…Trailblazing Leadership Celebrated as Engr. Chris Obiorah Immortalizes Her Legacy

In a grand tribute on Saturday, October 6, 2024, Nnewi celebrated H.E. (Dr) Dame Virgy Etiaba, CON, Nigeria’s first female governor, by naming the town’s longest boulevard in her honor. The local government council chairman, Engr. Chris Obiorah, led the ceremony to immortalize Dame Etiaba’s legacy, naming the newly unveiled Dame Virgy Etiaba Street as a symbol of her meritorious service to Anambra State and the nation. The event drew prominent figures, reflecting the widespread respect and admiration for the trailblazing former governor.

Reflecting on the honor, Engr. Obiorah stated, “It is a generally known maxim in life that no person ever gets honored for what they received. Honour has always been the reward for what people gave. Today, we honor a woman who gave her all for the service of our people and our nation.”

Dame Etiaba, who served as the Governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2007, received this distinguished honor while alive, a rarity that underscores the depth of her impact. “People are often honoured after their demise, but it always feels even better to witness people’s perception of your legacy while alive. I congratulate Mama and all those that conceived this noble gesture,” Obiorah added during his presentation.

Dame Virgy Etiaba (middle) after unveiling the street name

The council chairman handed Dame Etiaba a certificate of honor, stating that it symbolized the appreciation of the people of Nnewi for her meritorious contributions to the development of the community and the nation. He emphasized that her legacy of service and leadership remains a beacon for current and future generations.

Industrialist Dr. Cletus Madubugwu Ibeto, speaking at the event, praised the gesture as a fitting recognition for a respected and strong woman. “Dame Etiaba’s strength, resilience, and commitment to the people of Anambra and Nigeria make her deserving of this honor. I commend Chairman Obiorah for ensuring that this legacy will be remembered for generations,” Ibeto said.

Responding on behalf of the Etiaba family, her son, Emeka Etiaba, SAN, expressed deep gratitude for the honor bestowed on his mother. “This is indeed a great honor, and it is even more special that this recognition is happening while my mother is still alive. We thank Engr. Obiorah and the people of Nnewi for this thoughtful initiative,” he said.

Dame Virgy Etiaba has long been recognized as a trailblazer in Nigerian politics. Her tenure as governor marked a significant milestone in the history of female leadership in the country, and her contributions continue to inspire many. With the street now bearing her name, her legacy is cemented in the very fabric of Nnewi’s landscape.

The event attracted an array of dignitaries, including the Obi Ogidi of Uruagu, Obi Bennet Okafor of Umudim; Mr. Innocent Okolie, president-general of Uruagu community; and Honourable Echezo Anazodo, the newly elected chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Council. All present lauded the chairman’s efforts in preserving the town’s heritage through this symbolic gesture.

Hon. Anazodo, in his remarks, noted, “Leadership is about legacy, and today we are witnessing the celebration of a legacy that will inspire us all. Dame Etiaba’s leadership paved the way for many women, and we are proud to honor her while she is still with us.”

The event was a reminder that honor is best given not just in memory of the dead but in celebration of the living. Dame Virgy Etiaba Street now stands as a testament to her enduring contributions and the respect she commands both within Nnewi and beyond.

As Nnewi continues to develop, this gesture reinforces the importance of remembering those who laid the foundation for progress. For Dame Etiaba, this street will forever symbolize her dedication to public service and the deep admiration of her people. GMTNewsng

Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent lawyer, has openly criticized the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun for disregarding a Supreme Court judgment in favor of a Federal High Court ruling regarding local government elections in Rivers State. Okonkwo, in his statement, called this action a violation of legal hierarchy, stressing that all authorities involved in the election, including the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), should have followed the Supreme Court’s directive. The Court had earlier mandated that local government elections must be conducted within 90 days.

Speaking during a live TV show, Okonkwo expressed his disappointment over Egbetokun’s decision, likening it to a situation where a junior officer disobeys the order of a senior officer. He argued that the supremacy of the Supreme Court’s rulings over lower courts should never be in question. According to Okonkwo, “The IG of Police going against the judgment of the Supreme Court because he is parading the judgment of a High Court is blasphemy.”

Okonkwo further elaborated his analogy by saying that if the IGP were to give an order to a police corporal, and that corporal chose to obey a conflicting directive from a lower-ranking officer instead, such behavior would never be tolerated within the force. “If the IG of Police gives an order, and a police corporal disobeys it because a commissioner of police gave a contrary order, the IG would not hesitate to take disciplinary action against that officer,” Okonkwo explained. He emphasized that the same principle applies to the judiciary, where the Supreme Court’s decisions must be upheld without exception.

In his remarks, Okonkwo underscored the importance of respecting the rule of law, particularly when it comes to electoral matters that directly affect democratic governance. “Every institution, including the police and INEC, must be held accountable to the highest legal authority, which is the Supreme Court,” he said. The lawyer warned that disregarding the Court’s judgments could lead to a breakdown of the legal framework that guides the country’s democratic processes.

Okonkwo’s comments come in the wake of widespread criticism against the handling of the Rivers State local government election, where some officials were accused of failing to conduct elections within the timeline set by the Supreme Court. Legal observers and political stakeholders have voiced concerns that the IGP’s reliance on a Federal High Court judgment undermines the integrity of the electoral system.

According to Okonkwo, the Supreme Court’s directive should have been the final word in the matter, and the IGP’s decision to act otherwise sends a dangerous message. “The actions of the IGP suggest that lower courts can override the Supreme Court, which is a complete distortion of justice,” Okonkwo stated.

The criticism has sparked debates among legal experts, with many agreeing with Okonkwo’s position that the Supreme Court’s authority should never be compromised. The legal community is now watching closely to see how the issue will be resolved, with some calling for stronger adherence to the rule of law in future electoral disputes. GMTNewsng

● Tonye Okurumo

Port Harcourt, Rivers State – The Action People’s Party (APP) has emerged victorious in 22 out of 23 local government chairmanship seats in the just-concluded elections in Rivers State, displacing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from its long-held dominance. The elections, which were organized by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), were widely praised for their transparency and fairness, with stakeholders commending the electoral body for its professionalism.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara (L) and Nyesom Wike

Justice Adolphus Enebeli, the Chief Election Officer of RSIEC, announced the results at a press briefing on Saturday in Port Harcourt. He emphasized that the process was conducted in accordance with electoral guidelines, ensuring that the will of the people was upheld. “This election reflects the will of the people, and we congratulate the APP for their success across Rivers State,” Enebeli remarked, adding that RSIEC was committed to delivering credible elections in the state.

However, results from Etche Local Government Area were not declared, as collation is still ongoing. Enebeli explained that the delay was due to logistical challenges and assured the public that the results for Etche LGA would be announced in due course. “The collation process for Etche is still in progress, and we will provide a detailed update as soon as it is completed,” he stated.

Stakeholders

Stakeholders across the political spectrum have commended RSIEC for conducting what they described as a transparent and credible election. Speaking on behalf of civil society observers, Mrs. Grace Tamuno, a representative of the Rivers State Civil Society Coalition, praised the commission for maintaining neutrality throughout the process. “RSIEC has set a standard for future elections with their level of transparency and adherence to due process. This election was free from undue influence, and the people’s choice was clear,” she noted.

In response to the announcement, APP Chairman in Rivers State, Mr. Emmanuel Ikuru, expressed his delight over the party’s landslide victory. He praised the electorate for their trust in the APP and pledged that the new chairmen would work towards the development of their respective local governments. “We are deeply grateful to the people of Rivers State for their overwhelming support. Our chairmen will prioritize the welfare and progress of the people,” Ikuru affirmed.

Meanwhile, RSIEC announced that the results for the 319 councillorship seats would be declared at the same time as the Etche LGA chairmanship results. This has left many in the state eagerly awaiting the final tally, as the new wave of political leadership begins to take shape in Rivers State. Political analysts, like Dr. Tamuno Briggs, have described the results as a significant shift in the state’s political landscape. GMTNewsng