BY ABUCHI IFESINACHI, AWKA
As part of the celebration of the country’s 54th Independence Anniversary, Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state has granted amnesty to a total of 25 prisoners in the state.
The governor who stated this yesterday at Dr. Alex Ekwueme square, Awka, during the ceremony to mark the independence celebration said he took the action after consulting the state Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi saying that those granted amnesty was from the various prisons in the state.
Governor Obiano expressed hope in the continued existence of the country despite the various challenges facing the nation pointing out that since the country did not break up during the civil war and later the annulment of the June 12 presidential election presumed to have been won by the now late Chief M. K . O. Abiola, the country would certainly survive any other threat to its corporate existence.
He particularly commended the federal government initiative in tackling the currently security challenges posed by the Islamic fundamentalist group, Boko Haram and expressed Optimism that the insurgents would in a matter of time be contained.
” For some years now the Nigerian Armed Forces have battled to save our country from Boko Haram and the potent danger it presents to our nationhood. With the resilient efforts made by President Goodluck Jonathan, I have no doubt that the defeat of Boko Haram is just a matter of time”, Governor Obiano stated.
In his own reaction, the immediate past state governor, Mr. Peter Obi stated that the 54th Independence Anniversary was yet another opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on how much they have used self-rule to advance the well-bring of their country and her citizens. He called on Nigerians to be more patriotic and support the govt in building a better place for our children by engaging in constructive contributions at all times.
Governor Obiano stated that the successes recorded by his administration in the fight against violent criminal perpetrator, especially, kidnappers and armed robbers has started yielding the expected results saying that investors have been trooping into the state.
He stated that only three days ago, about $148million and another $220million worth of investments in the area of tourism and agriculture were attracted to the state saying that the investments were expected to provide over 25,400 direct jobs and 2,000 indirect jobs.
He also used the occasion to plead with his opponents during the last year’s gubernatorial election which he won to join hands with his administration in the task of developing the state, especially now that the recent decision by the Supreme Court which affirmed his victory had drawn the curtain on any chance of nullifying his election.
