Anambra: Obiano set for swearing in as new governor

The Anambra State governor-elect, Mr. Willie Obiano, will be sworn in on Monday, March 17, by Governor Peter Obi.

There will be an inauguration parade and swearing-in ceremony of the new governor an inaugural ball at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia near Awka.

The chairman of the 14-member inauguration/swearing-in committee of the governor-elect, Mr Chinedu Idigo, made the disclosure in Awka on Tuesday while briefing newsmen on activities lined up for the ceremony.

The chairman listed other activities lined up for the week-long activity to include an inter-denominational dedication service which would hold on March 13 at St. Faith Anglican Church, Awka.

He stated that Gov. Peter Obi will, on Saturday, accept his first traditional title from the Anambra Traditional Rulers’ Council, two days before he hands over to his successor.

Idigo said that throughout Obi’s eight year tenure, he refused to take chieftaincy titles and remained simply a Mister.

“Obi had explained that it was only after his tenure that a chieftaincy title conferred on him would make a meaning because titles acquired while in office may be product of sycophancy,” Idigo said.

According to him, it will be followed by an inaugural speech at the Women Development Centre, Awka on March 14 and a youth rally and marathon race on March 15.

“In the evening of March 15, there will be a cultural festival where Obi is expected to be conferred with his first traditional title by the Igwe Alfred Achebe-led traditional rulers’ council,” he said.

Idigo said that on March 16, there would be an inaugural mass at St. Patrick Catholic Cathedral in Awka followed by informal lunch at the Governor’s Lodge and a polo tournament later that day.

Idigo said it was the first time a sitting civilian governor of the state was handing over to another elected governor.

Culled from thecitizenng