By Uche Nworah Ph.D
The images of the new government house in Anambra state released by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s media aides are pleasing to the heart and soul.
Every onye Anambra should be proud of this project nicknamed ‘Obi Ndi Anambra’.
While thanking Governor Soludo for prioritizing the project, praise should also go to former Governors of Anambra state who played varying roles.
Records show that the idea and project were started by the late Governor Chinweoke Mbadinuju. The contract was awarded to an Anambra-born billionaire. However, the project became encumbered as a result of non-fulfillment of certain contractual obligations and ended up in court.
Governor Chris Ngige had a turbulent tenure. His many political battles plus the court encumbrance didn’t allow him to continue with the project.
Governor Peter Obi despite his political battles tried to resolve the Government House project challenges. He paid some huge sums to the contractor with the understanding that he would surrender all other claims for the project to continue. Unfortunately, the contractor stood firm in his claim after receiving the payment so work couldn’t continue.
Governor Willie Obiano during his tenure engaged the services of some Anambra state-born Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) to untangle the court web and enter into negotiations with the contractor. As part of the settlement, huge sums of money running into billions were paid to the contractor as a full and final settlement of all his claims. This finally freed the site and project for the incumbent Governor to move to the site again after several years since project conception.
It is noteworthy that while all these were going on, erosion set around the project site. The government of Governor Willie Obiano spent additional billions of Naira to fill the erosion sites and reclaim the lost portions.
To the glory of God and the joy of Ndi Anambra, Obi Ndi Anambra is finally here. It is a project not just for Governor Soludo but for all Ndi Anambra.
Finally, we have a befitting Government House address.
