Written by Dennis Agbo
More than 40 years after his administration, the Anambra State Indigenous People of Enugu have explained why they still hold Senator Jim Nwobodo, the former governor of the former Anambra State, in high regard. They attribute this to his pragmatic, inclusive, and nondiscriminatory style of governance.
The group said that when Nwobodo was in charge of the former Anambra State, which is now made up of the states of Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi, he gave each region of the state equal attention and development, without favoritism or sectional bias.
They claimed to have maintained a friendly connection with the former governor, whom they referred to as a “living legend,” in respect of these attributes.
The comments were made by the Anambra natives while paying Nwobodo a courtesy call at his ancestral home in Amechi-Uno, Enugu South Local Government Area, where he just moved.
Chief E.U. Adimora, President of Anambra Indigenes Living in Enugu, led the team and stated that the purpose of the visit was to honor Nwobodo for his leadership and lasting impact in the former Anambra State.
We are giving thanks to God for both our existence and the enduring bond we share with His Excellency, Senator Jim Nwobodo, since he served as Anambra State’s governor. Adimora stated, “We value his profound sense of justice and care for Ndi Anambra and Ndigbo in general.”
He added that the organization has kept up its contact with Nwobodo no matter where he lives and that the love and kindness he showed while in government would always be remembered.
“We decided to visit him and share in the joy of his housewarming after learning that he had moved to his ancestral home,” he continued.
Adimora emphasized that Nwobodo governed with a spirit of unity and inclusivity, recalling that he did not discriminate among the different ethnic groups within the former Anambra State.
He left the office, but that relationship did not terminate. We will continue to honor and be associated with him for as long as he is alive,” he declared.
Nwobodo replied that he had strong relationships with many people in Anambra State and thanked the group for their friendship and dedication.
Additionally, he praised the Anambra indigenous people of Enugu for their nonviolent behavior and constructive contributions to the advancement of their host towns.
“I have a lot of friends in Anambra, and we’ve always been close. Nwobodo offered prayers for the delegation and remarked, “Your visit is a show of love, and I truly appreciate it.”
Speaking as well, Chief Omeife Omeife, the Deputy National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, reflected on Nwobodo’s time as governor, emphasizing the social and infrastructure advancements noted during that time.
Hon. Calab Ani, the chairman of the Enugu South Local Government Council, stated that the council appreciates the contributions of non-indigenous people, especially the indigenous people of Anambra State, whom he referred to as partners in the region’s development.
