By Christian ABURIME
Like him or hate him, Governor Willie Maduaburochukwu Obiano (Akpokuodike Global) will go down in the history of Anambra State as one of the most outstanding Governors the state has ever produced.
There are two key virtues Obiano possesses that are very rare and uncommon among other leaders in contemporary Nigeria politics. These are the virtues that clearly separate him from others.
These virtues are honesty and sincerity. These two virtues are usually alien to most Nigerian politicians. In Nigeria, when a politician tells you good morning, you have to open your windows to crosscheck the validity of it.
This is how bad our politicians have earned distrust, lack of faith and doubts from the citizens. It is as bad as that!
It is also very difficult for most politicians in this part of the world to make a promise and keep to it. They say one thing this minute and the next minute they say another thing entirely. The citizens are left confused, snookered and dumbfounded because majority of the politicians are not trusthworthy or ‘Single-minded’.
Governor Willie Obiano is not to be found in this category. Behind his gentle mien lies a firm man with a powerful and deep will-power to withstand political storms and overcome any untoward Challenge.
Obiano’s greatest master-stroke in Anambra politics was his unalloyed support for Soludo as his successor.
This decision shows a man who is honest and sincere with himself. A man who desires the utmost best for the people of Anambra State. Who at the end of this glorious journey will forever remain at peace with himself for doing the needful.
In selling the candidacy of Soludo to the people, Obiano exhibited an unusual trait of an honest and truthful leader. He told Ndi Anambra publicly that Soludo would do better than him. How many leaders would deflate their ego to support their successor in that manner. Obiano repeated this statement that Soludo would do better than him in many fora and public gatherings without mincing words or blinking an eye. He said it with a heart of honesty and sincerity full of joy and happiness.
Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Governor-elect, has also never failed to show deep appreciation to Governor Willie Obiano. He has at various times described Obiano as not just a regional leader but a national leader and a statesman. Obiano’s level of sincerity and honesty truly can only be equated to that of a great statesman.
Soludo has also described him as the indefatigable and hardworking Governor (the Willingly Working Governor of Anambra State). One that has not been seen in recent times. Indeed, a Governor like no other!
For the Obiano critics, let them put aside their biased criticisms and emulate his uncommon virtues of honesty and sincerity. This is the only way the scales of their biased and doubtful criticisms can fall off from their eyes.
As we bid Governor Willie Obiano a glorious goodbye in few weeks’ time, let us remember and emulate his uncommon virtues above, as one of his numerous legacies going forward !!!
_Note: Also watch out for a special tribute written by this writer in honour of Governor Willie Obiano to be published on the eve of his handover to the in-coming government of Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo.