Without a doubt, among the five states in the South-east geopolitical zone, Abia State is currently positioned at the bottom of the developmental ladder.
The lame duck governor, like his predecessor and political mentor, is not leaving Abia better than he found it, as the clear and convincing evidence shows. However, both are wealthier in cash and assets now than they were when they took office as governors, in keeping with Nigeria’s partisan politics of the previous two decades. Individual performances make the difference, even though the story may not be different in various productions.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has had a stronghold on Abia for 24 years, which is best summed up as 20 years of corruption, dishonesty, and underdevelopment. The tragedy of the numerous PDP regimes since 1999 can be seen by taking a quick look at their score cards. Teachers still owing salaries and pensions despite there only being one university, one college of education, and a polytechnic operating on the campus of a former trade school. The state lacks a proper government house and secretariat following the administrations from various Abia North, Abia Central, and Abia South.
Similar to road infrastructure, the situation of the health care and education sectors leaves a bad taste in one’s mouth. Even where roads are created, the quality is so poor that it doesn’t last despite the enormous sums of money spent. The explanation is straightforward: Reputable contractors lose out on contracts in favour of political associates and family members. However, two other PDP-controlled states provided a fair illustration of this. First, consider the neighbouring state of AkwaIbom. Despite pressure from political interests in his state, Godswill Akpabio depended on qualified and respected contractors for all of his road and building works during his eight years of “Uncommon Transformation.” Several roads were constructed in Anambra State under the controversial, short-lived Dr. Nwabueze Ngige’s administration. Both states’ highways are still in good condition years after the governors left office and continue to serve the populace. That is something that should be imitated.
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The situation involving Golden Guinea Breweries and Modern Ceramics Industry, both located in Umuahia, the hometown of the previous governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji, may be more severe. These initiatives were developed, constructed, commissioned, and put into motion during the First Republic. Given Nigeria’s demand for ceramic items back then compared to now, when billions of naira are spent on their importation, the ceramics project had a futuristic vision. There are currently no nearby substitute producers.
Despite the fact that Aba had a textile mill that revived after the war and started operating in 1963. What we still have in Aba today is traditional tailoring and shoemaking, which depends on imported textiles, leather, and fake leather goods for which Aba has long been known.
The majority of these craftsmen are located at the Ariaria Market, which was recently devastated by flooding because little has been done to improve the market’s conditions despite its notoriety and significance as a source of income for the local and state governments. You may be wondering why the governor claimed to have travelled to China on multiple occasions to negotiate for issues that a savvy businessperson might have resolved in a matter of months.
After eight years, Theodore Orji left no institutional or infrastructure legacy in Umuahia, but he did amass enough landed property at his kinsmen’s expense. He allegedly suggested that a Ngwa governor should look for their region in response to his disregard of the Aba area. So, the fact that he handed them a bird with similar colouring to his was no accident.
Those who are familiar with the standard Chief Sam Mbakwe (of blessed memory) governor of old Imo State may question why today’s politicians are failing to restore Aba to its pre-war condition within four years. Recall that Chief Sam served as governor of the current states of Imo, Abia, and portions of Ebonyi. It is impossible to deny that he left his mark on Owerri Township as a suitable state capital. In addition, he made sure that all local governments received funding for at least one project. All of the First Republic industrial projects in the state were restored by him over a single four-year period from 1979 to 1983.
In contrast, one significant accomplishment during the final 24 years of the PDP’s rule was the creation of Enyimba International Football, which gave Nigeria its lone continental championship. It brought soccer fans to Aba. Despite having two Division One football teams—Abia Warriors in Umuahia and Enyimba International in Aba—neither of the two historic cities can claim to have a cutting-edge stadium or a noteworthy event venue that draws tourists to the region. Additionally, there are no organisations or frameworks for the advancement of youth in the performing and visual arts.
Given the aforementioned history of underwhelming performance, it is crucial that NdiAbia chooses the proper person to succeed the PDP government in 2023. The Labour Party’s standard-bearer, Dr. Alex Otti, is the most qualified candidate for governor based on a cursory check at the list of candidates. He is a proven manager of people and resources from two big financial companies, giving him exposure to the world.
Because the people who count the votes after elections are the ones who determine the winners, it is instructive that the Labour party and all of its candidates across the country should be vigilant during the compilation of results and ensure that resolute party agents are deployed in all polling places.
