Val Ozigbo; The New Bride Of Anambra Politics -By Hajia Hadiza Mohammed

I find the recent syndicated article by a colleague of mine, Gozie Irogboli, on the forthcoming Anambra gubernatorial election intriguing. Apart from the delicate issue of Igbo leadership, the topical essay touched on the salient issues concerning the Anambra gubernatorial election 2021. Among others issues, it hinted on the current insecurity in the state, voters’ apathy, the alleged clandestine plot of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party to rig the election using the security situation as ploy. And most importantly, it admonished the state political stakeholders to close ranks and ensure a free, fair and credible election so that the will of the people will not be subverted.

Interestingly, people have always wondered about my concern for Anambra politics since I am not Anambra by birth. But I have my germane reasons. First, aside from being a political enthusiast, I am a bona fide Nigerian citizen interested in peace and progress of my homeland. Secondly, although I was born in the North but I am an Anambra woman by marriage. And thus, my children are Anambrarians. So, my interest in Anambra politics is not out of place for I am very much interested in the future of my children. Anambra is like the center of Igbo land. Whatever happens in Anambra always reverberate everywhere in Igbo land. A credible leadership in Anambra would have a trickle-down effect on its contiguous states and in Nigeria in general.

On that note, I join the thousands of other well-meaning Nigerians in lending my voice to the call for credible election in Anambra State on 6th November, 2021. The Anambra election presents a unique opportunity to all stakeholders. To the APC and INEC it is an opportunity to demonstrate sincerity in order to prove their critics wrong. It is not out of place to say that under APC regime, the practice of democracy is stymied in Nigeria. APC should allow democracy survive in Nigeria by allowing free and fair election. Neutrality and non-interference will douse the already tensed atmosphere in the state. To the Anambra voters, it is an opportunity to shirk off political aloofness and elect the type of leader they desire. Anambra is an egalitarian and a dynamic society that needs purposeful leadership. And this can only be achieved through the exercise of their civic franchise. And to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the election presents an opportunity to reclaim the Anambra that it lost in the past to APGA through needless internal party wrangling.

Without doubt, the PDP has started very well in that direction. This is exemplified in its choice of party flag bearer in the election. The PDP governorship candidate is Mr. Valentine Chineto Ozigbo. The choice of Val as he is fondly called by his supporters and fans was clearly in order. It shows that PDP was ready to right the wrongs of the past that denied them their well deserved electoral victory that has put the nation in a state of topsy-turvy at present.

Val Ozigbo is accepted across the broad spectrum of Anambra people. He is popular among the youth having sponsored many youth capacity building programs. He is also very popular at the grassroots having been involved in many grassroots empowerment programs. Recall that during the CBN COVID-19 economic stimulus package of 2020, he had made a hundred million Naira pledge to guarantee his people access to funds made available by the Central Bank. He is popular among the youths of the state. He is the choice of the Anambra professionals who yearn for the development of their homeland. He is acceptable by the grassroots and he is also at home the with Anambra political godfathers.
Mr. Val has many things going for him. First, he is a professional in politics not a professional politician. Professionals in politics are those individuals, technocrats who have distinguished themselves in their professions before coming into politics while professional politicians are jobless politicians who have no other job but politics. For the professionals in politics, they are most usually interested in making their marks while to the professional politicians, their only interest is to remain in power at all costs irrespective of anything.

It is worthy of note to state that Mr. Val has an enviable and intimidating resume having distinguished himself in different fields of human endeavors. He was a consummate banker, a corporate icon and an astute business mogul. He was the immediate managing director of the Transcorp Group. He has a track record of achievement. Added to his corporate image is his personal attributes which make it possible for him to manage people, situations and relationships adequately. Those who know him can attest to the fact that he is intelligent cognitively and emotionally.

Added to the above is the fact that Val Chineto Ozigbo has youth on his side for he is just fifty. In this age of generational shift, statecraft and public management require intelligence, intensity and integrity and thus people like Val who are young, ebullient and dynamic and ethical are most qualified to handle it. He is thorough, transparent and ethical and that is why there seems to be no scandal whatsoever attached to his name. Anambra needs informed and updated ethical leadership with strong international connection which Val Ozigbo can provide.

Furthermore, he has great leadership and conceptual skills. When I went through his manifesto and the economic blueprint I was overwhelmed by the lofty plans he has for his people. In truth, it took a lot of time effort and wide consultation to produce what he has as the Anambra economic blueprint and clearly, it means that he is fully prepared for the job and if given the opportunity to implement the content of that document, Anambra nay the entire Igbo land will be economically transformed.

Indeed, a vote for Val Ozigbo would mean purposeful leadership and progress in Anambra State. Anambra should not succumb to financial inducement and rigging and then regret later as is often the case in Nigeria. They should vote wisely. Just as it has been advised for umpteenth time, I would want all the warring parties to sheath their sword for peace to reign in Anambra State.

Hajia Hadiza Mohammed
hajiahadizamohammed@gmail.com
An actress, social activist, politician
London, UK