A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Anambra State, Chief Peter Aniekwe, has insisted that Anambra North Senatorial District has decided that it is the former minister of aviation, Stella Oduah, that will represent them in the next Senate. Aniekwe said what the people wanted at this material time was qualitative representation that would impact positively on them through the kind of democracy dividends it would attract.
According to him, “Oduah has both the pedigree and antecedents to represent Anambra North well. As aviation minister, her enviable track records are unequalled in the annals of the nation’s aviation industry. She remodeled our decrepit airports and transformed them to desirable world standards. She blocked all the loopholes through which corrupt people were milking the nation dry and that is why they went after her head.”
“ As for the Igbo, it is to her credit that the Akanu Ibiam Airport was upgraded to international airport and thereby wiping away the age-long tears of Ndigbo since end of the civil war. Now, our sons and daughters, who are always on the go across the globe can take off and land on Igbo soil instead of wasting money and man hours at great risk, going to Port Harcourt or Lagos, thanks to a worthy Ada Ndigbo, Stella Oduah.”
Aniekwe disagrees that the multiple candidates that emerged from the PDP primaries would count against Oduah. “If you listened to me well, I was not talking about the PDP; I am saying that regardless of party affiliation, the entire Anambra North wants Stella Oduah in the Senate. When she was doing what she did for her people, there was no party tag. Oduah has helped a lot of people through various empowerment programmes, employment and in other diverse ways. It is payback time, not because she did what she did for selfish interest though but that it is natural that one good turn deserves another. If she stood by her people when the thought of going to the Senate was not even in her mind, it is only fair that her people should stand by her now she needs them and back her up.”
“Well, with regard to the PDP primaries, Oduah’s candidature got overwhelming ratification at the recognised primary conducted by the national officers of the PDP, according to the law. Therefore, all other aspirants should queue behind and support her. It is not compulsory that we must all go to the Senate at the same time. In a contest such as this, there must be a winner and losers. The winner, meritoriously, is Stella Oduah and in the spirit of sportsmanship and the party, every other aspirant should congratulate her and work for her success and the party. If you fail to make it this time, how long away is 2019; maybe you will be luckier then,” Aniekwe couselled.
He also expressed optimism that Anambra PDP would overcome its numerous crises before the election that are few weeks away, positing that “in life, and politics in particular, people disagree to agree. What is paramount is having your eyes fixed on the goal. PDP’s eyes are fixed on the goal – to make a clean sweep of all the seats in Anambra – from the House of Assembly to House of Representatives and the Senate. Our squabbles are minor compared to the prize and, therefore, nobody would allow selfish interest to torpedo the overall interest of the party. So, yes, PDP will definitely put its house in order and go to the elections as one house, one goal one voice.”
Chief Aniekwe, who was in the vanguard of those that canvassed for emergence a governor from Anambra North in the state, feels fulfilled that the dream was eventually accomplished, with the emergence of Governor Willie Obiano from Anambra North. Though Obiano of All ProgressivesGrand Alliance, APGA, defeated PDP’s candidate, ComradeTony Nwoye, Aniekwe said the consolation was that the governor came from Anambra North and is doing well.
“Much as PDP desired the office but lost, we, in Anambra North, feel consoled that our son and brother, Chief Willie Obiano, won; that was our primary demand in the first place. Moreover, everyone can see that Obiano has done Anambra North proud by the quality of leadership and development he has brought to the state within the short period he has been in office. He is doing well and we fully support him.
“Chief Tony Nwoye lost for obvious reasons, which are no longer relevant to recount. Nwoye has moved on with his life; it is not a do or die affair and I am sure he too supports the governor.
“All we are concerned with now is how to deliver Stella Oduah as senator, representing our area in the next couple of months and I have no doubt that, God willing, this shall be accomplished.”
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