Seeing Office Of Wife Of Governor In Anambra As The Baby Soludo Should Not Throw Away

There is no denying the fact that the office of wife of governor as presently called as against “Office Of The First Lady” should exude graciousness, exemplify charity, radiate humbleness and promotes virtue. And like some spurious agencies for charity, the first office of wife of governor should not be seen as an agent of spawning hullabaloo by its very existence or by its interventions. So, if media speculation is anything to go by, why would Governor Charles Soludo somewhat see the office of wifeof the Governor as an inconsequential office that need to be scrapped or has its influence whittled down?

In as much as the First Lady’s office in most jurisdictions is seen as an adjunct to that of her husband, there is no denying the fact that most first ladies invaluably and indispensably perform social functions of state even when their office is not constitutionally provided for. First ladies in Nigeria have always functioned informally but with quasi-official roles receiving and entertaining foreign dignitaries and their families on behalf of the state. Not few observers of the office have posited that contrary to the opinion of some that the office is an unnecessary supplementary cost to government, and that the first lady can actually perform crucial state functions without any additional cost to governance.

Why has the retention or otherwise of that office, which in any case should be minutiae, and unarguably become a controversial issue on which people openly disagree onthe campaigns, which have inarguably been about inanities and profanities so the opportunity offered by this controversy must be milked.

There is no denying the fact that in many developed democracies with functional public institutionalinfrastructure and social welfare schemes for delivery of services to the ordinary people that first ladies have continued to play invaluable charitable and social roles. Some even help in giving expression to particular government policies of special interest. Eleanor Roosevelt and Rosalyn Carter played active roles in the government of the United States.

A reasonable presumption would be that the office of the first lady is pertinent and helpful in Nigeria. Even without statutory grounding, any intervention aimed at delivering succor to the poor especially in a weak society will be welcomed. The grim circumstances that have led to a proliferation or rather mushrooming of NGOs justifies that office.

At this juncture, permit me to say that I was inspired to express my view on this issue as it has been observed that the structure of the office of the First Lady, located at the left-hand side of the entrance gate of the Government House in Awka was sighted to be undergoing renovation, as painters were seen cleaning off the bold inscription “Office of Wife of the Governor.”

It is informatory that the new government started with signing an Executive Order banning touting in Anambra State, making key political appointments, and embarking on some crucial tours and visitations, among others, all aimed at paving the way to run an effective administration as the governor had stated in some of his outings after his swearing-in.

The building currently stands without any inscription, which according to observers, implies abolishment of the ‘Office of the Wife of the Governor,’ by the current administration.

Analysts believe the measure is to cut down on cost of governance and prudently manage the state’s resources.

There are speculations that the Soludo administration might not allow the existence of the ‘First Lady Office,’ as he made no mention of First Lady or Governor’s Wife in his inaugural address.

It is, however, still sketchy, what the building would be used for by this current administration, if truly it decides to scrap the First Lady’s Office.

Be that as it may, the last administration of Chief Willie Obiano created the Office with his wife, Dr. Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano, occupying it throughout the eightyears of two terms as First Lady of the state.

The building was, however, not designated as the Office of the Wife of the Governor during the administrations of former Governors, Chris Ngige and Peter Obi, until the arrival of Chief Willie Obiano who designated it as such.

In Nigeria, however, many incorrigibly selfish and greedy people set up NGOs to seek funds and fame, to cater more for themselves than anyone else. International donors have been scammed severally by these phony set ups, and this malady has adversely affected international support flowing to those in need. Ordinarily, this anomaly necessitates establishment of efficient charities that can gather and channel funds and energies altruistically. To this end, permit me to say that the office of the first lady should be such an agency.

It’s widely assumed that the spouse of a governor anywhere wields power and influence. She will wield even more power in jurisdictions where democratic checks and balances are weak and where democratic institutions are almost nonexistent. The office should then be able to circumvent bureaucracy and meet disadvantaged groups or push policy.

So why does Soludo want the office relegated to the background or have its influence whittled down? Could it be that Soludo views the office of the First Lady as an extra constitutional profligate agency? Or does he thinks that the office has come to be a symbol of vanity, ostentatious living and perhaps political meddlesomeness?

To this end, it would not be a misnomer in this context to say that for as long as the United States of America(USA), which is unarguably the beacon of democracy, continue to adopt democracy as its system of governmentthat it would be inopportune for Soludo to undermine the influence of First Ladyship.

For the sake of clarity, the First Lady position is a ceremonial title bestowed on the hostess of government house, who is most commonly the wife of the sitting president or governor, and who has her tenure as the first lady whose tenure is tied to that of the president or the governor. To my view, Soludo should retain the position as a mark of respect to Anambra women, and his doing that no doubt will give him a commendable reckoning as one of Nigeria’s governors that accorded respect to women, particularly in this era of the struggle and fight for gender equality. To my view, undermining the office of the wife of the governor in Anambra State would tantamount to throwing away the baby and the bath water.

Sandra Ijeoma Okoye (Author)