His Royal Majesty, Sir Bennet Izuchukwu Emeka Okebo II, has called on the people of Anambra State to rally behind Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo as he begins his second term in office, urging collective support for effective governance, improved security, and equitable development across the three senatorial zones.
Speaking with newsmen in Awka, the traditional ruler reaffirmed his confidence in Governor Soludo’s leadership and praised the success of the recently concluded governorship election, which he described as “the most peaceful in Anambra’s history.”
“The election has come and gone; what we are entering now is real governance. Our focus should be on how to support the governor to govern Anambra very well, especially in curbing the little insecurity that remains in the state,” the monarch said.
He commended the governor’s developmental strides but urged him to prioritize the completion and full activation of the Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport at Umueri, rather than embarking on a new airport project in another zone.
“That airport has not started functioning the way it should. Instead of thinking of building another airport in the South, let the Umueri airport start functioning properly. It should have the Air Force, Fire Service, Immigration, Customs, and warehouses. It’s a cargo airport — it should work like one,” he stated.
The monarch also advised the governor to construct a direct access road from Umueri, the host community, to the airport to give locals a sense of belonging. He called for more flight operations to and from the facility to boost economic activity.
Reaffirms Commitment to Zoning Formula
HRM Okebo II reiterated the importance of the zoning arrangement in Anambra’s politics, describing it as a product of wisdom by the state’s leaders of thought, not by any political party.
“Zoning was agreed upon by traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders for peace, equity, and justice. It started with Anambra North, which produced Chief Willie Obiano, then moved to Anambra South with Governor Soludo. After Soludo, it will go to Central, and later back to the North,” he explained.
He dismissed recent criticisms of the zoning system as “mischievous,” insisting it has brought fairness and stability to Anambra’s politics.
“Without zoning, Anambra North might not have produced a governor. We don’t have the same financial capacity as other zones. Zoning has worked, and it has come to stay,” he said.
Calls for Release of Nnamdi Kanu
On the lingering agitation in the Southeast, the royal father appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, saying it would bring lasting peace to the region.
“People are tired of the sit-at-home order. It no longer has the same effect as before. But the real solution is to release Nnamdi Kanu. His release will help calm the tension and end the sit-at-home completely,” he said.
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