By KUNLE ODEREMI

Increasing tension in the South-East is threatening the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State, with parties and their candidates almost in dilemma. Electioneering has suffered hiccups as a number of candidates are yet to summon necessary courage to mount the rostrum in order to woo voters.

The alarm raised by the Independent National Electoral commission (INEC) about the worsening security situation in Anambra State and adjoining states apparently has further provoked other main stakeholders into more proactive steps: unveiling of a fresh initiative by the military designed to confront the menace and renewed move by governors from the region to collaborate and invigorate a regional security outfit code named, Ebube Agu.

And to underscore the tense atmosphere in Anambra in particular, some close allies running the campaigns of one of the leading candidates for the election, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, decried what he described as the prevailing climate of fear and trepidation across board, stressing: “The situation is dicey.”

Somehow, it still appears difficult for most people in the state to put a face to those behind the sustained attacks on certain high profile individuals and their properties, as well as security and INEC facilities, even though suspected members of the outlawed Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) had been on the war path with perceived enemies and government.

The separatist organisation is opposed to the election. Months back, a former governor of the central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Professor Chukwuma Soludo narrowly escaped death in one of the gun attacks, which reportedly claimed the lives of two of his aides.

Just two days ago, the country home of an All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart from the state but who is based in Lagos, Chief Joe Igbokwe was burnt, while suspected arsonist also razed the offices of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and the Directorate of State Service (DSS) in Nnewi.

These incidents came a few days after the gruesome killing of 70-year-old Dr John Chike Akunyili, husband of the late director general of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC), Professor Dora Akunyili. No fewer than four persons lost their lives when gunmen invaded separate rallies of APC and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) about a week ago.

The criminals also razed a car belonging to a leader of the Chukwuma Soludo Campaign team, Dr Nelson Omenugha.

Incensed by the upsurge of killings and other violent crimes few weeks to the election, the state government alleged the state chapter of APC indicted President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Government for insecurity in the state.

The state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C. Don Adinuba, cited APC’s insistence that Governor Willie Obiano should be held responsible for the worsening security situation in the state.

He premised his argument on the claim that governors are toothless chief security officers (CSOs) of their states, “No governor has control over the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), or the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in his state.

"Even the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG) is supervised by the state police command, like any other state vigilante service. The APC in Anambra State is aware of the facts but insists on playing to the gallery anytime there is a security issue.

"The people and government of Anambra State are convinced that the state APC is indicting President Buhari deliberately over security lapses, because it is frustrated with the President for not attending its governorship campaign in the state, causing the Andy Uba Campaign Organisation to change plans thrice.”

Anambra as land of godfathers, godsons

From 1999 till date, political contest in Anambra has never been devoid of open display of raw power, bravado and affluence by main actors, as displayed during the conduct of party primaries to choose candidates.

First, it was Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju that shepherded the state between May 29, 1999 and May 29, 2003 on PDP ticket.

He had a running battle with a business mogul and close ally of Obasanjo, Emeka Offor, which impacted negatively on government structure culminating into a prolonged workers’ strike.

Mbadinuju also had issues with another influential figure from the state, Chris Uba. So in 2003, to reap benefit but in a rerun poll, he lost to APGA.

Then came Governor Chris Ngige, the current Minister of labour and productivity, who soon fell out with his godsons, paving the way for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) founded by Ojukwu to become the ruling party in Anambra till date.

Since then, the party has remained in power in Awka from Mr Peter Obi to the incumbent, Willie Obiano, who is in the final lap of his tenancy in Government House.

It is recalled that Anambra set the stage for off-season polls in the Fourth Republic.

This followed the verdict of the Supreme Court in 2007 that the four -year tenure of a state governor begins on the day he takes the oath of office.

The court had nullified the 2003 election that brought Dr Chris Ngige of PDP into office and declared that Obi, of APGA in the poll, was the duly elected governor. The legal battle lasted for almost three years and on March 17, 2006, Obi was sworn as governor of the state.

The following year, 2007 was the normal election year and like in other states, the governorship election was conducted in Anambra and Dr Andy Uba was declared winner and sworn in. Obi, who was barely a year in office, had to step down.

He however headed to the court, insisting that he was sworn in for a year – tenure and therefore urged the court to declare that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ought not to have conducted election in Anambra in 2007.

After another round of legal battle, the interpretation that an elected governor has to serve for four years before another election could be held in his or her state was delivered by the Supreme Court, citing section 180 of the 1999 Constitution and Uba had to leave office after only 17 days as governor.

That was how Obi continued in office until 2010 when he had to face the electorate again for reelection. Virginia Etiaba became governor between 3 November 3, 2006, and February 9, 2007, when the incumbent, Peter Obi, was impeached by the Anambra State House of Assembly for alleged gross misconduct. She vacated the position for Obi three months after an Appeal Court nullified the impeachment.

So, Obi served as governor from February 9, 2007, to March 17, 2014. On his part, the incumbent Governor of Anambra state, Willie Obiano, was elected and sworn-in on March 17, 2014, on the platform of APGA. So, APGA has been the ruling party in the state for almost 15 years in office, whereas PDP held sway for seven years. Since then, the seeming Shakespearean metaphor for the night of long knives has almost become the norm in the politics of Anambra, shaping the configuration of national elections and heralding offseason gubernatorial poll.

Impact of parties, candidates

The rising state of insecurity has compelled their candidates to scale down their campaigns for the election. Apart from embarking on well-guided visits and tours, most of the leading candidates have been most visible at cultural festivals, occasions and visits organised by prominent lit clubs and organisations with heavy security presence.

PDP candidate, Vincent Ozigbom had to suspend his campaign in honour of some slain individuals in the state, describing the spate of violence in the state ahead of the poll as alarming. Ozigbo said: “In the past few days, we have witnessed an alarming escalation of deadly violence in Anambra.

We lost an eminent son and several others in what appears to be a renewed violent campaign by bandits. Yesterday, a prominent Nigerian public servant, medical doctor, and a stalwart of PDP, Lawrence Ezenwa, was killed in Nnewi South Local Government Area of the state. Ezenwa, who is from Abia State, was visiting his wife’s village, Ukpo, in Nnewi South, when he met his death, his driver was also shot and killed.

On the same day, a vehicle belonging to a federal lawmaker, Chris Azubogu, was attacked and his driver killed in cold blood. As a leader, I find the latest violence disturbing and condemnable and I call for a stop to all acts of violence, particularly against the innocent.

Due to this development, and in line with my belief that no life is worth anybody’s ambition, I suspended all my campaign rallies and public appearances scheduled for this week. Every life is precious and ought to be protected and preserved.”

Anyaoku traditional rulers intervene

In spite of the foggy political horizon, some influential groups of individuals are optimistic of peaceful election but on the ground of a change of attitude by the major political actors. For instance, the traditional rulers in the state believe that utterances, behaviour and countenance of some of the actors were contributory to heightening tension. One of such groups is the Anambra Elders’ Council, which consists of eminent indigenes, including traditional rulers.

In a communiqué of their intervention signed at the end of a meeting in Awka, a former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, who is the chairman of the council and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers.

They pleaded with political parties to desist from campaign of calumny, even as they lamented the negative effects arising from the directive by some non-state actors stopping people from working, including going to school and writing critical examinations.

According to them, “Our concern is that while the political parties’ campaigns have been peaceful and free of violence, there is an unacceptable level of personal abuse on the social media, which is not healthy for our people as it may lead to violence. We note that the last two major elections in our state were free of violence, and we urge our people to continue with peaceful campaigns and elections. All political parties, their candidates, supporters and Anambra people, as well as the electoral authorities, are enjoined to work assiduously towards a free and fair election.” (Saturday Tribune)

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