Awka, Nigeria – Dr. Uche Nworah, former MD/CEO of the Anambra State Broadcasting Service (ABS) under the administration of former Governor Willie Obiano, has responded to recent comments made by the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, regarding the renaming of Abakaliki Street in Awka.
In a statement made via his Facebook page, Dr. Nworah described the Commissioner’s remarks as “true but quite unfortunate,” stating that they lacked the necessary historical context and could cast the previous administration in an unfair light.
“The Commissioner should have inquired about the reasons behind the renaming from those who were in office at the time,” Nworah wrote. “Government is a continuum. You inherit assets and liabilities. The Soludo government is an offshoot of the Obiano government, just as the Obiano government was an offshoot of the Peter Obi administration.”
According to Dr. Nworah, the decision to rename Abakaliki Street to “Club Road” during the Obiano administration was not arbitrary, but rather a calculated destination marketing strategy. The goal, he explained, was to enhance visibility and accessibility in the emerging nightlife district of Awka, making it easier for visitors and locals alike to locate hotels, clubs, and other entertainment hubs.
He further clarified that the name “Abakaliki” was not discarded or disrespected, as another street adjacent to Club Road was simultaneously renamed Abakaliki Street — a more fitting location that preserved the identity and significance of the name.
“Nothing was lost in this process,” Nworah emphasized. “The name Abakaliki was not disrespected in any way.”
Dr. Nworah concluded his remarks by urging public officials to exercise caution when commenting on sensitive matters related to previous administrations, especially when such comments may distort historical facts or influence public perception negatively.
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