The Anambra State Chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke Ogene, has called on the federal government to declare the Onitsha fire incident a national disaster with immediate effect.

Chief Ogene, who spoke to journalists on national issues in his country home, Nanka, in Orumba-North Council Area, on Monday, stressed that the incident is a huge blow to the Nigerian economy, where, according to him, over two thousand five hundred people lost their means of livelihood on that evil day.

The Ohaneze Chairman applauded Governor Obiano’s prompt response to the situation and expressed optimism that the plans he put out will be followed religiously and advised those playing politics with the unfortunate incident to thread with caution, as this period should be for prayers for the leaders and those affected.

Speaking on Igbo Presidency, Chief Ogene reiterated that it is the turn of the South-East to produce a president, stressing that the region had already started measures to reach out to people from other regions.

He commended Anambra State government under Obiano for the people-oriented policies including security, road infrastructure, among others, saying that he expects the governor to commence massive reconstruction of Anambra roads affected by the rains, just like he promised.

He recommended that young indigenes should be given the opportunity to join in operating the new security gadgets, recently acquired by the state government. (Nigerian Tribune)