By Onyekachi Njoku

WAS Nwosu aware that security reports had confirmed that some big politicians from the state, precisely from Ngwa axis, are allegedly behind the plot to discredit Orji’s administration ahead of next year’s election.

In Anambra State, traders at Nkwo Nnewi recently closed shops to demonstrate to the state government over the incessant cases of kidnapping in the state, but none of them called for Governor Peter Obi’s resignation, because they know that the problem was not created by the Governor.

The people of the state know the truth and cannot be deceived by people like Nwosu and his cohorts. Nigerians are aware that there is hunger in the land and people can do anything for politicians to survive; so the people of the state understand Nwosu’s plight.

In his maiden media chat recently, President Goodluck Jonathan confirmed that a cartel is behind kidnapping in the South East. With God, before   the 2011 elections, the cartel will be exposed  for Nigerians to see who they are.

In his recent interview with The Guardian on Saturday June 6, Governor Orji made it clear that he would contest for second term in office, but would declare at an appropriate time. On the alleged governorship ambition of his deputy, Chris Akomas to contest against him, Orji said that it is left for Akomas to answer the question because he is not in his mind. Orji emphasized that he has been treating his deputy like a junior brother. He stated further that no governor could finish his programmes for the people during the first term in office, especially a state like Abia that is facing financial difficulties.

Nobody, including his traducers, has disputed that Abia is not facing financial difficulties, because the records are there for them to see. So if the state is facing financial constraints, will the Governor turn himself into money to meet the yearnings of the people? The answer is no. He will continue to try his best with available fund and make effort with people’s understanding to improve the IGR.  The recent moves by consultants engaged by government to improve the IGR is proving difficult as so many people don’t want to pay taxes, but want government to do magic. In Aba for example, women who own shops opposed paying taxes, arguing that women don’t pay taxes, but much are expected from government.

The people of the state are aware that all these scheming and blackmail against Orji are antics and handiwork of politicians who are seeking for relevance ahead of the next year election. They are aware of the alleged plan by Orji’s deputy, Akomas to upstage him and contest the governorship on the platform of PPA. The timing of all these things were very suspicious and clear. While Akomas has the constitutional right to seek for any elective political office, he should look at the peculiarities in the state. Whosoever is prodding him now may abandon him when the chips are down and that will finish him politically.

Akomas hails from Abia South Senatorial zone and Orji came from Abia Central while Kalu, Orji’s predecessor came from Abia North. Kalu enjoyed two terms in office as governor unfettered. While Orji was contesting in 2007, nobody from Abia North was in the race. Most candidates of other political parties in the election PDP, ANPP, APGA were from Abia Central.

That is the understanding and it is acceptable to the people for fairness, unity and understanding. It is the same issues being canvassed at national level between the North and South ahead of next year’s election. It is the only way to ensure and maintain the prevailing peace and political understanding in the state. The people of the state know all these things more than the politicians who would or are trying  to deceive or hoodwink them.

As for PPA and those who are threatening Gov. Orji, they should know that he is the only face of the party in the country today. Since the exit of the party from Government of National Unity (GNU) following the demise of the late president, Umaru Musa Yar Adua, coupled with the defection of Governor Ikedi Ohakim to PDP and resignation of its former national chairman, Chief Clement Ebri, the party lost steam and is as good as dead.

Today it is crystal clear that PPA is not a strong opposition and with the situation on ground cannot be in 2011. It is in the best interest of the party to do what is right as regards its  governorship ticket in the state to keep its hope of survival alive. If they repeat the Anambra debacle where the party ticket was handed over to PDP member of House of Representatives in kangaroo primaries, it will spell doom for them.

PPA should know that as an incumbent governor, Orji is a beautiful bride and other political parties, including the ruling PDP may be waiting in the wing to offer him  ticket.

So for Orji and his teeming supporters PPA ticket may not or will not be do or die affair. Majority of the people in the state believe that PPA’s attachment to Chief Orji Uzor Kalu and his mother

has remained an albatross to the party and the earlier Orji gets away from the party, the better for him. But as a loyal and principled party man, Orji on several occasions has reaffirmed his commitment to the party that brought him to power.

For Orji’s traducers, they should look back and remember that power belongs to the people and God, not to few individuals who are working for their selfish interest to hold the state down. By next year election, the people of the state will take decision and the traducers will be shamed again for the  people know them and their ulterior motives.

Mr.  Njoku, a public affairs commentator, writes from Aba, Abia State.