By Uche Nworah
A certain Dr. Alexander Nwuba, who describes himself as the Second Vice President of the Aviation Safety Roundtable Initiative, recently published a critical article titled, “Anambra’s Second Airport: Not Prestige, But Structure.”
The central thrust of the article is a sweeping condemnation of the Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri. In the process, the writer appears to have attempted to diminish the achievements of the immediate past Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, under whose administration the airport was conceived, constructed and commissioned.
In the introductory part of the article, the supposed aviation expert wrote:
“The first airport, though a commendable effort, began with a foundational flaw that cannot be pinned on the current administration: it was built in the wrong place. Location is destiny in aviation. Airlines are profit-driven, and when an airport’s geography does not align with commercial routes, passenger catchment, or operational efficiency, carriers simply avoid it. That is exactly what happened. Delta’s airport, better positioned and more attractive for airlines, naturally scooped the passenger traffic that should have been flowing through Anambra’s facility. The result was not administrative failure but a structural mismatch that no amount of marketing or subsidy could correct.”
The overall message of the article appears to be a justification for the ongoing construction of a second airport in Anambra State at Ndikelionwu.
I have no objection to the current administration embarking on the construction of a second airport if it considers the project a priority and believes it will further advance the development of Anambra State. Every administration has the right to pursue its vision and set its own developmental priorities.
What I find troubling, however, is the apparent attempt to portray Chief Willie Obiano and the Chinua Achebe International Airport in a negative light in order to justify the construction of another airport. Even more concerning is the fact that media officers of the present administration have widely circulated the same article on social media. This suggests that the article was written by a fictitious character, a paid hack with only one motive – to discredit former Governor Willie Obiano.
Such actions are uncharitable and, indeed, unAnambra-like. It is worrisome as it is consistent with past attempts by media officers of the present administration to insult, malign, discredit and denigrate prominent citizens of Anambra state.
The growing “we versus them” mentality in some quarters should not be encouraged. No reasonable person should curse, disparage or denigrate their parents simply because they inherited an asset from them. Assets are meant to be managed, maintained, improved upon and made more productive-not deliberately devalued or discarded for political convenience.
Anambra State is richly blessed. We possess enormous human capital, abundant material resources and the intellectual capacity to become one of the most developed and prosperous states in Nigeria. To fully realise our potential, however, we must consistently reject hatred, bitterness and the spirit of ekwolu. We must promote unity, harmony, cooperation and a shared commitment to the progress of our state.
No individual or administration can do it all alone. No one person has the solutions to a myriad of developmental challenges that still confront Anambra state. Every government builds on the foundations laid by those before it, while also creating opportunities for those who will come after. Development should be seen as a continuum, not a competition between successive administrations.
We should therefore resist every attempt to demarket our dear state or needlessly disparage its past leaders. The achievements of previous administrations are part of Anambra’s collective heritage, just as the accomplishments of the present administration will become part of the legacy inherited by future generations.
As we say in Igbo, Ukutazu (legacy) awaits everyone, and time is already ticking.
Let us build Anambra together. A multi-stakeholder developmental approach is highly recommended. Let us improve upon what we inherited, preserve what is valuable and work collectively to leave our state better than we met it.
At the end of the day, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, the present administration in Anambra State may never have come into existence without the firm resolve and political courage of Governor Willie Obiano. The same way former Governor Peter Obi made it possible for Obiano to become Governor.
Governor Obiano stood his ground and confronted various forces, both politically and legally, to ensure that the promise he made in 2017 ultimately came to fruition. Those of us who worked closely with him at the time witnessed firsthand the determination, sacrifices and battles that went into keeping that promise.
History may be interpreted differently, but the facts and the role Governor Obiano played in shaping the political journey that led to the emergence of the present administration should not be ignored or diminished.
Power is transient, and every administration must recognise that its time in office is limited.
The present administration in Anambra State probably has about two more productive years to focus fully on governance and deliver meaningful development. The one and a half years that follow will, inevitably, be dominated by the politics of succession, as political interests intensify and attention gradually shifts towards who succeeds the current leadership.
As the succession process gathers momentum, alliances and allegiances may be reshaped and loyalties may change-even among those who are presently within the administration.
This is why the time available for purposeful governance must be used wisely. Governments should focus on building enduring institutions, completing impactful projects and leaving behind a legacy that will outlive political power.
Power is temporary, but legacy endures.
Ozonkpu Chief Uche Nworah, Ph.D.
(Ezeudo Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri)
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), 2014–2022
