Governor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State has renamed the controversial Jacob Zuma road after an elder statesman, Chief Mbazuluike Amaechi.
Former Governor Rochas Okorocha had named one of the popular roads in the state after the former South African president and erected his ( Zuma’s) statue on the road. But it was pulled down few days after Ihedioha was inaugurated.
Governor Ihedioha announced the renaming of the dual carriage road to the applause of guests at the birthday celebration of the foremost nationalist held at Sam Mbakwe Hall, Imo Concorde Hotels, Owerri.
He said, “Dr. Amaechi is an icon, one of the founding fathers of the nation whose contributions to nationhood should not be overlooked”
According to the governor, “Dr. Amaechi remains an inspiration, who stood and defended those principles that remain valuable to nation building.”
Mbazulike Amechi a native of Ukpor in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, played very significant role in nationalist movements that led to the attainment of Nigeria’s Independence.
He was elected as a member of the House of Representatives in 1959 and was appointed Minister of Aviation and Transport in 1962.
He is also the only surviving member of Zikist Movement, founded by father of nationalism and Nigeria’s First President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
The governor also hosted former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, President General Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, Dr. John Nwodo, who were in the state to witness Mbazuluike’s birthday in his Mbutu Mbaise country home.
Speaking on the occasion, Obasanjo and Nwodo described Ihedioha as a worthy leader of Imo.
Nwodo said that with Ihedioha at the helm of affairs of the State, there is hope for a new beginning for Imo State and Igbo nation.
Nwodo in his own speech said, “Some of us have said, you have what it takes to make this state one of the leading states in our country”.
He congratulated Governor Ihedioha on his emergence as Governor of Imo State, adding that God will give him the courage and the strength to live up to expectations.
He said, “I believe that God who made you Governor of Imo State this time will give you the knowledge to do what needs to be done for Imo State, to make it one of the leading states in the country. While congratulating you on your electoral victory, I pray the Almighty God to enable you to govern well.
“Having eminently served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, you are eminently qualified to make Imo State one of the best States.
Nwodo commended former President Obasanjo for his statesman role in the country by remaining apolitical.
He also commended the former President for commenting fairly on compelling national issues particularly on Igbo Presidency.
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