Ngige Reflects on Political Journey, Achievements, and Rift with Obi

Former Anambra State Governor and ex-Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has opened up about his decades in public service, lamenting that his successor, Mr. Peter Obi, failed to acknowledge the projects and funds he inherited from his administration. Speaking in an extensive interview, Ngige recounted his political journey, achievements in office, and the challenges he faced.

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From Medicine to Politics

Ngige’s path to politics began after an accomplished career in medicine and public service. He attended St. Patrick’s Primary School, Enugu, and St. John’s Secondary School, Alor, where he was school captain. After earning his MBBS from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1979, he completed his housemanship in Onitsha and NYSC in 1981 before joining the National Assembly Service.

Following the military coup of 1983, Ngige transitioned into the Federal Civil Service, working in the Ministry of Health and serving in various government medical facilities, including Dodan Barracks Clinic. He also trained in hospital administration in Pakistan.

His political journey began in 1998 under the mentorship of the late Dr. Alex Ekwueme, one of the founders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ngige served as PDP National Secretary for the South East before contesting the 2003 Anambra governorship election, which he won.

Governorship and Removal by Court

Ngige described his tenure as governor as “another kettle of fish,” highlighting extensive infrastructure, health, and education projects. However, his time was cut short when the Court of Appeal nullified his election — making him the first Nigerian governor to be removed by court order.

Determined to continue in politics, Ngige contested subsequent elections, eventually winning a Senate seat in 2011, defeating the late Professor Dora Akunyili. He later served as Minister of Labour under President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023.

Projects and Funds Left for Obi

Ngige stressed that he left significant funds for his successor, Peter Obi — N13.8 billion across various accounts, including N8.7 billion in an Infrastructure Account and N1.7 billion in the CBN. He said this money was earmarked for construction projects and other state investments, such as stakes in Orange Petroleum.

“I left money for him in all those accounts… but he’s not talking about it. That is not good,” Ngige said, adding that his administration cleared all bank debts, paid gratuities to retirees, and implemented a 142% pension increase.

Achievements in Education and Health

Ngige claimed credit for several initiatives later associated with Obi’s tenure. In education, he said he expanded Anambra State University (now Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University), mobilised contractors for faculty buildings, and secured accreditation for over 100 courses. He also handed 95 primary and secondary schools back to missionary bodies in 2005.

In health, Ngige renovated Onitsha General Hospital, added three new operating theatres, and ordered specialist equipment. He aimed to elevate the hospital to a federal medical centre — a goal later achieved.

Urban Renewal and Economic Growth

On urban renewal, Ngige said he decongested Onitsha by relocating traders to new markets in Ogidi, Nkpor, Ogbunike, and Oba, freeing up blocked roads and stimulating commerce. He claimed to have built about 600 kilometres of first-class roads, still in use today.

For traders, Ngige noted that shop spaces he facilitated for just over N1 million now sell for about N300 million, representing significant economic gains.

Civil Service and Judiciary Reforms

Ngige said he restructured Anambra’s civil service by introducing clock-in systems, merit-based promotions, and exams for permanent secretary appointments. He also granted the judiciary greater autonomy, allocating them direct budgets and providing cars for judges and magistrates to maintain dignity.

Regrets and Guiding Philosophy

Although he left active medical practice for politics, Ngige said he never abandoned medicine, calling it “a noble profession” that shaped his discipline. He encouraged his three children to become doctors.

His guiding philosophy, he said, is to “make the generality of people happy,” a principle that drove his choice of career and his governance style.

On Obi’s Silence and Continuity in Governance

Ngige’s major grievance is what he views as Obi’s unwillingness to acknowledge the foundation he laid. “Maybe my successor built them, but he’s saying he built them from ground zero, which is not good, which is not true… the government is a continuum and you need to give honor to whom honor is due,” he said.

Political Future and Anambra’s Elections

Ngige ruled out joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying he remains a member of the APC but is currently on “political sabbatical.” He dismissed fears of electoral malpractice in Anambra’s future elections, insisting no party can manipulate results in the state.

“Those who say they will write the results… nobody can write results in Anambra State. We are a different state,” he declared.

Ngige’s reflections paint the picture of a man proud of his contributions to Anambra and Nigeria but frustrated at what he sees as historical erasure of his work. For him, the debate is not just about politics but about recognition, accountability, and the principle that progress is built on continuity.