Anambra State Governor-Elect, Chief Willie Obiano, has described the 2014 as a year of healing and reconciliation for all Anambrarians across the world.

In a New Year Message titled ‘A Year of Healing and Reconciliation’, the Governor-Elect reasoned that after the heated rivalries that followed the November 16, 2013 Anambra governorship election, the New Year offers a veritable opportunity for speedy healing and genuine reconciliation among all the parties and candidates that ran the gubernatorial race.

Describing 2013 as a “special” year for the state, Chief Obiano reasoned that after the fierce battle for Governor Peter Obi’s successor, “it was only natural to expect some angry reactions and measured bitterness from our brothers and sisters whose political dreams had to wait for another day. It is all understandable. No one goes into a contest with the hope of losing. However, I have no doubt that our political wounds shall heal faster this year and that in time, I shall earn the support of my brothers just as I earned the confidence of many Anambrarians who gave me their votes in the last election.”

Quoting US Congressman William Clay, who said that in politics, “there are no permanent enemies, or permanent friends, only permanent interests,” Chief Obiano expressed optimism that other candidates who ran for election with him would realise that they share a permanent interest in ensuring the well-being of Anambra State.

“We all have an obligation to give our best to the collective effort to re-create the Anambra State of our dream,” he said. “I can only hope that as we step into the many promises of the New Year, my brothers and sisters who aspired to lead Anambra like me will let go of the ephemeral pain of electoral losses and accept the olive branch that APGA, under the ebullient leadership of Chief Victor Umeh has extended to them. As for me, I have resolved to work and never relent until we have achieved true reconciliation among Anambra’s many famous sons and daughters.” Describing the New Year as the time for deep reflection and objective self-assessment, the Governor-Elect advised Anambrarians not to wallow in self-blame for not meeting some personal targets in the outgone year.

According to him, “the New Year is not the time for recriminations and endless agonising over our failings in the outgone year. It may be useful to always remember that in the words of the great English statesman, Sir Winston Churchill, ‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.’ Ndi Anambra, whatever our shortfalls in the past year, let us find the courage to try again this year.”

Chief Obiano also expressed the hope that he would assume leadership of the state on March 17 this year as planned to build on and expand the boundaries of all the initiatives witnessed under the incumbent administration of Governor Peter Obi. “Indeed, Governor Obi’s achievements will continue to serve as a lasting inspiration to all Anambrarians who aspire to serve this state,” he observed.

Reiterating the fact that the transformation of Anambra State calls for the collective efforts of the state’s numerous illustrious sons and daughters, the Governor-Elect further remarked that “history has taught us that no man, no matter how wise or gifted can transform a society all by himself.” According to him, “There is a role for everyone to play in any society that truly desires a positive change. Ndi Anmabra, we need each other’s strength, each other’s belief, each other’s genius and each other’s goodwill this New Year and beyond.”

•Photo shows Governor-Elect, Chief Willie Obiano.

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