Anambra Guber Debate: NGO Praises Obiano for Forthright Approach to Issues of Governance

The Executive Director of Media Ethnics and Rights Initiative, an Onitsha based media critic and responsible journalism advocacy group, Prince Ezekiel Amanambu, has praised the forthright disposition of the gubernatorial candidate of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Chief Willie Obiano, in response to questions related to the Immunity Clause for Governors at a live television debate organized by the Nigerian Election Debate Group (NEDG) for Gubernatorial Candidates at the Women Development Centre Awka.

Willie Obiano had declined to elaborate while tackling a question on the Immunity Clause rather than undertake “a critique of the issue from the point of ignorance.” He rather advocated that adequate assessment of the qualifications, pedigree and character of individuals gunning for elective office should be done as a prerequisite for preventing abuse of office.

Reacting to the overall performance of the candidates in the debate, Prince Amanambu observed that the candidate gave a good account of themselves but that Obiano's candid admission of his lack of substantial information on the Immunity Clause was a clear demonstration of a level of grace that was new in these parts. “That open acceptance by Obiano in the face of varied opinion on the immunity issue is a hallmark of leadership that is rare in present day politics where people tend to have an opinion on all issues under the sun,” he observed pointing out that “such striking display of humility stands him out in the race for governorship of Anambra State as a leader to watch. I have no doubt that he would make Anambra proud.” He concluded.

Amanambu further commended Obiano for advancing the course of issues based campaign with clear articulation of the programmes in his blueprint aimed at continuing on the part of development already achieved in Anambra State. Obiano had argued that the APGA Gubernatorial Campaign is driven by the concept of “Continuity” because of the achievements recorded by Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, and that his Blueprint for Anambra would take development in Anambra to greater heights based on four Pillars: Agriculture, Oil and Gas, Trader and Commerce, and Industrialization, which will lead to massive economic activity, industries and jobs, jobs for people.

Other candidates who participated in the debate which was the last in the series for the coming Anambra elections include Senator Chris Ngige of APC, Dr Ifeanyi Ubah of Labour and Chief Godwin Ezeemo of PPA.

James Eze
Head, Media & Communications
Willie Obiano Campaign Organization
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