Senior journalists of Igbo extraction based in Lagos today commended out-going Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, for his stewardship in the past eight years that he has presided over the affairs of the state. They also praised him for the able way he has steered the affairs of the South-East Governors Forum as its chairman.

The commendation was given at an interactive forum held in Ikeja, Lagos. The journalists prayed that Obi’s successor, Chief Willie Obiano, would follow in his footsteps and that the South-East Governors Forum would be able to find a successor who would selflessly run the forum as Obi has done.

Responding, Governor Obi, who leaves office next month, thanked the journalists for their support and appealed to them to extend similar support to his successor, both in Anambra State and in the South-East Governors Forum.

He assured that “Obiano will do well,” adding: “He has no alternative because I am working in every town and everybody is seeing it.”

Obi equally assured that whoever succeeds him as chairman of the South-East Governors Forum would run it well. He praised his brother-governors as committed patriots who want the best for Igboland.

The governor appealed to Igbos to become united and speak with one voice, including at the forthcoming National Conference.

As a mark of appreciation to Governor Obi for his meritorious service and cordial working relationship with journalists of Igbo extraction, the journalists presented him with a beautiful painting as a parting gift. Prominent journalists that attended the meeting include The SOURCE Publisher, Dame Comfort Obi, Hallmark Publisher, Prince Emeka Obasi, and immediate past Managing Director of The Sun, Chief Tony Onyima, who presented the gift to Governor Obi on behalf of the journalists.

•Photo shows Onyima presenting the gift to Governor Obi on behalf of the journalists.

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