In this analysis m, Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka Our Managing Editor writes on monday that ss Governor Chukwuma Soludo pushes ahead with the construction of a second airport in Anambra State, senior lawyer and human rights advocate Amobi Nzelu Esq says the timing and justification are wrong. The Principal Partner at Chinenye Chambers in Abuja, who prosecuted the Apo Six case pro-bono, argues that with the state’s existing airport about six years old, scarce resources should be channeled to roads and amenities that will directly impact the lives of Ndi Anambra. In this analysis, Nzelu questions the capital intensity of the project and asks: what will a second airport add that upgrading the first one cannot?
Mr. Nzelu, 74, said he is speaking as a “realist” with decades of legal practice and no history of seeking political appointment. “At my age, where I’m going to is nearer than where I’m coming from. I say it as it is,” he stated.
He recalled that during the administration of former Governor Willie Obiano, Anambra built an airport in Umueri. That facility was officially commissioned less than about six or five years ago and is still new.
“The runways are very alright at the landing there,” Nzelu noted. He emphasized that the existing airport even boasts of a long runway.
Given that, he questioned the rationale for a second airport. “What is the landmass of Anambra State? What will that second airport do to us or add to us?” he asked.
Nzelu’s core argument is about opportunity cost and capital intensity. “Airport is not cash and carry. It requires planning and humongous investment financially.”
He proposed an alternative: take 20-25% of the money budgeted for the new airport and use it to upgrade the existing one. “Put one or two amenities in the airport that is in existence,” he advised.
“Why second airport in Anambra State?” he asked repeatedly. “What purpose will this airport serve that the money shared into half, or one quarter of it can be used to develop this one that is in existence?”
The lawyer said he tried to convince himself that the project might have merit, but could not. “Even as I try to convince myself that it is not, I find myself being dissuaded because of its capital intensity.”
He stressed that Anambra is a small state by landmass. “Wherever you build this airport, from where the old one, we will not be able to see very much difference. Not be 30-40 minutes difference. So what?”
Nzelu shifted focus to areas he believes need urgent funding. “There are areas we needed finances in Anambra that can better the lives of our people, and we’re going to airport again.”
When asked what areas Governor Soludo should face instead, Nzelu pointed to roads. “The roads being built should be upgraded to have the test of time to stand the harsh weather and inclement weather of the State.”
He acknowledged Soludo’s academic background. “He’s a professor. He knows better where to deploy the resources of this state, and we’re going to get value.”
Nzelu commended the governor for completing projects started under late Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju. “I salute him for the government house that started under Mbadinuju to completion. That is a massive plus, and that’s what gave him second victory in the election.”
His advice: “Let him sit down with his team and know where best to put in funds that will make people of Anambra feel the impact of his government.”
On the fact that construction has already started, Nzelu said the executive must still review priorities. “He has already started it. I have the opinion that he should stop. Let the executive of the state decide on what to do, decide on his priorities.”
In conclusion, Nzelu said as a private legal practitioner of 46 years, his concern is value for money. “I’m just a common lawyer sitting in my law office. But what does that intend to achieve? I need to be convinced.” He maintained that until that justification is clear, the second airport remains an unnecessary burden on Anambra’s finances at this time.
