Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, a political economist and the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, is known for his candid and pragmatic approach. In a recent interview with a group of journalists, he did not hold back in his criticism of Governor Charles Soludo’s administration, describing it as subpar and asserting that it has left Anambra in a dire situation. He likened the current state of affairs to a nightmare, starkly contrasting it with the unmet promises made during Soludo’s campaign. Furthermore, Okonkwo expressed his discontent with President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, calling for an immediate overhaul of what he referred to as lackluster ministers. He emphasized the need for a more effective integration of politics and the economy to facilitate meaningful development in Anambra and across Nigeria.
**What’s your assessment of Anambra?**
“As I look around Anambra State, it feels like it’s turning into a ghost state due to the deteriorating security situation. While insecurity is widespread across Nigeria, it significantly worsened when Soludo took office. His predecessor made genuine efforts to tackle these challenges, but now, there’s a palpable absence of strategy or investment in security, which raises questions about Soludo’s priorities. It seems he might believe that keeping people away from the state is the easiest way to secure a second term, which currently appears to be his main focus. Soludo strikes me as an intellectual narcissist—someone who trusts solely in his own knowledge. Individuals like him rarely make effective leaders, and that’s why Anambra finds itself in this mess.”
**You’re regarded as one of the elites in Anambra, and some might argue that if other elites shared your concern, perhaps the situation would improve. What do you think?**
“Worrying alone isn’t enough. While I can only speak for myself, if other Anambra residents have a different outlook, maybe they have insights I’m unaware of. However, mere worry won’t change anything. We must communicate our minimum expectations to Soludo as Anambarians. We recognize where Anambra stands today and where it used to be. My assessment of Soludo’s performance isn’t about nostalgia but about measuring it against Anambra’s true potential. Consequently, I find nothing to smile about. It’s disappointing, and I hope he realizes that it’s time for a program review focusing on what truly benefits the Anambra populace rather than just pursuing a second term.”
**Given your assessment and the upcoming elections in Anambra, how do you see Soludo’s chances considering the apparent lack of opposition?**
“My concerns extend beyond the realm of politics. As a stakeholder in Anambra, I want to express my worries about the situation. The decision of voters will ultimately dictate the outcome of the next election. We must understand that Soludo currently governs not with personal resources but with those of Anambra State. It’s time for accountability—he isn’t meeting expectations, and he’s failing to use our collective resources effectively for the people’s benefit.”
**How would you assess the recent local government elections in Anambra State?**
“The ruling party, APGA, has claimed overwhelming victories in local government positions, which raises questions. I commend them, but what we see is how the current governor has manipulated electoral laws almost scandalously to secure these outcomes. This demonstrates the power of incumbency. However, if another party with greater strength emerges in the future, I hope Soludo is prepared to concede gracefully, as power dynamics can and do shift. For now, he must recognize how he’s wielding that power and understand that true democracy requires more than self-serving tactics.”
**What’s the impact of your personal relationship with Soludo on your criticism of his governance?**
“I’ve known Soludo for over three decades—he’s my friend. But I would be remiss if I let our friendship cloud my judgment. I worry about him and our community. We have a responsibility to support our people, but it’s becoming increasingly challenging to fulfill those duties in this environment. My social outreach programs have suffered because I can no longer safely spend time in Anambra. I may have the means to protect myself, but it’s about the broader community. For example, during a recent family funeral, I faced significant challenges to ensure the safety of guests, which is heartbreaking.”
**Some might argue your criticism is motivated by past electoral conflict with Soludo. What’s your response?**
“This isn’t about that. If Soludo had excelled, I’d be the first to acknowledge it. I waited patiently for signs of progress, but instead, I only witness further decline. While he declared a state of emergency on waste management, refuse is piling up across Anambra. Celebrating small projects instead of addressing significant societal needs feels misplaced.”
**Though you are painting a bleak picture, some argue Soludo is successfully addressing Anambra’s issues. What’s your take on that?**
“This perspective ignores the gap between what was promised and the reality. Soludo made grand pledges like transforming Anambra into a hub akin to Dubai or Taiwan, yet we are far from seeing those aspirations materialize. While he may believe his initiatives are impactful, they fail to resonate with the pressing needs of the populace who are living in fear amidst insecurity and economic instability.”
**You’ve raised concerns about security and governance. Don’t you think there’s a limited capacity for state governors to control the security apparatus?**
“Aren’t governors meant to be the chief security officers of their states? Each tier of government has specific responsibilities, and it’s crucial to recognize that the state should be proactive in ensuring safety and security. Soludo’s significant monthly security vote should be yielding better results than what we’ve seen.”
**As the leadership landscape changes in Anambra, do you believe political dynamics are contributing to the current governance issues?**
“It’s not merely about the presence or absence of opposition—it’s about the governor’s vision and responsibility to his constituents. This administration should be focusing on its legacy and what it can truly achieve, rather than relying on political maneuvering.”
**Looking at the federal government, what’s your stance on calls for a cabinet reshuffle?**
“I believe it’s long overdue. We’ve seen President Tinubu successfully assemble capable teams before, but this cabinet has underperformed. After a year in office, it’s evident that changes are necessary to foster a winning administration. As a seasoned politician, I would emphasize the importance of legacy over mere survival in office.”
**Lastly, regarding Nigeria’s recent request for debt forgiveness at the UN, what are your thoughts?**
“Debt servicing is squeezing Nigeria’s economy. I support efforts to renegotiate and reschedule debts, giving breathing room for economic recovery. Engaging seasoned financial experts in these discussions is essential for our progress, and simply making a call at the UN will not suffice. Concrete negotiations and personalized outreach yield real results.”
**You’ve spoken extensively about the political climate in Anambra. What have you been focusing on lately?**
“My work has been focused on my business, not public politics. I’ve been actively involved in the aviation sector and remain engaged in societal conversations. While I initially stepped back post-election to allow time for the new government, I can no longer stay silent as conditions worsen.”
In a few short but sharp insights, Prof. Okonkwo encapsulates the urgent need for transformative leadership—both in Anambra and across Nigeria. His call for higher accountability and responsiveness is a clarion call for both political leaders and constituents alike to openly engage in reshaping their destiny.
