A highly respected Humanist, Philanthropist, Grassroot Mobilizer and Clergy, Dr. Austine Ifeanyi Epunam JP, (ATU Nnewi) has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to look in the direction of Nnewi and offer her meaningful development. He made this clear in an exclusive interview with Award Winning Journalist, Don Peter Okoro yesterday at his country home of Ndiakwu-Otolo, Nnewi, Anambra State. He also spoke on some other issues of national concern. Below is the excerpt. WHAT IS YOUR VIEW CONCERNING THE STATE OF THE NATION?
Answer: Nigeria as a nation is yet to attain her full potentials and height and this is because Igboland, and especially Nnewi have not been factored into the scheme of things in terms of developmental infrastructures. Nnewi community has contributed sacrificially for the progress and advancement of the country more than any other single community in Nigeria. It would be recalled that when the Queen of England, Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth11 visited Nigeria in 1956, she was ferried round in the Rolls Royce of Nnewi Born First African billionaire, Sir Louise Odumegwu Ojukwu. Then his son Dim Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu used his resources to educate Nigerians on the need to fight against injustice and oppression in the then Government of Nigeria. He also used his father’s resources and wealth to sacrificially fight and liberate his people from the shackles and manacles of neo-colonialism and mental slavery. Today the average Igboman can stand up to any situation in the world. This is due to the sacrifice of an Nnewi man.
WHAT IS YOUR VIEW CONCERNING THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL AUTONOMY?
Anwser: I want to really appreciate the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the financial autonomy he has granted the Local Government Councils. This will make room for grassroot development and allow the Local Government Councils to operate freely without interference from the state or federal government. I am therefore using this opportunity to call on the Federal Government to show special interest in the development of Nnewi because of the enormous human and capital potentials it has for the benefit of the country.
WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON THE 10th SENATE?
Anwser: I want to single out two Senators for their distinguished performance. First is our late brother, Distinguished Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah. Secondly it is the indefatigable Senator Ned Nwoko representing Delta North. The man has really distinguished himself with the kind of grassroot oriented Bills he has been sponsoring. He is truly a man of the people. I want to assure Senator Ned Nwoko that I am fully with him in quest for Anioma State. And we will use our Magazine and oui other Online News Platforms to partner with him in order to achieve this noble objective.
YOUR MESSAGE TO NDI–NNEWI.
Answer: As a son of the Ezeogine Royal Family of Otolo Nnewi, my message is basically directed at the youth. I admire the youths of Nnewi in terms of their present awareness in the area of politics. This is very commendable This is something our late Icon Senator Ifeanyi Ubah initiated and pioneered. I, therefore, advice them to shun violence and all acts of hooliganism. They should make sure that the person who will take over the position of Ifeanyi Ubah in the Senate should be someone who is capable of keeping and sustaining his impressive legacy. Thank you.