Prof Stella Okunna reacts to Fiscal bailout: Time for states to recalibrate, Obaze’s Article

Given the frightening realities of fiscal indiscipline in most states of the Federation in recent years, as exposed
recently by the clamour for fiscal bailout by a number of states, as well as the realization that a few 'elite' State Governors (such as the immediate past Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi) got it right by exhibiting exemplary fiscal discipline, I agree completely with Valentine Obienyem that "Even Peter Obi’s 'enemies' cannot talk about fiscal discipline in today’s Nigeria, vis-à-vis Governors owing salaries or that bequeathed debts to their States without mentioning Mr. Peter Obi, who, in spite of not owing salaries nor contractors and after out-performing other Governors with bigger economic bases, without borrowing or raising bonds, left a hefty 75 Billion Naira (cash and investment) for the State before bowing out in a blaze of glory."
Indeed, it is becoming increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to discuss the subject of fiscal discipline and the overriding need to cut down the cost of governance anywhere in Nigeria today without Peter Obi's name coming up again and again. In any such discussion, which is quite widespread nowadays, the 'Peter Obi Model' is often recommended for adoption by both new and old Governors as well as other people in leadership and management positions in public establishments.
Given this scenario, therefore, Peter Obi's name and 'image ' will definitely loom large in the mind of virtually every knowledgeable/informed Nigerian who reads Hon Oseloka Obaze's write-up on Fiscal Bailout. Consequently, Valentine Obienyem should not fret over whether Hon Obaze mentioned Peter Obi or not. I also hold Hon Obaze in very high esteem and will always be appreciative of his decorum with which he enriched governance in the Peter Obi Administration. He has written a very good article, and has written it the way he wanted to write it. Nobody should put words into his mouth.
Nevertheless, like Valentine said, even Peter Obi’s 'enemies' will consciously or unconsciously 'see ' his name written all over Hon Obaze's write-up! I personally 'saw' it and I know perfectly well why Peter Obi has achieved the status of guru in Nigeria today in fiscal discipline and the management of scarce resources. And I should know! Was I not at the centre of it all, having been in his government throughout his eight years in office, beginning in the early years as his Hon Commissioner for Information? I was indeed at the centre of it in my capacity as his Hon Commissioner for Planning and Budget, his Chief of Staff, and the Chair of his MDGs Implementation Committee - with the Vision of his Administration predicated on the achievement of the MDGs (Millennium Development Goals), a vision that was nationally and internationally acclaimed.
Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna,
Head of the Department of Mass Communication,
Nnamdi Azikiwe University,
Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.