The Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nkem Okeke, has condemned the orchestrated smear campaign targeted at the governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, which got to a new height with the recent false claim by elements within the opposition that he hired a private jet to take him to Abuja, when in actuality the private jet belongs to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Okeke pointed out that contrary to this vicious campaign, Governor Obiano was waiting to catch his flight on Arik Airlines to Abuja on the said day.

Dr. Okeke made the condemnation at Saints Anglican Church Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area where he represented the governor at the burial service of late Chief Benneth Offor, the father of business mogul Sir Emeka Offor. He decried as unnecessary distraction, the endless targeting of Obiano by opposition elements who scratch at straws to diminish the impressive achievements of the Obiano administration in the past two and a half years.

“I had to mention the governor’s mode of travel because some persons raised a false a few days ago claiming that he was traveling to Abuja in an expensive private jet. That is not true and I don’t know why some persons would choose to lie against the governor at this time of economic hardship just to score a cheap political point,” Dr. Okeke declared and further revealed that the governor made his journey on that day on an Arik Airline flight.

Continuing Dr. Okeke stated: “I am here on behalf of the governor and we have listened to the Archbishop remind us about the virtues of good leadership and that we will all die someday. We all ask God for a good life, but we must also work for the welfare of others. That is why I am impressed by Sir Emeka Offor’s effort to ensure the eradication of polio in Nigeria.”

Thanking guests who came from outside the state, the Deputy Governor said: “We welcome you to Anambra where we have good security, and I am sure you are enjoying the peace we have in our state, or is the security not good?” He answered in the affirmative, “there is security.”

Earlier, the Archbishop of the Anglican Communion Enugu Province, Emmanuel Chukwuma in his Homily told the congregation that they are gathered to celebrate the life of Chief Benneth Offor, not his death. He said that the late patriarch of the Offor family lived a life worthy of emulation and trained his children to be successful. To buttress his statement he noted that the man retired as a Police corporal in the sixties when corruption was not pervasive and there was no “wetin you carry.”

The Archbishop advocated for total moral and spiritual reorientation amongst Nigerians, stressing that the President’s campaign, “Change begins with me” should begin right in the seat of the Presidency at Aso Villa down through the National Assembly and to all Nigerians. He berated the politicians who pander to selfish interests and relegate the needs of the people to the background and told congregation not to lose sight of God’s words and should prepare for their last day by doing good deeds in other to make heaven.

The burial service attracted many dignitaries like the Wife of the governor of Anambra State, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honorable Yakubu Dogara, and other prominent Nigerians.

•Photo shows Anambra Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke, speaking during the funeral service for Chief Benneth Offor at Saints Anglican Church Oraifite.

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