The Strategic Media Advisor to the Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Chief Eric Opah, Chief Paddy Anyatonwu, on Friday said his principal has demonstrated proven leadership capacity needed to govern the state.
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‎Anyatonwu stated this while speaking on the leadership qualities and business background of the APC governorship candidate during a programme, The Platform on Flo FM, Umuahia.
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‎He said Opah’s ability to build and sustain a multinational business organisation is evidence of his leadership competence, noting that the APC candidate currently has over 150 members of staff, including expatriates.
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‎”When you can attract an American, an Indian, a Pakistani to work for you in Nigeria, in Lagos, what other leadership credential are you looking for? Someone who has over 150 members of staff,” Anyatonwu said.
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‎He explained that running a successful business requires discipline and accountability, as the bottom line and numbers speak at the end of the day.
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‎According to him, the business environment is highly competitive and unforgiving, describing it as uncharted waters where only resilience guarantees survival. He said Opah has navigated that environment successfully for over 20 years.
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‎Anyatonwu disclosed that Fortune Global Shipping and Logistics Limited, founded by Opah, started without a registered business name with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and has grown to become an international brand with branches outside Nigeria.
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‎He added that Opah has other business interests, including a franchise for importation of quality drinks into Nigeria and an auto business, beyond Fortune Global.
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‎”Leadership is leadership. There is no separate school where you learn how to deal with Abians or how to deal with Anambra people. If you understand people and you have the discipline to deliver what is due to people, you can lead anywhere,” he said.
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‎The media advisor cited precision in the shipping business as an example of Opah’s managerial discipline, explaining how vessel operations require timely supply of bunker fuel, food, drugs and other logistics without margin for error.
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‎He noted that managing staff, bankers, customers, suppliers and international partners in such operations demonstrates the kind of capacity required to manage Abia State with its 17 Local Government Areas and 184 wards.
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‎Anyatonwu said his continued loyalty to Opah since working with him in 2012 is based on his understanding of his leadership style and integrity.
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‎”For me to still call him boss after I left in 2012 till today means I understand who he is. Integrity is integrity everywhere in the world,” he said.
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‎He argued that a man who created value from point zero without funding would do excellently well when given access to public resources.
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Opah Has Capacity to Lead Abia, Says Strategic Media Advisor
