The Director General of the South East Governors Forum, Senator Uche Ekwunife, has Extolled the former Governor of Anambra State, Late Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju (Odera), for his virtues and pragmatic leadership.
Ekwunife in a statement by her Communication Director,Mr Tony Ezike, said that despite limited resources during his administration, Mbadinuju left behind remarkable legacies.
Speaking at the lying in state ceremony of the late Mbadinuju at Government House Awka on November 22nd, 2023, Senator Ekwunife stated that history will be kind to him due to his giant infrastructural strides when internally generated revenue and federal allocation were insufficient to meet government obligations.
Ekwunife described Mbadinuju as a great man with a large heart who had good intentions for Anambra State but was unfortunately victimized by slanderous lies and blackmail from those who wanted power at all costs.
She highlighted that despite receiving only ₦750 – ₦800 million monthly allocation while salaries alone amounted to over ₦450 -₦470 million each month during his tenure, he managed to initiate several legacy projects such as the Government House, Ekwueme Square, Dora Akunyili Women Dev Centre, judiciary complex amongst others.
Mbadinuju also registered Orient Petroleum for operations in Anambra State which made it an oil producing state even when other states annexed oil wells for themselves.
According to Senator Ekwunife’s account of Mbadinuju’s performance record; “with all these achievements history will judge the late governor right.”
She warned against rewarding good works with bad remarks as was meted out on Chinwoke Mbadinuju during his tenure due to political rascality and wicked permutation from opponents who took advantage of his kindness and sincerity of purpose.
Ekwunife commended Prof Chukwuma Soludo (the current Governor) for setting records straight about Mbadiniju’s administration stating that figures don’t lie; leaders like Odera should be celebrated not disparaged because no matter how long it takes truth must prevail.
She prayed that God grants Dr Chinwoke Mbadiniju eternal rest while giving fortitude especially to Nnenne (his wife) and children in bearing this irreparable loss.
