By Abu Maigoro
January 16, 2022.
Another possible contender coming from Igbo extraction is undoubtedly Mr Peter Obi. All indications have unveiled his willingness to contest but might be in witty, joltily manner because of the uncertainty in PDP zoning formula. As per 2023 elections is concerned, the greatest challenge under Umbrella party is their inability to zone it’s presidency to the south East. While the greatest hope for south East is to produce Peter Obi under PDP. This unsolved arithmetic could hardly make better outcome for both parties unless otherwise but still Peter Obi remains the best material needed for the job on the account of being the most popular politician among Ndigbo and the facts that South East is PDP stronghold. This factors can easily extends political alliance with others.
Mr Peter Obi would certainly make a good President if given a chance. He’s well experienced in both public and private sectors. And he has vast knowledge of the economy and he’s business oriented. Many believed he’s the best Governor of Anambra state in the history.
But in politics every perspective must come to account whether good or bad. Most especially in this period where every single atom is magnified. Mr Obi was qouted saying..
“We in the South-East want the presidency. We want to produce the next president. But is it going to be automatic that once you give it to us, there will be food on people’s table? No! So, let’s talk about the country, the survival of the country; fixing that engine, not talking of hiring a driver yet because the engine has a problem.” Nairametrics.com on October 2, 2021.
The statement above has contradicts general demands for Presidency by majority Igbo leaders. At a solidarity conference organized by Global Movement for Igbo President 2023. The Guardian of 31 December 2020 reported that Igbo leaders restated the call for the next President unconditional. In his word, the Leader of Igbo Young Politicians Forum Engr. Tony Ezekwelu, says ,“we are not begging anybody, Igbo man must be president come 2023.”
Chief Mbazulike Amaechi was hopeful that the emergence of an Igbo man as president would resolve leadership crises in the country. Also Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu the National chairman of ADC would say..being one of the six zones on the country, “It’s not out of place if Igbo or south East comes up that is their time to rescue Nigeria” among others.
Under the lens of focus Mr Obi was/is indeed facing corruption allegations and misconduct which may sully his chances. In one out of many scandals was the Pandora Paper leaks that exposes Obi’s involvement. It was reported in offshore companies in tax havens such as the British Virgin Islands. According to Premium times, Obi was in 2010 had Acces International help him set up and manage Gabriella investments Limited, a company in the British Virgin Islands named after Obi’s daughter with figurehead as director to avoid Obi’s direct involvement. The report also reviewed Obi’s history and found that he has broke several laws due to his business dealings. Firstly, Obi remained as director of Next international (UK) Limited while serving as Governor of Anambra state in direct violation of code of conduct Bureau and tribunal Act. Secondly, Obi’s non-declaration of his offshore companies broke the Nigerian constitution’s provision that acquire public officers to declare all their properties, assets and liabilities. And obi maintained his foreign accounts while serving as a Governor. All this allegations are still in focus hanging on Obi’s neck as being on investigation by EFCC.
It’s essentially to focus the intimacy between Nnamdi kanu’s IPOB and Mr Peter Obi because there was seemly atmosphere of closeness. There was no report where Mr Obi publicly criticise Nnamdi kanu or condemn IPOB activities in the south East despite imposing sit-at-home that crippled businesses and waton killings of security agencies and destructions of public and as well private properties carried out by IPOB. This is a great signal to the rest of us that harbours suspicion and fear of Obi’s presidency may enhance IPOB’s desires to overrun the country.
Thisday of February 22 2019 reports that IPOB supported PDP because of Obi. This reminded me the speculation in 2019 when Obi pairs Atiku candidacy that Obi is been considered as bonafide member and major sponsor of indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) by the northerners.
In what is seen as reciprocity, Peter Obi had never condemned IPOB. And he was reported severally exonerating IPOB terrorism against Nigerians at every point of chaos in the south East. In daily post of September 14 2021, Mr Obi wondered who could be responsible for the attack, saying it was perplexing against the fact that IPOB had issued countless press releases suspending the Monday sit-at-home and therefore could not logically be responsible for the attack. Imagine this was his response when IPOB terrorists attacked school children writing WAEC. And in October 19, 2021, Daily post published Mr Obi saying…” In the South East, Nnamdi Kanu is far more popular than all the politicians put together.”
Another factor to be considered in focus is the relationship between Obi and other Nigerians when he was a Governor of Anambra state. We heard different narrations from unofficial context that Obi was “anti – North” in the way he treated the northerners when he was the Governor. And this perceptions have clotted in many blood veins of northerners.
I am putting this observation in focus as points of view before he eventually declares his intention to run. Nigerians have a lot to ask for clarification. Some tiny particles aren’t just negligeble under focus, no, every politician must face huge challenge before cross over. And Peter Obi like any other contender have good records and shortcomings. So, must be ready to defend and relieve himself in other to overcome force majeure and strong political resistance
Abu Maigoro writes from Abuja and can be reached on abumaigoro@yahoo.com.
