By James Udemba

Every person in Imo State knows him simply as Sam Daddy. But in Nigeria, he is known as Senator Samuel Anyanwu, currently representing Imo East Senatorial District (Owerri Zone) in the upper Legislative Assembly.

Samuel Anyanwu

It is doubtful if anybody will call him any other name than Sam Daddy if he eventually emerges the next governor of the State in 2019.

The reason is not farfetched. His humility and accessibility go before him, not just in Owerri Zone but the entire State. As a man who has lived among the people in the last 20 years, occupying various positions of authority, Sam Daddy is actually regarded and treated as “one of us”.

Sam Daddy, since he formally notified Imo people and his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), of his intention to seek the office of governor, has excited the political space in such a manner that even those who are of different political persuasion have confessed that he is the best man to do the job.

But does he actually behave like one who has such a massive followership in the 27 local government areas of the state? The ordinary man in the street does not see such a change in him. What they still perceive is a man that remains approachable, generous and extremely simple in his disposition.

They see a listening ear, a smiling face, a helping hand and a go-getter whose philosophy in life has remained unity in brotherhood. It is perhaps this humane disposition that saw him transit from a Local government chairman, a House of Assembly member, a Senator and now in a super highway to Government House Owerri.

When his mates were enjoying their new found wealth in hotels in Owerri and Lagos, Sam Daddy chose to establish farms and industries where hundreds of youths were gainfully employed. When his mates were basking in the euphoria of interacting with the high and mighty, Sam Daddy chose to relate with the down-trodden, widows and less privileged members of the society.

The goodwill generated through those early days appears to be now counting in his favour. People believe that he can be trusted. They also believe that he has the vision to govern Imo State.

That vision was expanded when he unfolded his agenda for the State. Industrialization, creation of jobs, rebuilding of infrastructures and prompt payment of salaries are his priorities. These are not just mere campaign programmes.

He has done them before. He is doing them now. As chairman of Ikeduru Local government, he was the first to pay salaries. The workers who are now owed five months by the Okorocha’s administration remember how they used to receive their salaries before the 28th of the month. Sam Daddy has pledged that with him as Governor, all workers in Imo State will receive their salaries on that date.

With his experience in the business world, Sam Daddy’s pledge that he will revive Imo’s economy is not a mere wishful thinking. His thriving companies attest to his managerial ingenuity. His outstanding performance in the Senate as the Chairman of pubic petitions committee has confirmed his administrative dexterity. He is among the few rookie Senators that chair committees in the Red Chambers.

Interestingly, the odds favour him as the race to Douglas Road begins in earnest. He comes from Owerri Zone, which is the only zone yet to taste the governorship position since the current democratic dispensation.

He is young, dynamic and commands the respect of all strata of the society. Above all, he possesses the character and personality most urgently needed to revamp Imo after the wasted years of Rochas Okorocha. Among these character traits are reliability, steadfastness, honesty, humility and ability to perform. Sam Daddy is a refreshing contrast from the dictatorial tendencies of the out-going governor.

The natural question then would be: why Sam Daddy? The counter could also be why not Sam Daddy? But the most germane question ought to be: does Imo require a holistic change from the present? The resounding answer is yes. And the change-agent as represented by Sam Daddy needs to be supported for the tasks ahead.

Being among the few prophets that are respected at home, Sam Daddy enjoys a lot of goodwill from Owerri people because of his respect for elders and loyalty to those who lit his political candle for him.

Yes, Imo does not need an emperor; Imo does not need a man who claims monopoly of knowledge. Imo needs a humble team player who recognizes the masses as the source of his power. Imo requires a man who does not alienate himself from the people who elected him. Imo requires a man who in spite of his high position remembers that he is still a mere servant.

That is why Imo PDP should hold on tight to Sam Daddy and ensure that he is the candidate of the party in 2019. Even among the opposition APC, Sam Daddy’s name evokes defeat for them. He is about the only man who enjoys that privilege among all contenders in the PDP fold. It does mean that Sam Daddy is indispensable, after all he is human. It simply means that he is the most likely candidate to win the governorship election and return Imo to the path of glory once more.