By Ebere Suzy Okoye
The Governor of Anambra State Mr. Peter Obi, yesterday honoured with triple Grand Honours from the Radio Television Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria, RATTAWU, Anambra State Chapter.
The Awards include, Lion of Democracy, Man of the Decade and Life Patron of the Union.
Speaking at the event, the National President of the Union, Comrade Yemisi Bamgbose revealed that no Nigerian had been so honoured, as the union had not presented any award to anybody in the last ten years.
According to him the Union has been monitoring and celebrating the Governor’s numerous achievements and decided to crown his successful tenure with the honours.
The President also noted in particular that in addition to his landmark achievements in human and infrastructural development, that he remained the only Governor past and present that was not leaving the State with burden of debt, urging other Governors to emulate his people-oriented administration.
Earlier in his speech, the State Chairman of RATTAWU, Prince Emeka Kalu, said the honours were to celebrate the numerous achievements and dogged efforts in repositioning the State to become the really light of the nation.
He however extolled his fiscal discipline, respect for rule of law and contributions in deepening growth of democracy.
In his Response, Governor Obi, while thanking the Union for the award, assured that he would strive to live up to the honour accorded him noting that one of the lasting achievements of his administration was saving the State from total collapse.
The governor enjoined RATTAWU to as a Union hold those in authority accountable to the people by questioning their short-comings.
He reiterated the need for peace and stability to pave way for sustainable progress and development, pointing out that trouble in any part of the country affects the entire nation.
Governor Obi used the opportunity to correct misinterpretation of the State finances by a section of the media and explained that the seventy-five billion naira saved by his administration was in investment not cash.
The Governor assured that government would in the next twenty four hours look into the issue of ABS staff laid off last year and correct any mistake therein.
Contributing, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Joe Martin Uzodike said Governor Obi had transformed the State to be a shining example and model in the country.
Chief Uzodike who recalled the Governor’s contributions in the development of the media, stated that the honours were well deserved and commended RATTAWU for its unity of purpose but emphasized the need to restore the basic norms of the profession in line with global best practices.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Professor Chinyere Okunna observed that the Governor’s unique style of leadership drove development in the State and expressed the believe that the honours would spur him to greater height.
