The group said in a media statement: “Obiano might be gambling that the forthcoming election will confound conventional wisdom and hand him the majority vote in Anambra North Senatorial zone. That has eluded him through his unproductive three years as Governor. He is counting on the ‘I am paying salaries’ media hype to help him win re-election.”
The group is also of the view that the APGA led state government “is once again trying to marshal public sentiment against a possible defeat at the polls on November 18, 2017. Their underlings have attacked the well meaning people of Anambra North Senatorial zone with assumptions of Chief Obiano’s purported endorsement by their entire zone.
“We want to use this medium to put the records straight and make our position known in the general scheme of things especially as it concerns our region, the Anambra North.
“We make bold to state that since the inception of Governor Obiano’s tenure, there have been no meaningful developments in the area, no attention has been paid to the yearnings and aspirations of the youths and elderly. So disheartening is the fact that nowadays, people sleep with one eye open as crime rate has escalated.
“We have suffered untold hardship due to the conspicuous absence of good governance in the zone. Our roads are decrepit while commuters experience fatal accidents on daily bases. With many abandoned road projects scattered all over the place, there is absolutely nothing to show that the Governor is from the zone. What is more worrisome is the increasing rate of unemployment, loss of jobs and general feeling of hopelessness in the state.
“We demand to know what has Anambra North benefited from APGA government under Chief Obiano’s watch? What has the youths in the area benefited from individuals who got financial inducements to promote the directionless government of the day? What has he done to alleviate the sufferings of the less privileged and most vulnerable people in the state? Can he confidently point at his greatest investment in the area?
“The serial episode of lies, deceits and failed promises cannot be swept under the rug.
Time is ripe for Ndi Anambra to speak up, to ask questions and demand for urgent answers.
“In the past three years we have had concerns regarding Governor Obiano’s leadership specifically regarding trust, collaboration, decision making, vision, his lack of respect for traditional and religious institutions. We also believe that he has failed to abide by his mission statement that ‘Everyone is entitled to a safe, orderly and respectful environment’.
“Government succeed best when the leader maintains a strong partnership with the people at all levels. Governor Obiano has not created a safer environment, but instead has created a toxic environment for Ndi Anambra North and its environs. Without the recognition of mistakes or the willingness to listen to the masses, there is no hope for improvement and thus no way forward.
“We feel he has a lack of attention to, preparation for, or appropriate prioritising of, the requisite requirements and interests of our entire region. As well as a failure to recognise and respect the expertise of the abundant technocrats and other notable professionals who are ever willing to contribute in the building of our state, in strict adherence to the concept of our forebears. Our great ancestors such as Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Nwafor Orizu, Chinua Achebe, et al.
“We feel he is inconsistent in the application of rules and there is an ongoing lack of respect toward many of the leaders of thought in the area. Government cannot be run successfully with a one-way avenue of communication. Even when input is sought, there is a failure to follow through or a total disregard for the ideas of many; when communication occurs, it is too often delayed and incomplete.
“There’s just an overall feeling of we as indigenes of Anambra North are losing ground all the time. We need a different, more solid leadership. The morale is just too low; and we feel it is time for a change.
“For these reasons stated, we are declaring ‘No Confidence’ in Chief Willie Obiano-led state government. We hope and believe that discerning Anambraians will make the right decision and choose what is in the best interest for the state come November 18, 2017.
“As the elections draw nearer Anambra North has more competent, trusted and reliable candidates to replace Chief Obiano at Agu Awka. Anambra North as it stands can boast of quality aspirants, men of impeccable character like Hon. Tony Nwoye, Dr. Chike Obidigbo, Comr. Harris Chuma, and other indefatigable gubernatorial aspirants from the region.
“Let it be known that Ndi Anambra North have not and will not endorse Governor Willie Obiano for a second term not after suffering a total neglect.”
