The Anambra State Association (ASA, World-wide), the umbrella body of Anambra indigenes in the Diaspora, has appealed to all the candidates in the November 16, 2013 gubernatorial election in the state to withdraw all cases pending in courts and the tribunal against the Governor-Elect, Chief Willie Obiano.

In an Official Statement issued from its office at 6a – 1646 Victoria Park Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the association urged losers of the election to join hands with Obiano to turn Anambra into a “Strategic Asset” in Nigeria. ASA, World-wide is made up of mostly Anambra indigenes resident in Canada, the United Kingdom, USA, South Africa, Japan, Russia, China, Spain, Ireland, India, Dubai, Finland and Pakistan.

Senator Chris Ngige of APC and Comrade Tony Nwoye of PDP have challenged Obiano’s election but this is not necessary, according to ASA, World-wide. The association in a statement signed by its Chairman, Chudi Asidianya and General Secretary, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, observed that in any election, there would always be winners and losers. It urged the candidates who ran against Chief Obiano to shelve their ambition for now and lend a hand in the collective effort to turn Anambra State into a model state in Nigeria.

“Through our ‘Think hope Philosophy’ and with our ‘Alliance of the Willing’ groups across the globe we ask that all the Nov, 16, 2013 Gubernatorial Candidates stop re-litigating the bygone process and get behind the person with the people’s mandate in making Anambra State a ‘Strategic Asset’ in Nigeria,” ASA, World-wide said.

It urged “Anambrarians of all political stripes to shelve their ambitions for the governorship of Anambra State for the next four years and rally round the Governor Elect, His Excellency Chief Willie Obiano in the interest of all Anambrarians as well also implore the Governor Elect to prepare to govern Anambra with a broad agenda that answers to no political sycophants as he is now the Governor elect of the entire Anambra State rather than the governor of APGA, APC, Labour or PDP.”

Acknowledging the November polls as “free and fair,” ASA, World-wide lauded the smooth transition from one political leader to another in the state and pledged its continued collaboration with the in-coming administration to attract investments to the state.

The association also expressed its good will to Chief Obiano, rechristening him as the “Akpokuedike Ndi Anambra.” It prayed that God would grant him the wisdom and good health to chart a new progressive path for Anambra State.

ASA, World-wide listed its activities as collaborative networking for the transfer of economic and technological power to Anambra State, inspection of development projects in the state, election monitoring and collaboration with relevant stakeholders on education and infrastructure.

•Photo shows Anambra Governor-Elect, Chief Willie Obiano.