By Eric Elezuo

After much heightened tension as regards the Anambra State Governorship Election, the exercise took off though without attendant fears as exhibited by reduced turn out.

It must be noted that prior to events leading to the November 6 date, it was a case of to be or not to be. But finally, the day came, and the people of Anambra State thronged out to elect the governor of their choice to replace the outgoing Willie Obiano, whose tenure ends in March 2022, after eight years of stewardship.

Earlier, the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), which has declared ‘no election’ in the state, had retracted their decision. The group, known as ‘outlawed’ by President Muhammadu Buhari- Federal Government, had said that the regular Monday Sit-at-Home order be resumed on Friday, November 5, 2021 to last through to November 12, 2021. This was aimed at frustrating the election.

Much as the government responded with beef up of Security in the state, a cross section of those who spoke to The Boss confided that they would come out even as the government has given assurance that lives and property of citizens are safeguarded.

“So you want me to be in the middle of IPOB and Police crossfire. No. I will stay in my home. A dead man don’t tell tales,” a respondent told the Boss.

“Where were the security agencies when many buildings, outposts and public places were being destroyed, including lives. Wisdom demands one respects himself,” another respondent volunteered.

But events turned out for good when on Thursday, November 4, 2021, IPOB released a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, stating that the Sit-at-Home order has been revoked, and as a result everyone was permitted to engage in the Civic responsibility.

The group said they listened to voice of reason as presented by elders in the South East.

Consequently, about 18 candidates had stepped, thrown their hats in the ring to vie for the number position of Anambra State. These 18 personalities cut across different and diverse political parties.

However, analysts and stakeholders have, after thorough consideration, narrowed the chances of winning to three individuals from the notable political parties.

They include Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr Valentine Ozigbo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Chief Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Stakeholders have unanimously agreed that the next governor of Anambra State will come from among the above individuals and parties.

Below are the strength and weaknesses of the contestants

CHARLES CHUKWUMA SOLUDO (APGA)

Born on July 28, 1960, Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR is an accomplished economist and a former governor and chairman of the board of directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Chukwuma was named governor on May 29, 2004. He is also a member of the British Department for International Development’s International Advisory Group, and is reputed for land breaking policies that regularised and strengthened the naira.

Soludo is a core professional in the business of macroeconomics. He obtained his three degrees and then professorship at the University of Nigeria in Nsukka, Enugu State, where he graduated with a First Class Honours degree in 1984. He also has an MSc Economics, obtained in 1987, and a PhD in 1989. It is worthy of note that he won prizes for the best student at all three levels.

Soludo was appointed to the position of Professor of Economics at the University of Nigeria in 1998, and became a visiting professor at Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, USA the following year.

In 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari, appointed him as a member of a newly formed 8-member Economic Advisory Council (EAC) which would report directly to the President.

He is reputed as the best among the candidates, and has an edge as he belong to the party in power in the state, APGA.

VALENTINE OZIGBO (PDP)

Fondly called Val, Valentine Chineto Ozigbo was born on July 20, 1970) is a Nigerian politician and business executive. He is the immediate past President and Chief Executive Officer of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria plc (Transcorp), a diversified conglomerate with strategic investments and core interests in the hospitality, agribusiness and energy sectors. He was appointed to the position in 2019.

Ozigbo also worked as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria-based hospitality company, Transcorp Hotels Plc, where his prowess remains a testimony. He also worked in the banking sector, gaining over 17 years of experience with NAL Merchant Bank, Diamond Bank, Continental Trust Bank, FSB International Bank, Standard Trust Bank, United Bank for Africa and Bank PHB.

He is reputed as a good under whom the fortunes of Anambra can change for the better. However, his tortuous road to emerging the party’s candidate slowed him down towards amassing the requisite followership, and may affect his chances.

ANDY UBA (APC)

Born Emmanuel Nnamdi Uba on December 14, 1958, the APC candidate, who is better known as Andy Uba served as the elected Senator for the Anambra South Senatorial District of Anambra State in April 2011 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform. He defected to the APC in February 2017.

UBA is married to Pastor Faith Vedelago of Faith Miracle Center Abuja and they have two children together. Many believe that his closeness divinity via the status of his wife will give him the leverage to rule with the fear of God.

Andy Uba’s chances have a backlog of abnormalities as many has continued to accused him of masterminding the kidnap of Dr. Chris Ngige, a sitting governor, many years ago.

Whoever emerges victory in the November 6 election is expected to continue on the path established by Mr Peter Obi and sustained by Willie Obiano.