UNCERTAINTY BECLOUDS OBI’S POLITICAL FUTURE

An air of uncertainty shrouds the political future of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), whose controversial ministerial ambition was finally nipped in the bud during the week.
Based on his closeness with President Goodluck Jonathan and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while serving as governor, Obi was earlier tipped to replace Princess Stella Oduah, who resigned as Aviation Minister in February this year.
Obi’s ministerial ambition was further boosted about two weeks ago when the Chairman of Anambra PDP, Ken Emeakayi, forwarded his name to the President as the party’s choice for the ministerial position.
But, the former governor’s hope was dashed on Thursday, when the President forwarded a letter to the Senate, nominating the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive Officer of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Osita Chidoka, as Aviation Minister.
Chidoka’s nomination was received with surprise in Anambra State, as it was widely believed that the President Jonathan would go for Obi, based on the recommendation of the Anambra PDP Chairman, who allegedly worked in concert with the National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metu, who hails from the state.
Informed sources however revealed to Sunday Independent that the President rejected Obi to avoid a confrontation with Anambra PDP bigwigs, who dissociated themselves from the nomination of the former governor.
It was gathered that as soon as the President received the letter from Emeakayi nominating Obi, he consulted Emeka Offor, a big PDP financier in Anambra, who allegedly said that nobody told him about it.
The president consulted Prince Arthur Eze and Senator Andy Uba and they also distanced themselves from the letter nominating Obi.
The President further extended his consultation to the National Chairman of PDP, Adamu Mu’azu, who also replied that he was not aware of Obi’s nomination.
Mu’azu reportedly told the President that he still stands by his position not to recognise Emeakayi as Anambra PDP chairman until he withdraws all the suits he filed against the party in court.
Our sources further revealed that after the consultations, Jonathan concluded that it was not safe for him to appoint Obi as it could sour his cozy relationship between these key Anambra PDP stakeholders, who are vital to his second term ambition.
The President therefore nominated Chidoka, who has remained a loyal member of PDP over the years.
Sunday Independent also gathered that the said Anambra PDP bigwigs felt betrayed by the conduct of Emeakayi and have resolved to do everything possible to remove him from office as soon as possible.
But, when our correspondent contacted Emeakayi, he refused to comment, saying he would not join issues with anonymous people.
“Who are the PDP bigwigs you talked about? Tell me who talked to you so that I will reply.
“Please I don’t join issues with anonymous people”, the Anambra PDP Chairman said.
Source: Daily Independent