their own any where, any day.
But they want nothing short of the best for their State. This accounts for the reason why almost every rural road in the State is asphalted. Unlike what happens in many other States where people find it almost impossible accessing their communities.
This is why I consider it an absurdity each time I hear of governors who are said to be desperate clamouring for defection to another Party where they erroneously believe Federal might would be used to coerce victory for them in 2019 general election.
Such a calculation is not only preposterous but hallucination of extreme self deceit.
Success or failure in 2019 general election will be strictly determined by performance, confidence and credibility.
The Military had been used in rigging election for the defunct National Party of Nigeria, NPN, in 1983.
The aftermath of that undemocratic invasion and subjugation is best narrated by President Muhammadu Buhari himself who overthrew the government of President Shehu Shagari on the eve of 1984.
On tonight’s Chanel Television debate moderated by Barr Seoun Okebaloye, it was obvious the debate was principally between Osita Chidoka of UPP and Obaze Oseloka of PDP.
It was obvious Tony Nwoye was completely an odd man and, so, had no business being there.
The candidates have spoken. But what will play out next Saturday remains a myth that only time and factors we may not be able to fathom now would determine.
May the people’s will and choice manifest next Saturday.
