This is surely a memorable period for Chief Akachukwu Nwankpo, one of the few known member of the prestigious kitchen cabinet of President Goodluck Jonathan, as his rumoured governorship ambition in his Anambra home state continued to get quality endorsements.
He was last weekend conferred with a chieftaincy title alongside his wife, Lolo Obiageli, by the 70 communities that make up the Olu Clan in the state, during a civic reception in his honour.
The occasion which was tactically planned as a way to say ‘thank you’ to him for coming to their aid during the 2012 flood disaster that enveloped majority of the areas, later turned into a kind of political rally.
It was held at the Ofala-Ground of the traditional ruler of Igbariam, Anambra East council area of the state, Igwe Nzekwe Nkelly Kelly, the Okalakwu-Igbariam. It was earlier scheduled to hold at the township stadium of the council at Otuocha but they were forced to relocate it to Igbariam by some political exigencies.
Akachukwu whose governorship ambition got a big boost and endorsement at the occasion was honoured with a chieftaincy title of ‘Ogo Bu Chi’, along with his wife, who was conferred with ‘Di Bu Ndo’
Addressing the mammoth crowd of enthusiastic supporters who thronged the arena to catch a glimpse of the couple and their close associates, Nwankpo said he was humbled. He admitted he was not given to too much crowd or publicity but have been forced by circumstances of public service and the series of reception to come out. He said he would put more effort and zeal in ensuring that confidence of Nigerians, especially the citizens was once again reposed in government and government business.
He lamented that the initial plans by the event organizers to hold the function at Otuocha was thwarted by some paid agents of destabilization, he thanked the 70 communities who he described as his in-laws, for considering him worthy of their daughter and the chieftaincy title.
He said that he strongly believes in politics without bitterness, and wondered why his rising profile and popularity was causing intense discomfort to other politicians who appear to be basking in old school politics.
One of the leaders of Thought from the area, Chief Ikechukwu Onwudiwe thanked God for a successful event. He praised the wise choice of the 70 monarchs from the area who honoured Akachukwu as a worthy son-in-law.
Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Health, Prof Alphonsus Nwosu described Akachukwu as a man of integrity and humility who never allows the glamour of working very closely with the President to get into his head or attitude. That he is worthy to be trusted with any serious and challenging responsibility.
Igwe Kelly who led other notable monarchs including Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo, Osuofia of Nawfia, Njikoka council to the event described Chief Nwankpo as a man of honour and integrity.
The presidential aide has since last year been received and conferred with chieftaincy titles from among the top monarchs spread in all the 3 senatorial zones of the state. This latest was in appreciation of his indomitable role in helping and resettling all those affected by the recent submerging of some areas in the state by flash floods. He was reported to be at home with people of the state, little wonder they have continued to lure him to run for the governorship of the state, come Nov 2013.
