By VALENTINE OBIENYEM

Governor Charles Soludo recently celebrated the completion of the Nzam road, declaring that the people had never had a road ?since Adam.? His excitement is understandable ? this is the kind of news on development worth celebrating in Anambra.

However, the record must be set straight. The project began under Mr. Peter Obi, who constructed the stretch from Umueze-Anam to Nmiata and undertook the challenging bridges along that section. During RCC?s work, severe flooding forced the road to be raised by four metres, with the bridges built equally high.

Soludo?s reference to ?since Adam? may be colourful, but it is not entirely correct. The opening of the Nzam road did not begin with him.

Here, a little advice is in order. Whenever Obi spoke about projects, if they were initiated by Ngige and completed by him, he always gave Ngige credit before adding his own contribution. He would even specify the exact kilometres done by Ngige and those he himself completed. On one occasion, Ngige teased him - tongue in cheek ? that he must have gone around measuring roads. The lesson is simple: true leadership acknowledges others.

In this case, Obi started the Umueze?Anam?Nmiata?Nzam road, completed it up to Nmiata, built the bridges, and began the stretch to Nzam, which Obiano later abandoned. Soludo has now finished it, and for that we are grateful. What we seek is relevant and reasonable acknowledgement ? recognition that does not diminish anyone?s glory but affirms the continuity of governance.

?Barr. Obienyem writes from Awka.

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