Obiano Wants Anambra Airport Named After Him; First Rain Devastates Structures

By Charles Igbo

In an unprecedented decision, out-going Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano,  and his State Executive Council Members, approved that the  Anambra International Passenger/ Cargo Airport be named after him.

The decision was taken at one of its final Executive Council meetings where he reminded them that he remains in charge until the midnight of March 15, 2022.

The process which led to the decision to rename the Airport waa like a comic relief, short of calling it childish.

In a viral video on WhatsApp, an Exco member, who wore a white suit, stood up, microphone in hand, and reminded the Governor and members that they had started discussions on the renaming of the Airport after  Obiano, but did not quite conclude. As he went round and round in what would pass as psycophancy at its worst, Governor Obiano cut him short, and took over the job of an umpire in an issue he was central to.

In a magisterial voice, he called for an on-the-spot vote – for, and/or against the re-naming the Airport after him. “Those who are in favour (of re-naming the Airport after him), indicate by raising up your hands”, he bellowed. The majority, of course, raised their hands. And even though the outcome was obvious, he asked those against to do the same. About two people, who appeared not very sure of themselves, did. The majority carried the vote.

The Airport, newly built, commissioned and operational, is a legacy project of the Obiano Government who insists he borrowed no kobo from anywhere to build.

Even then, the integrity of some of the structures has come into question. The very first rain in the State, devastated a number of the structures. Roofs were blown away amongst some other noticeable shabby jobs.

Not a few people have raised an uproar over the suggestion/decision that the Airport be re-named after Obiano. They ask if he built it with his personal money, and remind him it is, at once, inappropriate and untidy for him to even think of re-naming the Airport after himself.

They have warned the incoming Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, who Obiano brags is his “project from beginning to end”, not to dare agree to re-naming the Airport after Obiano.

The International Airport is located at Obiano’s Community, Aguleri.