The Senator formerly representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Iyom Uche Ekwunife has extolled the virtues of the former governor of the state, the late Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju.
Describing the late Mbadinuju as a pragmatic leader, Ekwunife noted that the former governor left astounding legacies despite the meagre resources available to him during his administration.
Ekwunife disclosed this while addressing newsmen during the lying in state of the former governor at the Government House Awka on Wednesday November 22, 2023.
In her remarks, Senator Ekwunife made it clear that history would be kind to Dr Mbadinuju, on account of his giant infrastructural strides at a time when internally generated revenue and federal allocation put together could not efficiently bankroll government obligations.
Senator Ekwunife described His Excellency Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju as a great man with a large heart, adding that he was someone who had the best intentions for Anambra State. Unfortunately, according to her, Odera was a victim of single story, whereby his good works were tainted with cheap lies and blackmail.
The Senator gave a brief account of Mbadinuju’s performance, stating that the former governor was receiving a paltry monthly allocation of ₦750 – ₦800 million, while monthly salary gulps between ₦450 and ₦470 million each month, leaving him with less than ₦200 million to tackle other sectoral challenges.
Despite the setbacks occasioned by lack of funds, Odera was able to put in place numerous legacy projects, which includes the Government House, Ekwueme Square, Dora Akunyili Women Dev Centre, State House of Assembly Complex, judiciary complex, State Secretariat for civil servants, Anambra Broadcasting Service, (ABS), Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. Uli. among others.
Beyond all these projects listed, Mbadinuju made Anambra an oil producing state when others were annexing oil wells to themselves. He brought in two oil wells, registered Orient Petroleum for operations in Anambra State and ensured they got the certificate and that is why Anambra State is today an oil producing state. She said that with all these achievements, history will judge the late governor right.
Senator Ekwunife warned against rewarding good works with bad remarks as was meted on Chinwoke Mbadinuju, who was slandered so badly during his tenure, simply because some people wanted to take power from him at all cost. Mbadinuju was a victim of political rascality and wicked permutation.
Ekwunife commended the Governor of Anambra State Prof Chukwuma Soludo for setting the records straight about the administration of Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju, noting that the records are there for all to see and figures don’t lie.
“For me, Mbadinuju left outstanding and profound legacy for generations to come and history will be kind to him. His opponents took advantage of his kindness, humility and sincerity of purpose to unleash political violence on him. Interestingly, he was the only governor who conducted LGA and council elections and gave them financial autonomy which no governor has done ever since he left office.
“Sincerely, leaders like Odera who demonstrated total commitment and good intentions for the people should be celebrated and not disparaged for posterity sake, because no matter how long it takes, the truth must prevail as witnessed by everyone gathered here today.
“He was just a victim of high powered political conspiracy. It was a clear case of giving a dog bad name in order to hang the dog. Gone are the days when lies overshadow the truth. The truth has been unravelled today and will always be there for future reference”, she said.
Ekwunife on behalf of
her family and the governor’s forum secretariat prayed God to grant Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju’s gentle soul eternal rest and give his family, especially his wife Nnenne Mbadinuju and children the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
