“These Are Our Own People, Killed Everyday” – Gov Obiano

By Charles Igbo

Pledges N20m reward Information on Dr Chike Akunyili’s Killers, provides number to call

After days of killing spree in Anambra State, Governor Willie Obiano has, finally, addressed the people of the State. This address has long been expected from him, especially, in the wake of the worsening security situation in Anambra State.

However, it took the inexplicable, gruesome murder of Dr Chike Akunyili, a renowned Physician, and the husband of late Professor Dora Akunyili, former Director General of NAFDAC, and later, Information and Communications Minister under President Goodluck Jonathan, for Obiano to speak.

Dr Akunyili was killed along with his Police Orderly and driver at Nkpor junction on his way back home after receiving an award given to his late wife by the University of Nigeria Alumni Association, Onitsha Branch on  Tuesday, September 28, 2021. About four other people were also killed.

Accusations and counter accusations as to who killed  Akunyili have been like claps of thunder. Every group, every institution mentioned, has vehemently denied. Apparently, those who killed him either did not know his identity, or did not bargain for the outrage that has greeted their horrific, insane, action within and outside Nigeria.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, September 29, promised that the killers and whoever their sponsors are, would face Judgement. The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, observed a one-minute silence in Dr Akunyili’s honour.

Both Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organisation, and Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2019 Presidential election, have expressed sadness, shock and outrage.

In his address to the people of Anambra State on Wednesday, September 29, Governor Obiano recounted the killings in the State within the past one week, which climaxed in the killing of Dr Akunyili on Tuesday, September 28, and reminded Anambra people that it is their own people that they are killing everyday, over nothing. He promised that the killers would be arrested. And to make that faster, he has dangled the sum of N20m reward at anybody, any group, that would provide the clue to the arrest of the killers of Dr Chike Akunyili and the others.

Following is the full text of Governor Willie Obiano’s address to the people.

ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF ANAMBRA STATE ON WEDNESDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER, 2021.

“It is on a very sad note that I address the State today to condemn, in very strong terms, the violence that has been witnessed in Anambra in the past few days.

“Since last weekend, some armed persons have unleashed terror with sporadic attacks on innocent citizens in various parts of the State

“From the briefings I have received from Security Commanders, Offices of some political parties, branded campaign vehicles and individuals occupying them have been attacked with killings and burning of vehicles observed. Other innocent road users have become victims of this menace with many losing their lives and others, their properties.

“Between Sunday 26th and yesterday 28th September, 2021 attacks on citizens at Oko, Agulu, Obosi, Nkpor, Nnobi, Nnewi and other places have left about ten (10) people dead including an illustrious son of this State, Dr Chike Akunyili, husband of late Prof Dora Akunyili who was reportedly gunned down yesterday around Nkpor.

“These are our own people dying every day and for what reason?

“Ndi Anambra, these attacks and accompanying deaths cannot be justified and must stop now.

” I have, therefore, conducted an extensive security meeting and have directed all Security Agencies to step up and confront this monster ravaging our land. I charge everyone involved in the security architecture of Anambra State to take, very seriously, this threat to our livelihood and boldly rise to confront same.

“Everything that needs to be done will be done and no stone will be left unturned in this effort.

“My directive to this effect is clear, and I urge every security personnel on duty in Anambra State to do his utmost best to secure our people.

“To all citizens of Anambra State and every person living and doing business in our State, I urge you now to join forces with us to confront this common enemy.

“We cannot condone this savagery for any reason whatsoever. I, therefore, call on all our youths in the State to rise up and protect our communities. Traditional Rulers, Presidents General, Clergy men, Vigilante Groups and all leadership structures must now take responsibility and in conjunction with the Police, Military and other Law Enforcement Agencies, work to restore order immediately.

“To reinforce our commitment and seriousness on this issue, I, on behalf of the State Government, wish to announce a twenty million Naira (N20,000,000.00) reward for any useful information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators of these heinous attacks on our State.

“The people behind this must be unmasked and brought to book. I urge Citizens to report to us, anybody bearing firearm who is not a Security or Vigilante personnel, so we can deal with this monster, once and for all.

“Call 07039194332 or approach any Security deployment if you have any information. As the Americans say, IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING.

“At this point, I wish to most heartily condole with the families of all those who have lost their loved ones in the course of these senseless attacks. I promise you that we will leave no stone unturned in getting justice for them.

“May their souls rest in peace.

“Finally, I urge all citizens of the State to unite in this fight against all forms of terror, intimidation and tyranny. We will not succumb to invaders as I am convinced that no Anambra son will indulge in this kind of heartlessness. I warn all those promoting and participating in these violent attacks to leave our State or pay a high price as we will definitely catch up with them.

“To all law abiding citizens and persons living in our State, I urge you to go about your lawful businesses but we must now ALL go to work and take back our State.

“This is Anambra, the Light of the Nation, where darkness has no place. The events of the last one week will not be allowed to fester and by God’s grace, we shall overcome.”