By Ebere Suzy Okoye
President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday promised the ground breaking on the 2nd Niger Bridge before 17th of March, explained that the delay in the take-off of the project was to ensure that fund for construction of the bridge was provided, so that it would not be like some other projects which their ground breaking was performed but they later became moribund.
Jonathan said this during a courtesy visit to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe at Ime Obi palace in Onitsha after his visit from Imo State where he went for unity rally in putting the PDP member together.
President Jonathan described Anambra people as very lucky to have Governor Peter Obi who is the one Governor that does not owe any financial institution in Nigeria in spite of his giant achievements in his State. He expressed confusion whenever he visits Anambra, he said ‘’ there is no clear different between APGA and PDP.’’
He thanked the people of the State for their support and contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria, expressed delight at the maximum support he had continued to enjoy from the people of Anambra state.
He appealed to Obi of Onitsha to accommodate the outgoing Governor Mr. Peter Obi in his government after he must have left office in March and to extend the support given to Obi’s government to the incoming governor-elect Mr. Willie Obiano.
Earlier in his welcome address, Igwe Achebe thanked him for his support and love for the Government and people of Anambra State and appealed to him to extend the same love to the incoming Governor, Dr. Willie Obiano.
Igwe Achebe while pointing out to the president some specific problems in the country which includes the Boko Haram insurgency, general security challenges and corruption, he appealed to him to remain focused on his Transformation Agenda.
He assured the president the prayers of Anambra People and constructive advice at all times.
Achebe however commended him for the courage to convoke a National Dialogue which he said it will be an opportunity to deliberate for the good of the country and not for her dismemberment.
Commending Governor Peter Obi for enthroning civility in governance and peace in Anambra State, the Monarch told the President that he would need the services of people of integrity and commitment as Peter Obi. “I cannot resist mentioning once more our indefatigable outgoing governor, Mr. Peter Obi. Your Excellency, you know and we know that Peter Obi is your greatest supporter and pillar of strength in the entire South –East, and will count amongst the few that believe most in you in the entire country. Shall we call him you younger brother or even your son? He will now become fully available when he leaves office next month and we urge you to take him close to you and deploy him effectively, particularly in the immediate period ahead. We assure that he will be an even greater asset to you now that he is free from the burdens of State governance,” the Monarch concluded.
In the President’s entourage were the National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, the Chairman PDP Band of Trustees Chief Tony Anennih and the Governor of Abia state, Chief Theodore Orji.
