Anambra’s Large Heart And Magnanimity In Victory, Obiano Outstretches His Hands
The Oasis Reporters
November 21, 2017
One thing that cannot be taken away from the Anambra people is their heart of gold when victory reaches their bosom. They are magnanimous.
Even if it is the pain of defeat, Anambra would not stand and stare at the ruins of failure. They see it as a lesson in life, then move on in double quick steps to re-strategize.
Governor Willie Obiano, candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who coasted home with a landslide victory in the election, has said that his electoral victory does not belong to him or his party but to the people of the state.
The governor, who made this remark in his acceptance speech, which he personally signed, expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for proving to Ndi Anambra that under his watch, democracy would sink deeper roots in the Nigerian soil.
“With utmost humility, I stand before you to accept the historic mandate you have bestowed on me today,” the statement read.
“Umu nnem (my brothers and sisters), the victory we savour today belongs neither to Willie Obiano nor to our great party, APGA.
No!
This sweet victory belongs to Ndi Anambra.
“This victory belongs to all of us! Umu nnem, this victory is not a winner-takes-it-all; for in the New Anambra of my dream, everyone is a winner.”
The governor called on other candidates in the election, including Obaze and Nwoye to join hands with him and build a better place for Anambra people, adding that the state was bigger than any individual’s ambition.
“So, I reach out a hand of brotherhood to my fellow contestants Oseloka, Tony, Osita, Godwin and others whose names I cannot easily recall here. And I say to you; my brothers, we have all fought a good fight.
“But Anambra State is the winner! The interest of Anambra State is bigger than the private ambitions of anyone of us. Therefore, I pray you to join hands with me and build a better place for Ndi Anambra! Our beloved state needs our talent and our time. The time to build a better place is now!
“Mr. President promised us a free and fair election. Today, we can all see that he has kept his promise. Thank you so much Mr. President!
“I must also thank the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting what has been widely adjudged a transparent election in Anambra State. With this election, INEC has shown that it has fully braced itself for the 2019 elections. Thank you so much.”
Obiano, who won in all the 21 local government areas of the state, polled 234,071 votes to beat Tony Nwoye of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who came second with 98,752 votes and Obaze who came third in the with 70,293 votes.
Recall also that Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra state whose election mandate was stolen for two years, was equally gracious and magnanimous in victory when the Supreme Court of Nigeria restored his electoral victory.
Peter Obi did not declare vengeance upon Dr. Chris Ngige nor institute a never ending judicial probe into his tenure. He moved on and declared that “we are all Anambrarians”.
Next thing he did was to identify all of Chris Ngige’s uncompleted projects and worked on them first. There was no inquisitory or acrimonious probe. It easily made him a respected statesman.
Compare the gallant men and women of Anambra to President Buhari who declared that the opposition strongholds that constitute 5% which did not vote for him should expect the “reality” of less favoritism and familiarity.
Dr. Chris Ngige (top left and pointing), had it rather easy from the big hearted Peter Obi, a mild and very friendly boxer (top right). In between them is the eloquent and post civil war son of Anambra, Osita Chidoka, who ran a very decent and clean campaign.
He’s for the future, and it beckons.
Bottom left is the Governor of all and brother of everyone with a wide embrace, Gov Willie Obiano.
Tony Nwoye is next, a physician who defied permutations to land at second place, and this is another experience for him after his PDP offer.
Oseloka Obaze is the International diplomat. The United Nations used to hear of him, until he left for his home country, Nigeria.
