By Saidu Idris
365Daily – Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has described Mr Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, as a reference point in Nigeria, on account of his Sterling performance as a governor.
Okowa made this assertion in a birthday message to Obi, a Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general elections, who turned 60 last week.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, Okowa said that Obi’s tenure as governor recorded outstanding transformation of Anambra, which had remained a reference point in the country.
He commended Obi for his outstanding leadership and immense contributions to the growth and development of the state, especially when he bequeathed lots of assets to his predecessor and the state.
Okowa noted that Obi’s enviable success as governor did not come to many as a surprise given his pedigree as a consummate banker and finance management expert.
He particularly commended the former governor for the physical transformation of Onitsha, the commercial nerve centre of Anambra, which hitherto was despised by many for the crime rate and other vices in the city.
According to Okowa, Obi demonstrated immense courage and determination to develop Anambra in spite of all the battles he fought as governor of the state.
“Your Excellency, your selfless and impressive performance as governor of Anambra has already distinguished you as a great nationalist and among the pride of our great nation.
“At a very young age, you towered high in the corporate world which was your occupational comfort zone, until your people beckoned on you to take up the mantle of leadership which was at a rudderless level at a time in the state.
“Your performance after eight years proved those who recommended you right for the job. You were a lesson in fiscal prudence, accountability and transparency to both those in public and private sectors, especially in governance.
“Since leaving office in 2014, you have remained a great figure and an inspirational leader for our great party in your state and country, and an undisputable model and mentor to younger Nigerians,” he said.