The Anambra State gubernatorial standard bearer of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. John Chuma Nwosu, has lamented that some state governors are operating as demi-gods by taking draconian and unilateral actions against their citizens.

He regretted that while all eyes are trained on the Presidency at the national level, state chief executives run roughshod over democratic institutions at the subnational level.

Nwosu frowned at the recent N50 million levy slammed on political parties and candidates for the forthcoming gubernatorial poll 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 to 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 lead up to the governorship poll, in which the incumbent, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, is also seeking re-election.

But, speaking to The Guardian on the immoral stench of the levy, 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 the rivals of Governor Charles Soludo. 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, would not a responsible and 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 the incumbent governor’s refusal to lead by good example, pointing out that both Soludo and his governorship running mate have not cared to pay the mandatory levy, thereby making themselves out as outlaws.

His words: “This is surely a failure of leadership by example, as well as manifest tendency to make the Anambra State revenue generation effort very punitive. The political campaign advertisement levy, even with the best of intentions, does not avail candidates a level playing field. It is also meant to abridge free speech by executive fiat.”

Nwosu maintained that as an entrepreneur and good manager of wealth and people, he would govern the state with fear of God and ensure that the Igbo culture of egbe belu ugo belu (freedom and equal opportunity) reigns supreme in the state.