The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Anambra State gubernatorial standard bearer, Mr John Chuma Nwosu, has said that some governors are operating as demi-gods by taking draconian and unilateral actions against their citizens. He regretted that while all eyes are on the Presidency, state chief executives run roughshod over democratic institutions at the sub-national level.

Nwosu frowned on the recent N50 million levies slammed on political parties and candidates for the forthcoming gubernatorial polls in Anambra State, stressing that it smacks of desperation, fear of fair competition and abuse of power.

While noting that the levy, which came months before the November 8 governorship election, is evidence that things have broken down in Anambra, which is expected to be first among equals. The ADC flag bearer said he decided to pay the obnoxious levy before letting the world know of his reservations.

Recall that the Anambra State government placed a price tag of N50 million or N800 million for the placing of campaign billboards in the build up to the governorship polls, in which the incumbent Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, is also seeking re-election.

But, speaking to The Guardian on the issue, Nwosu observed that the government wants to make the playfield uneven for competitors, stressing that the governor is negating the principles of fair competition.

“Imagine how it sounds that a competitor in a race is setting the rules of engagement. The government wants to intimidate Soludo’s rivals. They claim that the levy covers the cost of keeping the environment clean after outdoor campaigns.”

“So, if the intention was in the overall interest of the state or even for environmental protection, wouldn’t a forward-thinking administration send a bill to the state Assembly for a law to guide the process?

“Well, as a law-abiding citizen desirous of giving our people good governance, we have complied by paying in full the assessed mandatory fee for parties and candidates to display political campaign advertisements and materials in Anambra State,” he stated.

The governorship hopeful remarked that some of the things happening in government explain why he insists that integrity and pedigree should work in tandem in leadership recruitment.

Urging that Nigerians must restore faith and trust in our leaders, Nwosu regretted that the distrust gap between our leaders and the led remains quite wide.

He condemned Soludo’s refusal to lead by example, pointing out that both the governor and his running mate have not cared to pay the mandatory levy, thereby making themselves outlaws.