Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has vehemently defended his administration’s investment in the state’s brewery against criticisms that it has depreciated in value. Obi underscored the brewery’s significance as Anambra’s largest revenue source, highlighting the arduous process he undertook to attract the investment to the state. He emphasized the economic benefits it generates, directly employing 500 residents and indirectly supporting the livelihoods of over 5,000 others, including distributors and truck drivers. Obi contrasted the criticism leveled against his investment with the acceptance of similar ventures in other states, specifically referencing a brewery in Ogun State that has not faced comparable scrutiny. He challenged the notion that the brewery investment was a failure, sarcastically remarking that he wished other Nigerian investments had experienced a similar “decline.”
Obi addressed accusations that his administration contributed to rising poverty in Anambra State. He refuted these claims, directing attention to the Nigerian Competitive Index and international development benchmarks, specifically the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals. He highlighted Anambra’s top ranking in development indices by the end of his tenure in 2014, attributing this achievement to his administration’s efforts. He further asserted that this recognition was based on assessments by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), not self-proclaimed. He even claimed to have been invited to the United Nations to present a speech on Anambra’s development progress during his governorship. He urged skeptics to consult international donor agencies and poverty reduction experts who collaborated with his administration for verification.
Obi attributed the negative perceptions of his governance to his limited media engagement during his time in office. He stated that he prioritized work over self-promotion, choosing not to expend resources on media publicity and advertising. This, he implied, led to a lack of public awareness regarding his achievements. He contrasted his approach with those who actively court media attention, suggesting they may be more focused on image management than actual performance. He invited anyone to visit Anambra and interact with the residents to ascertain his true character and contributions to the state.
Obi’s defense of his brewery investment and development record underscores his broader economic and social development philosophy, emphasizing job creation and adherence to internationally recognized development goals. He presented himself as a pragmatist focused on tangible outcomes rather than public image. His challenge to critics to consult independent sources like the UNDP and donor agencies reflects a confidence in his administration’s performance and a willingness to subject his record to scrutiny. His emphasis on the brewery’s economic benefits and the state’s improved development ranking underscores his commitment to data-driven governance and measurable results.
The former governor’s narrative paints a picture of a leader focused on attracting investments, stimulating economic growth, and improving living standards, even in the face of challenges and criticisms. He positioned himself as an advocate for evidence-based governance, urging a shift from subjective assessments to objective evaluations based on data and expert analysis. His emphasis on Anambra’s top ranking in development indices under his leadership suggests a data-driven approach to governance, prioritizing quantifiable progress. This approach, he implies, is more effective than relying on media narratives or political rhetoric.
Obi’s assertion that he prefers walking the streets of Anambra to engaging in media battles suggests a preference for direct engagement with the people over mediated communication. This further strengthens his portrayal of himself as a man of the people, more concerned with tangible impact than self-promotion. By inviting observers to visit Anambra and assess his legacy through direct interaction with residents, he seeks to bypass the potential biases of media portrayals and present a more authentic account of his governorship. This tactic also reinforces his message of transparency and accountability, suggesting a willingness to be judged by the people he served.
In closing, Obi’s recounting of his governorship emphasizes his commitment to economic development, job creation, and adherence to internationally recognized development goals. He defends his track record by pointing to verifiable data and independent assessments, urging critics to consult these sources rather than rely on subjective opinions. His narrative portrays him as a pragmatic leader focused on tangible results and comfortable with public scrutiny, a stark contrast to politicians he suggests prioritize self-promotion over performance. This narrative serves to solidify his image as a results-oriented leader committed to improving the lives of the people he serves.
