The Biafra Independence Movement and Movement for Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, BIM-MASSOB has tasked the Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, to immortalise the late Biafran leader, Dim Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, by naming the newly-built Anambra International Aargo Airport, Umueri after him.
In a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Elder Chris Mocha, BIM-MASSOB said if the Enugu airport could be named after the former Governor of old Eastern Nigeria, Dr Akanu Ibiam and Imo State airport named after the late Governor of the State, Dede Sam Onunaka Mbakwe, “what’s still preventing His Excellency, Chief Willie M. Obiano from according similar status on Dim Ojukwu?”
The statement describes Ojukwu as “an institution and asset to Ndi- nambra, stressing that the naming of Anambra International Cargo Airport after one of the illustrious sons of the State will be rewarding Ndigbo and a parting gift to the Biafran people .
‘Ojukwu is the greatest Igbo man either dead or alive today. Rewarding Ndi- Anambra by naming the airport after Ojukwu would disapprove the thoughts and mindsets of some people that Obiano hated the former Head of State of the defunct Biafra.
“Obiano has done well in some areas and he’s leaving behind some legacy projects built by his administration including the Aroma flyover, that of UNIZIK fly over and another flyover at Amawbia junction, all within the Awka capital territory.
“Other legacy projects include the Eziagulu-Otu bridge, Iyiora- Anam bridge and Umueje bridge linking the area to the Oil Wells location at Enugu Otu Aguleri but Obiano failed in the construction of both urban and rural roads to connect communities with their neighbours especially in Umuolum community in Ayamelum LGA.”
The group tasked Governor Obiano to name the airport ahead of the Ojukwu Memorial Day Celebration being held on November 26 in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
Mocha said that BIM-MASSOB is imploring Governor Obiano and members of the State House of Assembly “to among other things begin to initiate a process in the way of legislation that would replace Anambra airport with the name : Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu International Cargo Airport, Umueri.”