You do not cross the same stream water twice. In the present, Biafra is only an idea; a topic for philosophical debate; a protest march against marginalisation; a negotiating platform; a dream. In August 1991, Anambra State came into being. And through a succession of leaders translating into a mixed bag of fortunes, it is today a story of high expectations and promises.
Those who describe history as the account of exploits of courageous men and women may well be right. For, there comes a time in the life of a people when the fortunes of a protagonist and that of the larger society interweave. It would be a mission impossible to chronicle the story of Anambra State today without Governor Willie Obiano taking the focal point.
This, it bears repeating, is not founded merely on the unique position of leadership but more importantly the style of leadership; how this office is creatively deployed to achieve the desired impact. For those who have even a casual knowledge of Obiano’s governance mode, there is no contest that he subscribes to the standard fare that upholds the welfare of the people as the highest law, the very essence of government.
Practical demonstration of government of the people perhaps finds better resonance at such a period as the yuletide season. Christmas is the celebration of God’s love in the gift of His only begotten Son to the world. In consenting to leave the heavenly bliss for earthly life, Christ introduced the nature of sacrificial love that would culminate in his unjust sentencing and death. As His birth marked a new dawn in the history of human society, it opened a revolutionary model of servant – leader and primacy of the common good.
In the two years of Willie Obiano’s administration, Christmas was heralded by giving the environment the fitting ambience. Across the towns of Anambra’s city – state, strategic junctions and monuments are draped with festive decorations. Comely designs spiced up with colours and popping lights seem to send you greetings. At intervals, soft tunes ooze out, if only to temporarily tone down your worries and cheer you up. But alluring as the sprucing up of open spaces may be, it would be missing the point to take them as the spirit of the celebration.
The significance of the beautifications arises from their symbolism in the governance value chain. It is interesting to learn that the decorations in 2015 were fully taken up by corporate organizations in the State. Now, you do not sponsor what you do not consider a quality product; a worthwhile venture that promises sufficient mileage or return from the investment. In the corporate world, it is said that there is no free lunch. Thus, the sponsorship serves as a kind of approval rating for the working Willie. The participating companies had seen in the administration a selling brand upon which they could project their own identity.
This partnership could not have been instantaneous. It is an appeal that would have developed from a considered judgment of the administration’s merits. This perceived image of the regime takes us back to the governance mode. By its gestures, words and deeds, Obiano comes across as telling Ndi Anambra: this is your government. We’re here for you. Whatever we can do to raise your standard of living, we’ll continue to do. Walking this path of social responsibility would have oriented the administration on the ideals compatible with the spirit of Christmas. We find then that the preparations for Christmas go beyond and indeed predate the season of decorations.
A government that has consistently emphasized safety standards, it is characteristic of the Obiano – led regime to come to the aid of victims of natural and man – made disasters. From ancient to modern times, solidarity with the deprived has proven to be a simple but rewarding way of keeping government close to the people. This is especially important in a society like Anambra coping with a crisis of values.
Responsiveness to the needs of the society evidently builds citizen confidence. It also puts the people in the good mood to carry on with their social life and other engagements. Only in the second week of December, the Anambra State government had promptly remedied the defects on the Nkpor flyover in readiness for the busy vehicular and human traffic associated with the Christmas season.
And close on the heels of opening access to parts of the State, Governor Obiano handed over 25 speed patrol cars to the Police. The donation of the high tech vehicles represents another milestone in the regime’s concerted war against crime. There can be no doubt that this represents a deliberate move to boost peaceful yuletide celebrations.
As was the case in 2014, every government worker is going home this season with a free bag of rice. This is notwithstanding the severe financial crunch that has put many state governments at their wits’ end, with some advocating reduction of the national minimum wage. In the end, it is the spirit you bring to bear on your life that matters, not how much you have.
.Afuba writes from Awka
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