Ignore Detractors!

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra state describes Ndigbo as the foremost Nigerians.Obi said this recently in Aba, Abia state during a meeting with indigenes of the state resident in the town. (Pics show Governor Obi)

The governor stated that people of Anambra state must always stand proud in Nigeria due to their contributions to the development of the country, and urged them to strive hard, not just to discover their past values, but to be shining examples among the states of Nigeria. He added that, as far as he remained Governor of the state, he would not allow Anambra state to be relegated to the background.

Governor Obi explained the thrust of his government to his people, assuring them that all was well. He added that those who cry that he is not carrying people along are people whose idea of being carried along is for the Governor to share the money of the state to them. Governor Obi maintained that his own understanding of carrying people along is to provide infrastructure that are beneficial to the people.

On what his government is doing, the Governor, who lamented that the state lacks basic foundations, said it was his administration that actually provided the basic things that a new state required. Insisting that he is not engaging in politics, Obi said that on becoming Governor, he fashioned Anambra state Integrated Development Strategy to tackle the problems of the state in an integrated manner.

Dwelling on specific projects, he said: “My Government, it may sound unbelievable, was the first to build a secretariat for the state; to build the first Central Library; to equip 120 schools in Anambra with laboratories equipment, computers and boreholes; to undertake massive physical development of the State’s higher institutions; to accredit hospitals and health institutions in the State as none was accredited until I became the Governor. It may also interest you to know that my Government has built over 370 Kilometers of road and is building more even in Local Governments such as Anambra West where no road had been built in the history of Anambra State. On the 28th of May, the UN-HABITAT will submit the Master Plans for Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi. You are left to wonder while these basic things were left undone”

Earlier, while welcoming the Governor to his domain, the traditional ruler of Aba, HRM, Eze I. Ikonne, said Ndigbo are proud to have the likes of Obi in politics as he represents the crop of new Igbo leaders that would be supported to go to the centre to represent the Igbo.

In a welcome address read by President of the Anambra State Development Association, Aba Branch, Dr. Simon C. Okolo, the people commended Obi’s good works in the state, citing the completion of the impressive Business Park in Onitsha as an example. Maintaining that they have been watching Obi’s development-oriented politics, the people urged him not to be distracted but to remain focused at all times.