The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has condemned the growing circle of violence across the country and sued for peace among the various ethnic nationalities that make up the country.

Speaking during a special Mass to flag off activities marking this year’s edition of the World Environment Day at the St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka on Sunday, Governor Obiano frowned at the ease with which life is snuffed out of Nigerians at the slightest pretext in recent times and advised that there is a strong need for wisdom, calmness, patience and prayers in this period of our national history.

Governor Obiano, stated that; “It is important to reiterate that nobody should lose his or her life under any circumstance and I condemn that very act in the strongest terms.” Addressing the recent faceoff between the police and some youths who filed out to mark the Igbo Day in Nkpor, Idemili Local Government Area of the state, Governor Obiano reiterated his regret over the alleged loss of lives and declared that as the chief security officer of the state; his first priority was to secure lives and property.

According to him, it is a great idea to celebrate Igbo Day, but the method adopted by the youths to mark it ought to be reappraised to avoid unnecessary conflict with the constituted authority as that would defeat the aim of the event which is to draw attention to the developmental challenges of the South East zone.

“You may remember that we solved the challenge created by the transfer of Boko Haram prisoners to Ekwulobia Prisons last year without a single loss of life. Also remember that I am the only governor that has formally accorded our people who died during the war a proper burial. We did that when we held the programme; Ozoemezina,” Governor Obiano recalled and called for more effective ways to achieve group objectives than the ones favoured by the youths.

Governor Obiano also condemned the recent slaying of an Igbo woman by a religious mob in Kano, declaring that human life is sacrosanct and that “nobody should lose his or her life under any circumstances. I therefore use this opportunity to call on all parents and guardians to ensure that their wards are not part of any act that might lead to the disruption of peace.” He further advised that the challenges facing Nigeria at the moment call for more strategic thinking and warned against the embrace of any action that might threaten the existence of Ndigbo.

•File Photo shows Governor Obiano addressing Ndi Anambra.

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