Immediate past Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili, has declared that the problem with Governor Peter Obi of her home state, Anambra, is that he is running government as a business concern. This, she said, is contrary to some people’s expectations from the governor to use political power as an instrument for the distribution of patronages.

Akunyili spoke during the weekend during the interactive session of the Aka Ikenga group with the Governor Obi at the Lekki house of industrialist Dr. Ausbeth Ajagu.

Describing Obi in superlative terms, Akunyili said she was particularly pleased with him like other Nigerians because he does not run a government by propaganda.

Her words: “Everybody knows me in Nigeria that I do not say what I do not believe in. In the past, Anambra had nothing in terms of infrastructure. Today Obi has made the greatest difference. Not just tarring of roads, which he does in abundance, he is facing all sectors meaningfully – health, education, commerce, name it. His only failing, which people ask me to tell him, is that he does not share money. They say he has tarred a lot of roads but has not tarred people’s tongues.”

During the interactive session, Gov. Obi made it clear that he would continue to pursue what will be of benefit to the people of the East and the entire country at all times. He encouraged Anambra and, indeed Igbo people everywhere to come home with ideas that would contribute to the building of their states rather than come home with the aim to take away from the states’ scarce resources.

Speaking about investment opportunities in the South-East, Obi said that his doors were always open and that he was willing to receive anybody coming for investment anywhere since, according to him, the South-East needs that for development and progress and for creating jobs for the people.

The governor also clarified the issue of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) merging with some other parties, describing it as false as the party, according to him, is yet to discuss that with anybody.

“APGA has not merged with any party and has not even negotiated for any possible merger. As the party of our people, before APGA goes into such a thing it must be thoroughly discussed with the terms clearly spelt out as to determine what we stand to gain as a people and not going into hurriedly contrived merger because some people think it will further their political advantages,” Obi said.

Speaking on the relationship with the federal government, Obi said that before APGA decided to support President Goodluck Jonathan, it was discussed and agreed, with the Igbos coming up with conditions for the support, which were agreed upon. The governor said that with the work going on erosion control, the upgrade of Enugu Airport to international status, the attention being given to South-East roads as well as the progress on the construction of the second Niger Bridge, among others, there were no reasons for skepticisms.

Speaking on behalf of Ika Ikenga, its President-General, Chief Anayo Uwazurike, who presented a plaque to Gov. Obi for honouring their invitation and for good governance, assured that the group will continue to take interest in the progress of Igbo land. He said the session was to rub minds with Obi on the situation at home for the ultimate benefit of the people.

•Photo: Gov. Peter Obi (left) receiving a plaque from the President-General of Aka Ikenga, Chief Anayo Uwazurike . . . over the weekend in Lagos.

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