By Phil Okose, Onitsha
Human Rights activist, author and public affairs analyst, comrade Evangelist Vincent Ezekwueme, Friday, in Onitsha, Anambra State, commended the patriotic and relentless efforts of former governors, Chris Ngige and Peter Obi, for laying the foundation for the established Orient Petroleum Refinery,
Ekwueme, who is the State chairman of Civil Liberties Organization, CLO, also commended former Common Wealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, who was the pioneer chairman of Orient Petroleum, that doggedly and persistently demanded and agitated for inclusion of Anambra State among oil producing states.
He expressed satisfaction with others who contributed immense sacrifice and indispensable roles towards recognition and enlisting Anambra State, as oil producing state, by Revenue Mobilization and Allocation Fiscal Commission, since August 2021.
He said: “It is cheering news and welcome development that the state recently received her maiden allocation of fund accruing to the state due to her current status as oil producing state, as was enlisted last year by Revenue Mobilization and Allocation Fiscal Commission.
“It is pertinent to note that the two previous Governors, Ngige and Obi’s
administrations followed the discovery of oil in Anambra East and Ogbaru local governments, established Orient Petroleum and made concerted efforts towards recognition and capturing of the state as oil producing state.
“Worthy of mention and commendation is a former member of House of Representatives and Labour Party Senatorial candidate for Anambra North, Dr Tony Nwoye, for moving a motion in the lower Chamber, in 2017 for recognition and inclusion of Anambra State, as oil producing state.
“Not only will it astrological increase revenue from Federation Account, boost economic activities, create wealth and jobs for citizens, provide more infrastructural development, give the state sense of belonging, and most importantly, propel and promote the state from among bottom in federal allocation to among the top beneficiaries.
“We appeal to the state government to judiciously and prudently utilize the funds to improve on infrastructures, socio-economic upliftment of citizenry, security and education.
“There is urgent need for the state government to consider establishing primary and secondary schools along 3_3, Nsugbe and Ikwelle Ezunaka axis, because there is only Oyolu primary school and Nkwelle High school, in the area.
“This has truncated education of many children due to paucity of funds as most of their parents cannot afford exorbitant fees by private schools.”