Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s two-year anniversary thanksgiving service held at the International Convention Center, Awka, was marred by the absence of major stakeholders in Anambra State. Despite the presence of Chris Ngige, Dr Innocent Chukwuma, and Sir Emeka Offor, notable political, religious, and business figures were noticeably missing from the event.
Some of the notable figures that were absent from the thanksgiving ceremony include former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, Senator Stella Odua, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Uche Ekwunife, and Senator Tony Nwoye. There were also absence of house of representatives members from other political parties.
The Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, Archbishop Valerian Okeke, and the Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Peter Cardinal Okpalaeke, were equally not present at the event though they sent representatives.
It was observed that even the business class, chose to stay away from the thanksgiving service.
The absence of Dr Oby Ezekwesili, who headed Soludo’s transition committee was also shocking.
Previously, the media would be filled with congratulatory messages for the Governor on newspapers and social media platforms praising his achievements. However, in this case, apart from party members and a few traditional rulers, the majority of Anambra people did not send any felicitations and opted to stay away from the event.
According to a source, the reason behind the absence of major stakeholders might be linked to their falling out with the Governor.
The source stated that the fact that these were people who had always attended the Governor’s event leaves much to be desired.
Some political watchers are of the opinion that the huge absence of these major stakeholders at an event the governor held dear to heart portends a sign that all is not well and believe it might affect his second term.
The Governor used the occasion to unveil his 100 Foundational Footprints booklet which detailed his achievements in two years of his administration.
The thanksgiving Mass was presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Jonas Benson Okoye, Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese.
The event was also attended by Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku ,Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese,Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor, Sir Dan Chukwudozie, Amb Bianca Ojukwu and Several Anambra Government officials including House of Assembly members, as well as representatives from APGA, National and State working committees of the party were present to celebrate the Governor’s two-year anniversary.
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