. . . Berates impostors, warns against emergence of wrong leader

Ahead of the November 6, Anambra governorship election, a front-line socio-political group, Association of Anambra State Development Unions (AASDU), Lagos chapter, has warned against the emergence of a wrong leader even as it stressed the need to elect a ‘true leader’ to pilot the affairs of the state for the next four years.

Against this background, it disclosed that it will engage the governorship candidates of the various political parties on Saturday, October 9, in Lagos.

AASDU Lagos noted that the present state of the nation is calling for circumspection in leadership selection, adding that the socio-economic and political position of Anambra State in Nigeria is so strategic that any error in leadership emergence spells doom for the rest of the sister states.

The group said that Anambra, being the Light of the Nation, must elect a governor who will indeed be the light that lightens the way for other states.

It said such leader must emerge from a peaceful process that is devoid of gangsterism, desperation and intimidation.

“That leader must come from within his people. We need a leader that has a track record of commitment to the greatest good of the greatest majority of our people, we need a leader that in thoughts and in actions puts his people first,” AASDU Lagos said in a media briefing on Thursday addressed by the chapter president, Chief Sir Amechi Ebeledike.

The group, while condemning those it described as “imposters” said it was aware of some other emerging organizations parading themselves as representing the interests of indigenous Anambra people in Lagos.

While describing the act as an abuse of freedom of association by people with pecuniary interests, it explained that the AASDU Lagos chapter is the only body registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to represent, protect and project the interest and wellbeing of Anambra people in Lagos.

Ebeledike said: “Membership of AASDU belongs to the affiliated towns and professional unions who send in accredited representatives to sit in council meetings. Currently, AASDU has active membership strength of over 177 of such towns and associated unions. It has a Board of Trustees chaired by His Excellency, the eminent Chief Arthur Mbanefo MFR, CON; Odu of Onitsha (our pioneer President). Any incumbent Governor of Anambra State becomes the Grand Patron. The Anambra State Lagos Liaison Officer represents the Governor in all Council Meetings of the Association.

“Part of the AASDU registered 9-point objectives is 'to initiate, organize and execute programmes, activities and projects calculated to enhance at all times amiable brotherhood, harmony, unity, understanding and co-operation among its members and to promote social, cultural and economic well being and image of Anambra State in particular, and Nigeria in general.

“With the advantage of the dominant role Anambrarians in Lagos play, AASDU Lagos has a mission to restore the dignity of Anambra State and her citizens as the light of our nation. As such we engage in a number activities aimed at ensuring the corporate well being of our people.

“One of such engagements is our NZUKO UMUNNA scheduled to hold here in Lagos on Saturday October 9, 2021 with the flag bearers of the political parties contesting the November 6, 2021 Governorship election.

“The platform will provide the candidates with the opportunity to interact with the major influential stakeholders in the Anambra Project and by extension connection with the grassroots decision makers. Details of this will come up in the coming days.

“We also have forum for engagements with our host government here in Lagos, the Centre of Excellence, on matters affecting us as law abiding residents. There has been a great deal of progressive partnership with the host government to ensure peaceful coexistence with fellow residents. We call for continuous cooperation and support of every Anambra indigene.”

AASDU, while calling for continuous cooperation and support of every Anambra indigene, urged them to be patriotic and law abiding at all times.

It also charged them to remember home at all times.

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