By Dr. D. ISIGUZO
Let me start by saying the two front runners for PDP Imo governorship ticket, Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu (Samdaddy) and Hon. Chukwuemeka Nkemakolam Ihedioha are both eminent sons of Imo State qualified and outstanding in their rights to be governor but this article focuses on who is better suited to fly the flag both in terms of acceptability, work experience, personality and records of achievements etc.
ORIGIN
Samdaddy Anyanwu is from Umuduru Anyanwu, Obodo Amaimo in Ikeduru LGA. Son of late Chief Sebastine Anyanwu, the first Vice Chairman of old Mbaitoli/Ikeduru LGA and first Executive Chairman of Ikeduru LGA. He is a grandson to Ada Paulina Ogoko (nee Anyanwu) of Obohia, Ahiazu Mbaise
Emeka Ihedioha is from AROnta Mbutu in Aboh Mbaise LGA. History has it that Ihedioha’s descendants had their original base where they settled in Arochukwu, currently in Abia State. The people of Arochukwu are nomadic and war mongers.
Both great men are from Owerri Zone which has had only 8 months in Government House since 1999. Okigwe zone on the other hand has had 4 years while Orlu Zone would have had 20 years by 2024.
AGE :
Samdaddy was born on the 18th June, 1965 while Ihedioha was born on the 24th March, 1965.
Age wise, both men are young and energetic. They both look healthy and capable of discharging the duties of a Governor without any health impediments.
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION
SAMDADDY:
1. B.Sc., Political Science and Administrative Studies from University of Portharcourt, Uniport, Rivers State (2nd class)
2. Harvard Kennedy Business School, Executive Course on Leadership, Management & Public Policy.
3. Harvard Kennedy Business School, Executive Course on Leadership Decision Making; Optimizing Organizational Performance.
4. University of Cambridge, Judge Business School Certificate in Strategic Performance Management.
IHEDIOHA:
1. B.Sc., Food Science & Technology, University of Lagos, (3rd Class)
2. Stanford University, Executive Certificate in Financial Management
Both men are well and adequately educated for the office they seek including getting certificate courses abroad but remarkably, Senator Samdaddy has more qualifications especially, in strategic areas needed for governance. Also, Samdaddy has a second class Degree, Ihedioha graduated with a 3rd class Degree.
PROFESSION/OCCUPATION BEFORE POLITICS/HOME INVESTMENT
SAMDADDY:
Owns a chain of businesses under the SAMDADDY INVESTMENTS group with Samdaddy Farms (that produces 1,000 crates of eggs daily) as a subsidiary. Others include Ochameze Properties (real estate) and distributorship with Nigeria Breweries etc.
IHEDIOHA:
Wikipedia once described Ihedioha as a “chartered politician”. There is no record of his being gainfully employed outside politics example is being Personal/Media Assistant to politicians before his election in 2007. He is linked to an uncompleted hotel structure in New Owerri commenced when he was in the House of Representatives which he tried to finish before he was booted out of office as Governor.
LEGISLATIVE EXPERIENCE
SAMDADDY:
Member, Imo State House of Assembly representing Ikeduru State Constituency: 2007 – 2011; 2011 – 2015= 8 years +
Senator Representing Owerri Zone, 2015-2019= 4 years. 8+ 4 = 12 years.
Samdaddy Anyanwu has 12 cumulative and solid legislative experience spanning the Imo State House of Assembly and the National Assembly, the Senate.
IHEDIOHA
Member, Repreenting Aboh Mbaise in the House of Representatives: 2003 -2007. Reelected 2007 – 2011 & 2011 – 2015= 12 years.
Emeka Ihedioha has had 12 years legislative experience in the Green Chambers of National Assembly only.
Here Samdaddy has an edge having been a state lawmaker for two terms and then a Senator for one term. This gives him a good understanding of the state having made laws for her good plus national legislative experience.
PARTY LOYALTY
Both men joined the PDP and have remained member since their fora into politics.
EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE
SENATOR SAMDADDY:
- Transition Committee Chairman, Ikeduru LGA 2003 - 2004
- Executive Chairman, Ikeduru LGA from 2004 – 2006.
SAMDADDY HAS ABOUT 4 YEARS OF EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE IN THE LOCAL GOVRNMENT ADMINISTRATION.
EMEKA IHEDOHA:
“Ihedioha is the Governor with the shortest tenure in the South Eastern Nigeria” Wikipedia. “Elected” May 29th 2019 and deposed on January 14, 2020 by the SUPREME Court of Nigeria.
EMEKA IHEDIOHA HAS 7-8 MONTHS OF EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE.
While Senator Samuel Anyanwu has been groomed in the Executive arm of government as a local government chairman especially, during the glorious era of local council in Nigeria, Emeka Ihedioha has had 7-8 months of turbulent reign as Imo Governor. Samdaddy here again has an edge, a LGA is a miniature state and this unique experience puts him ahead of Ihedioha.
NATIONAL/PARTY CONTACT/CONNECTION
Samdaddy is the incumbent National Secretary of PDP. A position from where he is permitted by the electoral act to contest for Governor while on the seat. While Ihedioha had been the Deputy Speaker of the Green Chambers 7 years ago (2015).
Samdaddy has the loyalty of the party top echelon who he mingles on daily basis including, the Presidential candidate and indeed, all other candidates of PDP and members/stakeholders of the party who owe him for the peaceful process of the last primary elections.
PERSONALITY
Samdaddy is an all smiling, unassuming and easygoing man who habors no illfeeling against anyone. He is one man that easily mingles with the high society and the common man. A man who picks his calls and responds to messages. A man who is approachable with respect for all and sundry.
Ihedioha is seen on the other hand as a peacock. Eze onye agwalam. He is reputed to have a short fuse and acts on impulse. A typical Nigerian politician who sees issues as a win or lose situation. Defeat and crush. Win at all cost etc
CONCLUSION
I wish to reassert that both men are really qualified to run for the office they seek but from the analyzed research, Senator Samdaddy Anyanwu has a unique “resume” that places him above his rival for the office of Governor of Imo State.
He has known business enterprises here in Imo, has been a two term state legislator, has superior academic qualification, an amiable personality devoid of wickedness and vendetta. He does not have the baggage of having been given the PDP ticket twice and failed or his mandate stolen or taken from him by anyone.
I strongly think, Imo PDP needs a fresh face, a new broom without baggage of corruption associated with being a Governor, someone that will get sympathy and loyalty across party lines.
Dr. Isiguzo Dennis
For: Guardians of Democracy
Post a Comment