The Candidate of the Zenith Labour Party ZLP, Dr Obiorah Okonkwo has reacted to the recent murder of Chike Akunyili, husband to late Prof Dora Akunyili.
Dr Okonkwo called for a serious check on the security apparatus in the state.
In his words, “It is with heavy heart that I learned of the death of Dr. Chike Akunyili on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, in the hands of yet to be identified gunmen.
Dr. Akunyili was reportedly killed at Nkpor, in Idemili Local government Area of Anambra State along with his driver and police orderly.
“He was said to be returning from Onitsha where he had gone to receive a posthumous award on behalf of his late wife, Prof. Dora Akunyili, unarguably one of the finest public servants Nigeria has ever known, who died on June 7, 2014.
“That Prof. Akunyili is still being honoured 7 years after her death speaks eloquently to her immense legacy of which her husband was instrumental to.
“I therefore join millions of Nigerians and the good people of Anambra State in mourning the passing of this foremost physician, humanist, and illustrious Igbo son. All who knew Dr. Akunyili would readily attest to his profound professionalism, his intrinsic goodness, amiable personality and generosity of spirit. As the good Doctor, he lived a life of service to others.
“The dastardly killing of Dr. Akunyili, just few weeks after the September 10, 2021 assassination of the former traditional rule of Mkpunando Aguleri, Chief Alex Edozieuno, along with the killings of scores of other residents in the past few months speaks to the fast deteriorating security situation in Anambra State and the urgent need to address it.
“Our dear state which hitherto was relatively safe seems to be sliding dangerously into the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes (1651) dreadful state of nature where life was ‘nasty, brutish and short’. Very sadly, human life has become all too cheap and we must not let our people get numbed by these gruesome acts and begin to see them as normal.
“Political leaders, the Police and other state security officials, especially those at the helm in Anambra state must recognize that the first responsibility of government anywhere is the protection of lives and property of citizens as it is only people who are alive and adequately protected can enjoy whatever dividends democracy can offer.
“We CAN, and MUST do better in this regard. We cannot throw our hands up in the air in resignation and allow marauding killers roam freely in our communities. This is the ultimate test of political leadership and whoever is incapable of meeting this most basic responsibility has no business posing as the chief security officer of a state.
“I send my heartfelt condolences to Dr. Akunyili’s very accomplished children who have been orphaned by this dastardly act, the Agulu community and the entire people of Anambra State. We can all collectively say enough is enough. OZO EMEZINA!