By Chukwuemerie Uduchukwu
April 26, 2025.
Mr Governor, your administration has enjoyed significant goodwill, bolstered by the absence of formidable opposition and the substantial support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for your re-election bid. This political advantage, while enviable, carries inherent risks that demand your utmost caution and strategic foresight. The lack of a strong opposition can foster complacency, leading to governance missteps that could erode public trust and jeopardize your legacy. Similarly, the endorsement of a figure as influential as President Tinubu, though a powerful asset, may create perceptions of over-reliance on external political machinery, potentially alienating grassroots support among ndị Anambra who value independent leadership. You must not allow these favourable conditions to lull you into a false sense of invincibility. The people of Anambra are discerning, and their loyalty is not guaranteed by the absence of rivals or high-profile endorsements. One critical error, especially in a state known for its politically astute populace, could galvanize unforeseen opposition and trigger an electoral backlash through the ballot box. History is replete with examples of leaders who, buoyed by seemingly unassailable support, faltered when public sentiment shifted unexpectedly. You must remain vigilant, prioritize transparency, and deliver tangible results to sustain the trust of ndị Anambra.
The claim of not borrowing yet by your administration is noteworthy and has been a cornerstone of your narrative of fiscal prudence. The decision to reject the World Bank loan of approximately N44 billion in 2024, citing unfavourable terms, further reinforces your commitment to avoiding unsustainable debt. However, this narrative, while compelling, risks being undermined by a lack of clarity on how ongoing projects are funded. Ndị Anambra deserve a detailed account of the financial mechanisms driving your ambitious infrastructure agenda, including the construction of 750 km of roads (410 km completed), the Government House, and initiatives in education and healthcare. Without transparent disclosures, speculation and scepticism may arise, especially given the scale of these projects. Are they funded through internally generated revenue, federal allocations, or other innovative financing models? Your background as a former Central Bank Governor and economist positions you uniquely to demystify these processes. By proactively publishing detailed financial reports, you can pre-empt accusations of opacity and strengthen public confidence in your administration’s stewardship of state resources. Failure to do so could provide fodder for critics, particularly as the 2025 election cycle intensifies, when fact-checks and opposition narratives will scrutinize every claim.
A critical area requiring urgent clarification is the funding and execution of major road projects, particularly Trunk A roads, which are federal roads traditionally funded through the federal budget. Your administration has widely publicized road construction as a hallmark of your achievements, yet many of these projects, such as those along federal corridors, fall under the purview of the Federal Ministry of Works. Ndị Anambra need to know whether these roads are being funded by the state government with an expectation of reimbursement from the federal government or if they are entirely federally funded. The lack of clear communication on this matter risks creating a perception that your administration is taking credit for projects outside its direct financial responsibility. Such ambiguity could be exploited by detractors to undermine your credibility. For instance, if the state is fronting funds for federal roads, you should explicitly state this, detailing the terms of any refund agreements. If the projects are federally driven, acknowledging this while highlighting your role in lobbying for their execution would demonstrate honesty and collaborative leadership. Transparency here is not merely a matter of good governance; it is a strategic necessity to maintain the trust of a populace that values accountability.
The recent demolition of structures along federal roads, such as the building serving as the showroom of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company (IVM), underscores the need for improved communication and planning. The incident sparked unnecessary drama, amplified by IVM’s propensity for media sensationalism, as seen in its past disputes with GTBank, where it leveraged social media to propagate misleading narratives. Is the road in question a federal road? If yes, the state government should adequately inform the public and if the state is involved in the project, it bears the responsibility of issuing public demolition notices well in advance. Such notices would mitigate confusion, reduce public outcry, and prevent proxy media wars that tarnish your administration’s image. The IVM saga could have been avoided with a clear, widely disseminated announcement outlining the scope of the road project, the necessity of demolitions, and the legal basis for such actions. Your government must adopt a proactive approach to public communication, publishing demolition notices in newspapers, on social media, and through community engagements to ensure affected parties are informed and prepared. This is particularly crucial in a state with a vibrant business community, where disruptions can escalate into public relations crises.
Moreover, my recent visit to Nnewi revealed a concerning gap between social media claims and on-ground realities. Contrary to assertions that your administration has tarred most roads in the town, I observed widespread demolitions and untarred, scraped roads blanketing businesses in dust. These conditions, if left unaddressed, will deteriorate further by the middle of the rainy season, turning dust into mud and clogging drainages, thereby endangering lives and livelihoods. The sight of half-demolished structures and incomplete road works is disheartening, particularly in a commercial hub like Nnewi, where economic activity is the lifeblood of the state. You must act swiftly to complete all road projects within your jurisdiction and exert pressure on the Federal Ministry of Works to expedite federal road projects. The rainy season, expected to intensify by mid-2025, poses a significant risk of flooding and road degradation if these projects remain unfinished.
Drawing inspiration from former Federal Capital Territory Minister Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, you should adopt a decisive approach to infrastructure development. El-Rufai’s tenure was marked by bold actions to remove illegal structures and simultaneously complete road works, ensuring that disruptions were minimized and benefits were swiftly realized. In Anambra, half-demolished structures are not only eyesores but also death traps, posing risks to pedestrians and motorists. You must order their complete removal and ensure that road tarring and drainage construction proceed concurrently to prevent flood-induced damage. Simultaneously, engage with federal authorities to ensure that Trunk A roads receive the same urgency, as their condition reflects on your administration’s effectiveness, regardless of jurisdictional boundaries.
The importance of sincerity in your government’s publications cannot be overstated. As the 2025 election approaches, every claim will be subjected to rigorous fact-checking by journalists, civil society, and political opponents. Contradictions between official statements and verifiable realities will inflict significant damage to your credibility and undermine your efforts to uplift Anambra. For instance, exaggerated claims about road completions in Nnewi, when juxtaposed against the reality of dust-covered businesses and untarred roads, could fuel public disillusionment. Your administration’s commitment to fiscal transparency, as evidenced by Anambra’s top ranking among Nigerian states, provides a strong foundation to build on. Extend this transparency to all aspects of governance, including project funding, federal-state collaborations, and infrastructure timelines. By aligning your publications with verifiable facts, you can neutralize potential controversies and maintain the moral high ground in the face of electoral scrutiny.
In the security sector, your efforts to keep Anambra safe are commendable, particularly in a region grappling with insecurity. However, recent reports of unnecessary killings by personnel of Agunechemba highlight a critical flaw in their training and oversight. Handing guns to inadequately trained operatives is a recipe for disaster, as it risks alienating the public and undermining the security gains you have achieved. You must organize a professional retreat for Agunechemba personnel, focusing on human rights, conflict de-escalation, and community engagement. Such training will ensure that security operations align with global best practices and preserve the trust of ndị Anambra. A secure state is not merely one free of crime but one where citizens feel protected rather than threatened by those tasked with their safety.
Odenigbo, while the absence of visible opposition to your re-election bid is a strategic advantage, it is not a license for complacency. Praise singers and sycophants may amplify your achievements, but they cannot shield you from the consequences of governance lapses. Ndị Anambra are known for their high expectations and willingness to hold leaders accountable through the ballot. A single vital mistake, whether in project execution, communication, or financial transparency, could ignite a groundswell of discontent, empowering even a weak opposition to challenge your mandate. You must sit up, remain proactive, and prioritize the completion of all ongoing projects before the middle of the rainy season. Engage ndị Anambra with honesty, clarify the intricacies of federal and state road projects, and ensure that demolitions and security operations are conducted with empathy and foresight. Your legacy as a transformative leader depends not on the absence of opposition but on your ability to deliver measurable progress and maintain the trust of the people.
Chukwuemerie Uduchukwu, an Indigene of Nnewi, writes from Abuja, Nigeria.
