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| Mr. Peter Obi |
PDP Vìce Presidential candidate in Nigeria's 2019 general elections and formerr governor of Anambra state, Nigeria, Mr Peter Obi is regarded in many quarters as a political intellectual as well as a prudent and effective leader. His political intellectualism is evident in the various thought-positions he has expressed on various socio-political and governmental issues including
education, taxation, ICT, ease of doing business, accountability of public officials, prudence in the management of state funds, etc, which ring a bell across Nigeria and resonate with a lot of people, especially the youths. His
speech at The Platform 2016 (a yearly
event organized by Covenant Christian Centre, Iganmu, Lagos) on a wide range of socio-political and governmental issues bordering on accountability of government officials, ease of doing business, and prudence in the management of state funds is still a hit till today, and shot him to another level of national prominence at the time. It could in fact have set the stage for his subsequent selection as running mate by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar after winning the presidential ticket of the People's Democratic Party for the 2019 general elections in 2018.
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| From left: Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar and then Campaign DG Gbenga Daniel |
Its not just
his government's lasting record performance in education that sets him apart in Nigeria's gubernatorial hall of fame, but also his
prudence as an individual as well as his insistence on prudence in the management of state funds as sitting governor in Anambra state; a topic he elaborated so much on during
his speech at The Platform 2016. Arguably
the most educated person to become governor of a state in Nigeria and an outstanding business executive of many years,
he brought that robust knowledge and experience to bear as governor of Anambra in such a unique way that saw him leaving about N75 billion cash for his successor, Chief Willie Obiano in government coffers when he was leaving office in 2014. Recently, after it was claimed that he was denied a US visa, his media aide Mr. Valentine Obienyem w
rote a piece widely published by multiple newspapers debunking the rumour even as Obi was on a trip to the US. In that piece, Obienyem also made
an impressive list of Obi's achievements as Anambra governor, a performance which continues to resonate loudly till date.
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| Mr. Peter Obi and Chief Willie Obiano |
According to
Wikipedia, Obi was chairman of Next International Nigeria Ltd, then chairman and director of Guardian Express Mortgage Bank Ltd, Guardian Express Bank Plc, Future View Securities Ltd, Paymaster Nigeria Ltd, Chams Nigeria Ltd, Data Corp Ltd and Card Centre Ltd. He was
the youngest chairman of Fidelity Bank PLC and was appointed the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by former President Goodluck Jonathan after the 2015 general elections.
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| Peter Obi and Wife, Margaret |
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| Peter Obi, Wife and Children |
The recipient of a litany of national and international awards, Peter Obi is married to Margaret Brownson Usen (since 1992), and they are blessed with two children: Gabriella Nwamaka Frances Obi who is 2 years older than her brother Gregory Peter Oseloka Obi.
No doubt, Mr Peter Obi is an examplary leader in Nigeria's political arena, riddled with questionable elements masquerading as saviors, lovers of the hoi poloi. Obi's achievements in Anambra will continue to be reference points whenever good governance is being debated. I wonder when the likes of Obi will be given the opportunity to lead the country in dire need of redemption in every sense of the word.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you. The man is just wonderful.
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