The journey towards Anambra election: Profiling three major contenders

BY MOMOH EMMANUEL OMEIZA

In less than a month, Nigerians and the world, in general, will turn their eyes towards watching the proceedings of the gubernatorial elections which will produce the governor and chief executive officer of one of Nigeria’s choicest south-east state, Anambra.

To say that the atmosphere is anxious and eagerly awaiting the dawn of the day in the real sense wouldn’t be an attempt to make an unverifiable assertion or claim. This is even more so as the current reality of things and events in several states in the geopolitical region continue to be beset by unscrupulous elements who have christened themselves to be “unknown gunmen” and continue to hide under various cloaks and veils to wreak havoc arbitrarily and willfully. This consequently troubling the relatively peaceful waters which have marked the atmosphere of the region for a space of time.

Not minding all the above, this piece shall do a profiling of the three major contenders on the political platforms of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) out of the 18 contenders who are vying for the position.

1. Charles Chukwuma Soludo (APGA)

Charles Soludo is a household name in the world of financing and economic management. He came into limelight during the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration when he was appointed as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). A position he occupied from the year 2004 -2009.

The professor of economics who was born on July 28, 1960 and hails from Aguata local government area of Anambra state, was also a one-time member of the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development Advisory Committee.

His academic prowess has seen him visiting different international universities and organisations to provide services for the development of humanity. Such include the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) as well as the United Nations Economic Commission For Africa.

Educationally, he acquired all his degrees from the prestigious University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, where he rose through the ranks to become a professorial member of the institution.

He had previously contested for the gubernatorial position on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party before pitching his tent with the current All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) where he hopes to clinch the deal after several attempts.

His previous managerial experience, both locally and internationally, is no doubt a plus as there are tendencies that he will harp on the experiences in boosting the economy of the state which houses one of Nigeria’s biggest markets located in Onitsha.

He will be hoisting the political flag alongside Ibezim Gilbert.

2. Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (PDP)

Born On July 20, 1970, Valentine Chineto Ozigbo was erstwhile chief executive officer of Transcorp Nigeria Plc. He began his educational career at the University of Nigeria where he bagged a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He further proceeded to Lancaster University, United Kingdom to obtain a master’s degree, which was sequel to an MBA at his alma mater in Nsukka.

He has gained an avid experience in the financial sector, having worked for more than a decade in various financial institutions such as the NAL Merchant Bank, Diamond Bank and the United Bank for Africa.

He is a recipient of several awards such from his undergraduate days, having distinguished himself as a scholar and overall best departmental graduate.

Socially too, he has been conferred with other awards as an attestation to his hallmark for excellence and diligence. He is a fellow of the Chartered Institution of Accountants (ICAN) as well the Chartered Institution of Taxation (CITN). The odds are also in his favour due to the exposure he has in the economic environment. He will be contesting with his deputy, Lilian Enemo.

3. Emmanuel Nnamdi Uba (APC)

Emmanuel Nnamdi Uba who has been popularly christened as Andy UBA isn’t also a man of mere reputation. He had served as a federal legislature at the senate, representing the southern part of Anambra in 2011, a position he held for two consecutive terms.

Born in December 1958, the native of Aguata local government area of Anambra state, obtained his degrees in geology and earth sciences abroad before bagging his doctorate in 1996.

His political career began when he was appointed as the special adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo on internal and special duties. Following this, he contested the gubernatorial elections in the state on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party. Not minding the fact that he won the elections, the electoral tribunal upturned the results in the favour of Peter Obi. This culminated in his decision to contest for the seat of a senator.

He contested again for the gubernatorial seat on the platform of Labour Party. After series of defections and switching of political tents, he has finally settled to contest for the seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress alongside Chukwuemeka Okafor as his deputy.

Highlighted above are the profiles of the major contenders for the Anambra state governorship elections. However, as it has been said, two leaders can rule at the same time to prevent chaos.

The events of November 6 will answer the question “WHO WILL BE THE NEXT GOVERNOR OF ANAMBRA STATE”?