ANAMBRA  State is of strategic importance to Nigeria. The state has the largest market in West Africa, which boosts our oil-based economy. In addition to this, the state  produced political icons who helped to positively shape our politics and contributed to national development.
The state has untapped natural resources  as well as distinguished individuals who are stars  in their areas of specialisation.

Since the beginning of the Fourth  Republic, the politics of Anambra state is characterised by intrigue, violence, and unhealthy competitiveness. The preponderance of intellectuals and political desperadoes who are political actors in the state account for the intrigue and competitiveness that characterise the politics of the state.

Until Mr. Peter Obi first emerged as our Governor through judicial means, the god father phenomenon wreaked havoc in the state. Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju fell out with his god-father, and development was put in abeyance in the state.

In 2003, Dr. Chris Nigige, the icon of road rehabilitation, in cahoots with his political godfather, rigged the 2003 governorship election in his favor. But the tenacious and indefatigable Mr. Peter Obi, the current Governor of Anambra state, took him to court and ousted him from office via judicial means. Dr. Ngige contested the February 6, 2010 governorship election and lost to Mr. Peter Obi.

Dr. Chris Ngige alleged fraud in the election and went to court to challenge Mr. Obi’s victory. The court had not concluded the case before Dr. Ngige threw his hat into the ring with regard to the 2011 Anambra Central senatorial election.

His action depicts his desperation for power, and political ambivalence. A desperate man is not incapable of compromising on his moral-code and issues that will affect his people. Thrusting power into the hands of a political desperado is akin to giving a lunatic a bomb. We remember reports of how Dr. Ngige allegedly swore allegiance to his political god-father, Mr. Chris Uba, in order for him to win the 2003 governorship election. His fight with Mr. Uba cost Anambra State millions of Naira, and temporarily stalled growth in the state.

During the electioneering for Anambra Central senatorial seat, Ngigie’s supporters flaunted his sterling records in the area of road rehabilitation during his illegal occupation of the Government House in Awka.

But, the fact is that his revolutionary works in the area of road repair cannot secure him victory over Professor Dora Akunyili. Professor Akunyili is the mother Theresa of our times, who saved the lives of millions of people by running fake drug manufacturers out of Onitsha town.

Again, the gutsy and forthright Akunyili has won the hearts of Anambrarians by firing the memo to FEC, which saved Nigeria from disintegration. The country would have been dismembered had Akunyili not written the letter to FEC, urging it to do the right thing and install Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as our president.

Now, Dr. Ngige has resorted to political shenanigans and gimmickry to stop Akunyili’s ride to victory when it’s clear to him that he will soon kiss the political dust.

Dr. Ngige is crying wolf when there is no wolf in sight. Dr. Ngige and his allies are alleging that Mr.  Peter Obi, the current governor, put pressure on INEC officials for them to declare Professor Akunyili the winner in the 2011 Anambra Central senatorial election. They said that he is trying to influence the result of the election in favor of Akunyili by trying to offer bribe to Dr. Anene,the former returning officer.

Dr. Ngige and his allies who are making that wild allegation are being mischievous, alarmist and disingenuous. Mr. Obi is known for his unimpeachable moral code and respect for the rule of law. Is Akunyili not the island of integrity?

Alongside Professor Akunyili, the island of integrity and competence, Ngige is far behind Akunyili in terms of popularity. Prof. Akunyili will take Dr. Ngige to the cleaners in any election that is free and fair. So, why should Akunyili try to use underhand means to win the senatorial election?

In Anambra State, the traducers and enemies of Akunyili are  fake drug manufacturers who are sulking and licking the wounds inflicted on them by the conscientious Akunyili.

Again, some male chauvinists who are with atavistic and provincial mind-sets and ideas consider women to be inferior to men. They still feel that the place of a woman is in the kitchen. It is the sentiment that reigns among them in the Onitsha Main Market, and surrounding towns. These uninformed men who are steeped in provincial ideas see Akunyili’s vying for the Senate seat as an anomaly and an affront to the men folk.

The re-run election for the Anambra Central senatorial zone will take place in affected areas in the State in the future.

So, let us offer Prof. Akunyili a chance to give us qualitative representation at the Senate.

Mr. CHIEDU OKOYE, a commentator  on national issues,  wrote from  Anambra State.