Governor elect Willie Obiano was sworn in at a colourful ceremony held at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka. The event was attended by many eminent citizens of the State and well wishers from beyond.
Society’s enduring virtues of love, unity and brotherhood were some of the central themes that dominated the inaugural address of the new Governor.
He said: “The good news is that there is hope for Anambra State. We shall aggressively address the challenge of power supply with the proposed citing of ultra-modern Independent Power Plants, IPP, in the three industrial hubs in the state, especially, in Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka. When fully operational, these plants will generate enough electricity to power the entrepreneurial dreams of our people.”
Speaking of the security in the state, he said: “Anambra will be different under my watch. Not only shall we redraft the operational manual of the entire security apparatchik to ensure a lightening-quick response, we shall also re-orientate our people to see that every citizen has a role to play in the security of our communities. The concept of community policing or what is better known as the Vigilante Groups, has worked well in Anambra State.
“The next challenge however is to re-train, re-equip and refocus them to meet the dynamics of our time. Along the same line, we will strengthen the police and other law enforcement agencies in the state to enhance their efficiency and response rate to distress calls.”
President Jonathan who was represented by his Adviser on inter party matters said that outgoing Governor Obi would remain his Honorary Adviser on Finance and would have a seat at the Federal Executive Council.
In his valedictory speech, outgoing Governor said that his hand over to Obiano was a first for the state.
His words: “Chief Jim Nwobodo did not hand over to Chief Christian Onoh (in the Second Republic); Chukwuemeka Ezeife did not hand over to Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju; Mbadinuju did not hand over to Dr. Chris Ngige and Ngige was not available the day I took my oath of office.’’
He also claimed that when he ‘’was sworn in, Anambra did not have the Governor’s Office, there was no Governor’s Lodge. When I was sworn in, I came with my car but today as we leave here after the new Governor has been sworn in, he will move in a brand new Governor’s car and he will move into a Governor’s Lodge.
Anambra State has returned to the path of peace and progress because when we started the journey all of us knew what it was but today, we can say we have a state.”
The inauguration ceremony was attended by eminent personalities including former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Azubuike Ihejirila, rtd, Gov. Theodore Orji of Abia State, Special Adviser to the President on Inter-Party Affairs, Sen. Ben Obi, GOC 82 Div, Major Gen. S. Yusuf, APGA National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh, Business mogul, Prince Arthur Eze, Sir Emeka Offor, wives of Delta and Cross River State Governors, Roli Uduaghan and Obioma Imoke, Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu and APC Chieftain, Chief Annie Okonkwo.