Ibida, A Bridge Between -By IfeanyiChukwu Afuba

On Thursday, March 17, 2022, Anambra State will witness the second transition from an APGA government to another APGA administration as Chief Willie Obiano hands over to Professor Chukwuma Soludo after eight years of stellar achievements. Soludo will be continuing from where Obiano stopped not just as the State’s chief executive but also as an APGA Governor executing the party’s manifesto for the welfare of the people. The incoming administration needs the support of the APGA – dominated State House of Assembly to succeed, especially in the teething period of post – inauguration.

The Anambra State House of Assembly looks set for the delicate business of partnering with the new executive arm of government. About three weeks ago, precisely on Friday, February 25, 2022, the Assembly repositioned for the times and tasks ahead. By common consensus, it announced the appointment of Hon Peter Ibida as the new Chief Whip. Ibida’s selection received endorsement of the APGA leadership communicated in a letter read by the Speaker, Rt Hon Uche Okafor.

The choice of Ibida for the office was an excellent one. He is reputed as a party loyalist and frontline stakeholder. His legislative experience and leverage in the government and politics of Anambra State are considered assets that make him suited for the job. Hon Nnamdi Okafor, Majority Leader of the House, said he was optimistic Ibida would discharge the responsibility satisfactorily.

The Whip is traditionally charged to ensure party discipline in Parliament. Some students of parliamentary politics describe the Whip as the party’s “enforcer.” Another school of thought emphasizes keeping members focused on party policies. And as a principal officer, the Whip is also involved in organising the business of the House.

Ibida’s experience as a two time APGA legislator stands him in good stead for the job. But what ups the ante is his vantage association with the outgoing and incoming governorships.

Hon Peter Ibida and Chief Willie Obiano got on quite well for the duration of Obiano’s full tenure. The member representing Njikoka 11 constituency was among a league of legislators often consulted by the executive both on account of their disposition and value addition to state matters.

The new Chief Whip was a strong backer of Soludo’s governorship aspiration. One of the early mobilisers of support, he had kept faith all through the plots and intrigues to derail APGA’s best chance of renewing the Anambra mandate.

This strategic reach in the two dispensations will be of benefit not only to the office of the Whip but for good executive – legislature relations.

Government is a continuum. As the Soludo administration takes off, it will be guided, for the most part, by the records and experiences of the Obiano governorship in determining how to deliver results to the citizenry. A smooth transition is essential for social stability. That’s why a bridge between is important.