Date Published: 12/11/09

Press Release from the Office of the Hon. Minister

The Honourable Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili today assured the people of Anambra State that the Federal Government will guaranty adequate security for all wishing to travel home during this Christmas season. She added that security is being beefed up in Anambra State as the countdown to the gubernatorial election begins. She disclosed that the Inspector General of Police  has  worked out a comprehensive security strategy for the state and the South east during this season.

Prof Akunyili  advised all   Anambra  indigenes  who live outside the state to return home en masse, register and participate actively in the forthcoming election. “This is an opportunity for us in Anambra State to change the state of things through our vote. If you live anywhere in Nigeria, or even in America, please come and vote. This is time for action, not for complaint.”

 The Honourable  Minister made this declaration when members of the  Anambra State Public Officers Forum,  led by its President Chief Simon Okeke,  paid her a courtesy call in her office in  Abuja.

She explained that  kidnapping is a growing menace because of  of the willingness of people to pay ransom.  She recounted the story of her younger brother who was kidnapped  last year  but was  rescued by the police. “ I am not saying that our police is hundred percent good, but please  do not lose hope in the police”.

The Honourable Minister  drew a correlation between the security situation in Anambra and the politics of the state. “What kind of elections have we held? ”, she asked, adding  that, “let’s not cry over spilled milk but focus on the future”

According to her, the February  10, 2010 gubernatorial election in Anambra State is very critical and significant  for other elections that would be conducted in Nigeria. “If we don’t get it right in 2010, the nation won’t get it right.  It is the sign post of future Nigerian elections.”  She therefore  appealed to  all Anambra people to return home and  vote for the candidate of their choice. “ Unless we choose people of our choice, the crisis will only deepen”, she said.

She further added that: “ The election must  be free and fair and I am calling on Anambra people not to be violent but guard their vote jealously. Nobody should try to rig.”

Speaking earlier, Chief Okeke, the President of the Anambra State Public Officers Forum commended the Minister for the great strides she has made in government, praising for initiating  and executing the very successful Re-branding Nigeria Campaign. He also commended the Honourable Minister  for commissioning the NTA station in Onitsha “ and opened the doorways for our people to be heard.”

Chief Okeke said the Forum is concerned about the state of health of Mr President and informed the Minister that they were praying for his quick recovery.

Signed

Julius Ogunro

Media Assistant to HMIC

Dec. 10, 2009