Ebonyi Assembly gives Anambra 7 days ultimatum to reverse re-named Abakaliki Street

Pique by re-naming of Abakaliki Street in Awka, Ebonyi State House of Assembly has given 7 days ultimatum to Anambra State government to reverse its earlier stand saying that failure of which the House will mandate government of Ebonyi State to re-name all structures named after Anambra people and towns with immediate effect.

This was the resolution of the House after its yesterday plenary, where they also resolved that Anambra state government must also apologize to the people of Ebonyi state.

A street hitherto known as ‘Abakaliki street’ in Awka, was recently renamed ‘Club street’ by Anambra state government, but the people of Ebonyi state were not happy with the development.

Governor David Umahi had in a press statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Uzor, who condemned the action of Governor Willie Obiano, for renaming the street, said that most states in the region especially Anambra always seize every opportunity to look down on Abakaliki man and urged them to eschew the discrimination.

Though, Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area, Mr Leo Nwuba had while reacting to the condemnation noted that contrary to the recent uproar in the media over the renaming of the street, a new street had long been designated to be named Abakaliki Street within the Capital City.

He added that the renaming of the street as ‘Club Road’ was part of the on-going efforts to interpret the Awka City Master Plan.

However, during yesterday plenary, the Ebonyi House of Assembly expressed displeasure over the action of Anambra state government, insisting that the street must be restored back to Abakaliki street if the existing cordial relationship between the two states was still important to Anambra state government.

Addressing newsmen in Abakaliki over the resolution of the House, the Chairman, House committee on Information and Member representing Ikwo South state constituency, Hon. Chike Ogiji, said the decision became necessary because the action was not only embarrassing but a threat to the unity of Igbo nation.

He said it was worrisome that government of Anambra state could rename a street named after Abakaliki which had existed for years, an indication that it had no regard to the cordial relationship that had existed between the two States.

His words: “The matter in question was sponsored by me. It became important that the sanctity and the relationship that has existed over the years between the people of Anambra and Ebonyi are sustained in any account.”