Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra State will temporarily relocate from the state capital, Awka, to Onitsha before the end of this month as part of his efforts to restore the glory of the famed commercial.

The governor announced this yesterday in Onitsha while ordering the shutting down of the illegal markets on both sides of the stretch of roads from the Bridge Head to Zik’s round about and all other illegal markets along the dual carriage way from Awka to Onitsha.

Obi, who was in Onitsha to inspect the on- going reconstruction work on the Awka - Onitsha dual carriage way, lamented that he had for years used persuasion and appeal to reason to let those trading along that axis to leave, but that they persisted. Almost shouting at the illegal traders, he lamented that most of those insisting on not leaving are not from Anambra State and asked them if they do same in their states.

Said a visibly angry Obi: “I decided from the beginning to treat you as human beings that you are, but you have refused to cooperate. I knew what it took me to persuade contractors working in Anambra State to cut their holidays short and resume work at their various sites. It is annoying that having resumed work, they are prevented on many sites from working because some people are trading on the sites, parking vehicles and even defecating. We shall no longer tolerate that. I hereby order the immediate shutting down of illegal markets along the road. Before the end of the month, we shall relocate to Onitsha to monitor things ourselves until the town and all our other towns return to its old glory. We must forceful demonstrate that Onitsha and any part of Anambra State is not meant for pigs, but for humans.”

On why he decided to shed his gentleman’s approach, Obi explained that his government has saved money to work for the people in all sectors and that he would not allow any individual to scuttle the projects lined up for execution or become a clog in the wheels of progress.
In another development, the Primate of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, has commended Gov. Obi for his efforts towards making life easy for the people through what he called grassroots development. He said this at Cathedral Church of St Peters, Asaba yesterday during the presentation of five Archbishops.

Most Rev. Okoh said that those in authority had a lot to learn from Gov. Obi’s humility, commitment and positive partnership with the Church on education, healthcare delivery and other areas. “It pays to take the Church as a partner in promoting a healthy society where the ethics of Christ reign supreme,” the Primate said.

In his own remarks, the governor said there was need to promote new consciousness by all and sundry towards rediscovering the Christian values. He called on the Church to continue to pray for those in positions of authority to use it to for the advancement of the society.

•Photo: Gov. Obi at the Bridge Head axis of Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriage Way shortly before he read the Riot Act to the traders.