By Tai Emeka Obasi
The above was the question put to me by a very concerned Anambrarian (not from my constituency), who marvelled at what it would have cost the federal lawmaker representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Constituency to organise and execute the Fourth Free Medical Outreach in view of what each federal representative gets as constituency envelope per quarter.
I told my friend that what you earn doesn’t really make you rich, but rather what you are able to save, then diligently manage that to take care of your basic needs as well as plan effectively for tomorrow. I also drew him to HE Peter Obi’s eight years in office as governor of dear state. Despite not being an oil-producing state and one of the lowest earners from Federal Allocation, Obi was able to achieve all he did in all sectors as well as save a whooping N75 billion for the state before handing over. Yet, he never once over-taxed the poor masses under his jurisdiction.
Truth is that there are genuine local and international bodies set up to assist mankind. This assistance goes in form of aids to the people who are fortunate enough to have genuine leaders that utilise such benevolent aids for the people they’re meant for. For instance, UBEC was set up by the Obasanjo’s government to assist each state in funding education, but the caveat is that it’s through 50% counterpart funding. Only states truly willing to spend the fund on education could draw from it by providing 50% of the the total fund. Obi’s government drew every year from the funds and took our education to national number one.
Engr Azubogu partnered with Doctors On The Move Africa for the good of the poor masses that couldn’t afford adequate medicare across his constituency and beyond. Such bodies are willing to assist leaders genuinely interested in the good of their constituents. Most projects Azubogu attract come in same category where relevant bodies assist him because they know he is never one to pocket the funds for such projects or ever attempt to shortchange the people.
There are many leaders, but very few of them work for 100% benefit of the people. One of those very few is HE Peter Obi. Another is Hon Chris Azubogu.
These are genuine leaders ever #PreparedToServe