By our reporter
A philanthropist in Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra state, Mr Chukwudi Oli has commenced intensive mobilization of indigenes and other residents of the kingdom to endorse Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s re-election bid.
Oli is one of the principal lawyers to the state billionaire oil magnate, Prince Arthur Eze who had already thrown his weight behind Soludo’s re-election.
Apparently following the footsteps of Arthur Eze, the philanthropist said he had concluded arrangements for grand reception of Soludo in Nri kingdom and for the people to publicly declare their support for him.
Deputy governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Uche Ekwunife hails from Nri community.
Some political observers told our reporter that the turnout of Nri people at Soludo reception in the community on Friday will serve as litmus test of Oba Ezeafia’s electoral value in the ancient kingdom.
His close associate, Chief Ogochukwu Egolum, said,” Oba Ezeafia is deploying huge assets to mobilize Nri natives and non-natives for organic endorsement for Soludo’s re-election.
Respected son of Nri Kingdom
Egolum said “Everyone knows that Oba Ezeafia is a great and respected philanthropist in ancient Nri kingdom.
“He built roads, houses for widows and disbursed start-up funds to several youths.
“He has also been funding Nri Onwa Agwu festival for several years and many other such gestures. But he has never gotten involved in politics.
“Oba Ezeafia has decided to get involved in politics because he realized that political platforms give one extra opportunity to touch more lives and attract developments instead of relying on one’s personal income as he has been doing all these years.
“Barr. Chukwudi Oli was very excited when he heard that Governor Soludo recently awarded contract for the construction of the popular Agbanabo road in Nri.
“This is a road which every past government has not given attention despite its strategic importance to socio-economic development of the area.”
He said heads of various villages, women groups, youths, non-natives, age grades, cultural groups have adequately been mobilized by a committee set-up and funded by Ezeafia to plan and organize the reception for the Governor.
“Ezeafia has already returned home to make sure nothing was left undone for the planned grand reception of the Governor,” he added.
