Paths of Obi's Inner Circle: Key Facts Daniel Bwala Needs to Be Aware Of

A wealthy trader-turned-governor, born in Onitsha in 1961, has become one of the most influential political catalysts in the history of modern Nigeria, evoking strong emotions that have not subsided since his entry into politics, with people either passionately loving or hating him.

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His fiercely loyal followers view him as a political messiah, embodying ascetic discipline, fiscal prudence, and the long-awaited rescue of a nation in distress, as a solid family man untouched by scandal, with a reputation for promoting policies that stimulate inventiveness, industry, and thrift.

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During his tenure in Anambra State, he implemented economising measures, abolishing offices with emoluments but no duties, prompting questions about whether he would apply similar policies at the presidency, a prospect that unsettles some politicians accustomed to sharing the national cake without contributing to its creation.

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Opponents, such as Mr. Daniel Bwala, portray him as a destabilising force who disrupted the established political order, triggering a sustained campaign to diminish his relevance, with a wide range of voices, including state actors, commentators, and former allies, joining the critique.

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Notable critics include Bayo Onanuga, Reno Omokri, and Femi Fani-Kayode, who have levelled various accusations against him, with their rhetoric often marked by unmannerly flares of wrath, satire, ridicule, and vituperation, in an effort to distort the truth and undermine his reputation.

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The intensity of opposition he faces is, for his supporters, a form of validation, as he has become a figure who cannot be ignored in Nigerian politics, loved and criticised in equal measure, and remains a consequential political figure of his era, having chosen to side with the people against their oppressors.

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Despite the rhetoric, many arguments against him collapse under their own contradictions, with distorted interpretations of facts competing with one another, often raising more questions than they answer, and simple claims being stretched into sweeping generalisations, such as the argument that his former appointees are not "doing well".

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This claim, often made by Daniel Bwala, raises an unresolved question: what does "doing well" actually mean, with the answer frequently reduced to whether individuals have become senators or members of the House of Representatives, reflecting a deeper structural tragedy in Nigerian political life.

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In this system, governance is frequently interpreted through the narrow lens of access to power rather than impact, productivity, or professional advancement, with success measured by entry into elite political circles, rather than the broader development of individuals or institutions.

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Against this backdrop, it is worth examining the trajectories of some of Obi's former appointees and associates, such as his former Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Oseloka H. Obaze, who has established a policy consultancy firm and remains one of the most sought-after consultants in the country.

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Others, such as Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna, have returned to academia, risen to become Dean of their faculty, and now serve as a Deputy Vice Chancellor, with many having advanced to professorial ranks, including figures such as Emenike Obi, Kay Onyechi, and Lawrence Ikeakor.

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Service under Obi is often cited as part of their professional experience, not as a limitation, but as an additional credential, with Professor Patrick Obi noting that his experience working with Obi has been viewed favourably by interviewers when changing institutions.

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His former Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Michael Egbebike, has become a respected environmental consultant to international organisations, while Architect Callistus Ilozumba has expanded his professional footprint and is achieving success in the field of architecture.

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Others, such as Mr. Peter Afuba and Chief Alexander Ejesieme, have attained the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, the pinnacle of the legal profession, with many having pursued successful careers in academia, law, public service, business, and traditional leadership.

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Some have built enterprises, others have advanced professionally, and many have remained active contributors in their respective fields, with Obi often providing personal support, including guarantees that enabled individuals to access bank credit and establish businesses.

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The evidence suggests that the claim that those who worked with him are not "doing well" is difficult to sustain, unless "doing well" is narrowly defined as occupying political office or seeking one with stolen funds, with the reality being a pattern of professional continuity and advancement across multiple sectors.

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This reminds one of the ancient Greek philosopher Democritus' insistence that he would "rather discover a simple demonstration in geometry than win the throne of Persia", highlighting the value of meaningful contributions over mere power or wealth.

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Ultimately, Peter Obi may not have offered the kind of access to illicit enrichment or rapid political accumulation that fuels parts of Nigeria's political class, but those who have worked with him appear to have moved on to productive and often distinguished paths, without being bogged down by active or dormant EFCC cases or ending up in detention.

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As a testament to their enduring relationship, they maintain an active WhatsApp group through which they communicate, leaving one to wonder who is not with him in Nigeria today, and what could be more successful than this, a question that remains to be answered.

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Obienyem writes from Awka.