The Renascent Anambra Transparency Democratic League (RATDL), a socio-political transparency advocacy group based in Awka, Anambra State has condemned the statement by an APC Gubernatorial Aspirant, Dr. Chike Obidigbo describing governor “Obiano’s trip to US is a Waste.”
The statement which was a reaction to a publication on
several social media platforms alleging that the governor took a total of 179
persons to America to celebrate his daughter’s graduation at the state’s
expense, was adjudged by the National Coordinator of RATDL as callous and
insensitive.
The group’s position was made known by its National
Coordinator, Comrade Chuma Nweke to select journalists in Awka on Friday where
he wondered why Dr. Obidigbo did not think it wise to properly scrutinize the
veracity of the allegations of profligacy against Chief Obiano especially as it
concerns the daughter of a fellow man who happens to be a governor.
According to the Group Coordinator, “We find it regrettable
that Dr. Obidigbo who aspires to lead Anambra cannot draw a line between
politics and private family engagement hence he dabbles headlong into falsehood
and tales by moonlight manufactured by agent provocateurs on on a Laptop to
demean the First family of Anambra and score cheap political points.”
Said he; “Granted that Obiano is governor, his private life
and family time with wife, children and indeed select friends should not be
interpreted or treated as a state affair, especially where it is clear that the
state has no hand in it.”
“Anambra is still highly rated for prudent management
of meager resources and one of the least indebted states in Nigeria. So far,
there is no evidence that the governor is doing otherwise. Therefore the
attempt to smear the person of the governor by alluding to non-existent
profligacy when he is having a private family engagement for a graduating
daughter is to say the least wicked and condemnable.” The group averred.
The organization challenged Dr. Obidigbo to show proof that
Obiano organized a state function in USA with state resources to mark his
daughter’s graduation. Otherwise he should tender an unreserved apology to the
Obianos and the good people of Anambra State.
The democratic watchdog also called on political aspirants
not to heat up the public space with incendiary commentaries but rather
concentrate discussions on issues and allow the electorates to make a clear
choice.
They also advised gubernatorial aspirants to avoid the
tendency to pull down the entire house just to make a point; stressing that
they are genuinely concerned; hence “we say that this sort of reckless
politicking and smear campaign must stop.”
By Justin Umeh
