Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has announced that he is waiting to hear from the chairman of Afikpo North Local Government Area, the Regent of Unwana, Alu Ibiam and others in the community whether to build a brand new palace for the former premier of the Eastern Region, Dr. Akanu Ibiam or renovate the existing one.
“We went to Akanu Ibiam’s palace and saw that the road which leads to his palace needed urgent attention. And at Akanu Ibam palace, we offered to renovate it (palace) within the period of one year or in the alternative, build a brand new palace within a period of two years. We are now waiting for the community to advise us on what to do.”
Engr. Umahi who spoke when he conducted an inspection of some projects in the community, also promised to commence the rehabilitation of the bad portions of the Afikpo-Unwana road within the next couple of weeks.
The governor extolled the leadership qualities and pioneering role which Dr. Ibiam played in the creation of Ebonyi State, adding that his administration would continue to accord him the highest honour.
Until his death in July 1995, the late premier, who founded Ohanaeze Ndigbo, was the traditional ruler of Unwana.
Umahi was also in Ekoli Edda where he inaugurated the street light initiated by his administration through the Sustainable Development Goals.
A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, quoted Umahi as having told the people of Ekoli Edda that he could not proceed to Edda without visiting Akanu Ibam’s home even as he charged the caretaker chairmen of the 13 Local Government Areas to protect electric cables and street light installations in their areas against vandalism.
He also called on the people of Edda to work together so as to attract more development, describing Edda people as one of the richest in terms of intellectual capacity and wealth in the state.
“I want to challenge every local government- there should be no stealing of cables.
“If you show example with one person who steals cable, by taking such person to police, others will learn their lesson.
“I want our people here in Edda to work together. You are one of the richest local governments in terms of intellectual capacity and wealth. And so, you have to deploy these in a way of unity to work together and live together.” [myad]
