Political pundits have described the 80-man transition committee, outstanding for its “experience and diversity”, nominated by Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, as perfect by all definitions.
Prof. Soludo had, in a press release signed by his Media Assistant, Mr. Joe Anatune, announced the nomination of Dr. Oby Ezekwesili as the Chairperson of the eighty-man Transition Committee alongside other political powerhouses like Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah, Rt. Hon. Uche Okafor, Prof. Pat Utomi, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, and Chief Osita Chidoka.
Others are Hon (Dr) Ben Nwankwo, Hon Charles Odedo, Chief Chikwe Udensi, Dr. Greg Ibe, Dr. Alex Otti, Barrister Pat. Ikwueto, SAN, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, Barrister Echezona Etiaba, SAN, Dr. Law Mefor, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, et al.
While a few have expressed critical reservation of the selection, many others expressed satisfaction for the economic and political giants that line the squad.
Also, while some wondered why Soludo needs an 80-man for a transition committee, other feel that the 80 names listed by the incoming governor is adequate by all standards.
Speaking to News Band, a pundit, who spoke on condition of anonymity, hailed the 80-man transition committee by Soludo, noting that some commentators do not comprehend government at policy formulation or implementation levels.
He said: “A state government is expected to take advantage of its human and natural resources to enable wealth creation that will uplift its citizens’ standards of living.
“To achieve this seemingly simple task using the state civil service structure, one need to note that for 8 years the structure is patronised in a certain way to please the outgoing governor and clique.
“In view of the above facts, how do you reorient and redirect the civil service ways of doing things?
“A transitional committee provides the answer by taken a snapshot of what is going on, flaws and values and advise on enhancement or review.
“The Committee is not a political appointment nor a standing Committees but advisory because Soludo does not have powers to appoint such before his swearing in.”
When asked how many members of the Committee will be needed to relate with the security apparatus and advice on possible ways and means, he said “five in the least”.
Then how many critical sector like the security that needed to be evaluated? he was again asked.
“Education, Health, Water, Power, Transportation, Commerce, Agriculture, Housing, Sports, Youths development, Women mainstreaming, people with disabilities, Traditional Institutions, Judiciary, Legislature, LG Public service and senior citizens, and the list goes on.
How may Committee member will be appropriate to review each of these sectors in the least?
He responded: “Lets say 5 each! Then the 80 names listed by the incoming governor is moderate by all standards.”
He also noted: “The transitional Committee membership is not just Anambrarian but Igbo.
“So I see Prof Solodo’s transition as a big wakeup call by our brothers of the Igbo in building a political trajectory of redefining the [South East] regional polity in the likes of what [Ahmed bola] Tinubu did with the [South West].
“If the complain is driven by political concentration then I understand, because Governor [Nasir] El-Rufai had told us that as opposition even when the action is right, [he] will paint it wrong nonetheless.
“I am impressed with Prof. Solodo transition Committee and will pray they extend their networking on how to integrate with their brothers of the Middlebelt in redefining the Nigerian political voting bloc for an inclusive Nigeria,” he added.
Completely agreeing with him, another pundit declared:
“If each sector had five members, at least the 15 different sectors will gulp the 80-member committee.
“In addition to this committee, the State government is setting up its own transition committee to liaise with that of Soludo, meaning that the current Obiano government and of course the party APGA are captured.
“The Soludo team is very rich in content, experience and diversity with a prospective towards implementing a long term development plan which before now has been developed by the Obiano Govt with Soludo as the head.
“I am not from Anambra but I can see beyond mere political patronage of assembling the best of brains to charting a course.
“The population of Anambra State is bigger than several countries and I can see Soludo looking at the State from the periscope of developing a sustainable project for the mini “Country” called Anambra.
“He surely needs our support.”