The occasion was to highlight matters of security in Anambra state, but politics was not far from the surface. And so it all played out on July 23, when oil mogul and philanthropist, Prince Arthur Eze, suggested that electing Nnewi person as next governor of Anambra state might just be the tonic to engineer massive industrial development and job creation in the state.
Eze’s reasons for visiting the palace of Igwe Keneth Orizu III of Nnewi, yesterday, to introduce the new AIG of Zone 13, AIG Danmallam Mohammed, to the Anambra South Traditional Rulers Council.
In his remarks during the reception at the palace, the oil magnate said that the ancient town of Nnewi has made significant contributions to the development of Anambra state, and the entire southeast.
The industrial and commercial city of Nnewi boasts some of the leading players in commerce and industry in Nigeria. And, electing a son of the community to succeed Governor Obiano at the government house in Awka in 2021 would prove transformative in Anambra’s quest to really position the “Light of the Nation” as a major industrial and economic hub in the southeast.
Eze said: “Nnewi has contributed greatly to the development of Anambra state and the southeast by extension.
“Notable companies such as the Innoson Motors, Innoson Plastics, Ibeto Cement and Ibeto Petrochemical, Capital oil and Gas, A-Z Oil and Gas, Coscharis, Emzor Pharmaceuticals, among others, are owned by Nnewi sons and daughters.
“Through these companies, they created jobs and boost socio-economic development of Anambra, southeast and Nigeria in general.
“In the past, names like Chukwuemka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Sir Louis Ojukwu, Akweke Nwafor-Orizu, among many others, were names that projected the image of the state to the outside world.
“So, Nnewi people have done much, and, in my own opinion, if any of their sons gunning for the governorship seat in 2021, is considered to succeed Obiano, I believe, Anambra State will move to a higher pedestrian.”
Returning to the principal reason for the Nnewi visit, Prince Eze urged the traditional rulers and their subjects to give the new AIG all the necessary supports he would need to succeed and to rid the state of crime and criminal elements.
“Please, His Royal Majesties, our main reason of coming to you is not only to introduce the new AIG to you, but also to seek your cooperation and those of your subjects, so that he will succeed.
“The new zone covers Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi states; but as the host state, it is our duty to help the new zone succeed by helping them nip crime in the bud,” he added.
Igwe Nnabuife of Isseke Ancient Kingdom, who’s the current chairman of Anambra South Traditional Rulers Council, responded on behalf of the traditional rulers.
Igwe Nnabuife assured the visitors of the support of Anambra South traditional rulers. He further urged the new AIG to work to imbibe the ethos of professionalism among the force under his command.
He also commended Prince Arthur Eze for his laudable effort in attracting the headquarters of Zone 13 to Anambra.
In his remarks, AIG Danmallam Mohammed, commended Anambra people and the traditional rulers in particular, for the warm reception accorded him on assumption of office as pioneer AIG of Zone 13.
According to the AIG, Anambra will be well served as the personnel and officers of the new zone would not derail from the purpose for which the zone was established.
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