A socio-cultural organisation, Anyi-Anyi has congratulated the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR), Hon Benjamin Kalu, the new Chief of Naval Staff (CoNS), Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Industry, Trade and Investment, John Uwajumogu, and other Nigerians, who have been election or appointed into various organs and institutions of the government.
A statement signed by the National Leader of Anyi-Anyi, Barr Anthony Okolo, urged the new Naval Chief and other security Chiefs to hit the ground running against the backdrop of the insecurity plaguing the land.
Barr Okolo said Hon Benjamin Kalu who was elected unopposed as the deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives is a vibrant young man, who found grace early in life, having attained public office in his mid-20s. He therefore wishes him luck and success as he discharges his legislative duties.
He urges Kalu and other Igbos who were elected or appointed, to make the Igbo nation and Mr. President proud by discharging their duties accordingly. He further tasked them not to fail Nigerians, but to use their wealth of experience in public service, to ensure they live up to the mandate of their offices, in honour of Nigerians who have passed through difficult times in the last eight years.
The group noted that Tinubu’s line of appointment of security Chiefs in which the Federal Character is reflected, is a welcome development. Barr Okolo said that, at least after eight years of lopsided appointment into the security architecture of the country, President Bola Tinubu’s appointments is a reflection of a new light in Nigeria’s security formation.
The group tasked Tinubu on fair and equitable distribution of the remaining positions and appointments, explaining that the call became necessary against the backdrop of the fact that no South Easterners is heading the Executive or Legislative branch apart from Hon Kalu, who was elected the deputy Speaker of the lower (green) chamber of the National Assembly (NASS).
“We commend the president for these appointments; most striking is the president’s choice of Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. He is a distinguished officer. His wealth of experience speaks volume of him.
“Owing to his experience in the Nigeria Navy, I have no doubt that Ogalla will surpass the expectations of President Tinubu, and indeed Nigerians.
The point must be made clear that Ogalla’s appointment is a welcome indication that President Tinubu will run a more inclusive government than his predecessor. If this trend is continued, it will go a long way in creating more confidence in the federal government.
The choice of a South Easterner by Tinubu to serve as Special Adviser on Industry, Trade, and Investment, according to Okolo, is not by accident, given the acumen of the people of the region in that field of endeavour.
He charged Uwajumogu on early delivery on the expectations of his office. “We expect our brother to play a role in ensuring an even-handed approach to issues concerning trade and investment. Where the last government failed woefully, this government has an opportunity to chart a new beginning”, Okolo said.
While assuring Ogalla and others of Anyị-Anyị’s support in the discharge of his duties, Okolo prayed for a successful tenure.
It would be recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement through the Secretary to Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume, on Monday, announced the appointment of Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla as the Chief of Naval Staff, and John Uwajumogu as the Presidential Special Adviser on Industry,Trade and Investment
Finally, the group through its National Leader, urges President Bola Tinubu to see the Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s jail situation, and the current ethnic tensions across the country, especially in Lagos State, which is resulting from political differences of Nigerian citizens before and after the 2023 general elections, as an opportunity to bring the whole country together for a national conversation, in order to foster an atmosphere for a win-win situation across all regions and ethnic nationalities in the country. Nigerians are now looking up to Mr. President to usher in dialogues that would foster national unity and development.
“Though political differences may exist among citizens, but after been sworn in as the President of Nigeria, we now expect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be the father of the nation, who would ensure that the fundamental rights of Nigerians are respected irrespective of where he/she may come from”.