Greenfield Chairman, Akunna says seaport proposal in southeast only bait for votes at elections, salutes Chukwuka on Ogbuagu title

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Chairman of the Greenfield Estate in Ago area of Lagos State has expressed regret that the proposed seaports and river port in the southeastern zone are deceptions that have lingered for too long that often keep the people busy only at election years and periods.

He said it’s only towards elections that issues of building seaports come rife in the southeast, after elections, all thought about them die down, whereas in those states that have theirs built or ongoing never had it so discussed or given this empty promises as it is with southeast, saying they are but smokescreen, empty promises.

Akunna was speaking at a ceremony held last weekend to celebrate the conferment of Ogbuagu(one who devours a lion) chieftaincy title and birthday celebration of a philanthropist and an Igbo son High-Chief Prosper Chukwuka at FESTAC Town Lagos.

High-Chief Akunna

Akunna who is known with the chieftains title of ‘Ukwa Achinaka’ of Ihitenansa in Imo state however doffed his hat for Igwe (Dr) Austin Ndigwe, Eze Uzu 111, of Awka Ancient Kingdom of Anambra State and the people of Nkwelle Awka for spotting and recognizing a rare eagle like High-Chief Chukwuka for such an honour.

Saying he is an accomplished estate developer who takes pleasure in grooming and empowering people.

He said, “An Ogbuagu is one who is fearless, a relentless crusader of justice. always ready to stand for the oppressed. Ogbuagu is a freedom fighter. He does not support evil.

Ogbuagu Chukwuka receiving his certificate from a delegation of Eze Uzu Awka at the event in Lagos

“Chukwuka who we also know as ‘Egobuoga'(Money speaks louder, money the master) fits well into the Ogbuagu tittle. Am convinced this will spur him to do more.

“He is a detrabilized person, very influential and easy going. You can see the combination in class and tribe here today. Igbos are here, Hausas are here and Yorubas are here.

Some of the disables at the event

“You can also see there are so many less-privileged persons here today who have come to show solidarity and gratitude to him. The presence of police and soldiers here are signs of his cordial relationship with them. Politicians of repute are also here.”

Akunna however called on Igbo youths to emulate Ogbuagu, urged them to foster peace and unity to break certain barriers holding their people back and retarded.
Insisted that it’s lack of cohesion that has eluded the Igbos presidency of Nigeria regardless of their so called wealth and intelligence.

we have seen how other tribes have galvanized themselves. Igbos need to come together and learn how other zones have achieved progress in politics which seems lacking in our clime.

“It’s unfortunate that among the major ethnic zones in the country, it’s only Southeast that has not tested presidency in Nigeria.

“You can see what is happening in Lagos today, the business of the Igbos are endangered. Anything that happens in the country, it’s the igbos that suffer it,” he stated.

On insecurity in the southeast and repatriating of wealth and businesses home called “Aku ruo ulo” in Igbo philosophy, this business mogul has a divergent opinion on that saying he takes exception to that.

He said for now it’s not logical and encouraging because of unprecedented Insecurity in the southeast.

Insisted that not until security is restored in the southeast, it’s not the best option to think of going home to invest.

“I disagree with proponents of Aku rue ulo, for now because Igboland is currently endangered on account of insecurity. I can’t advise anyone on that voyage as it stands today because our area is not secured.

Subjugation of the masses in the southeast by security operatives at checkpoints

“Most of our people have not travelled home in the last few years not because they don’t have safe and comfortable accommodation at home or money for flight, no! It’s insecurity that has scared them away.

You can imagine discovery of over 70 dead bodies at Lokpa in Abia State. Who could have unmasked such if not such a courageous and visionary governor of the state Dr. Alex Otti. This has been going for quite a long time now and no one has batted an eyelid.

“That is why i insist that the governors as chief security officers have all it takes to bring sanity to the southeast if they are sincere to themselves and choose to.

“Not until they come together and work in unity would there be peace in the zone.

“Whether the insecurity in the zone is from internal or external force, if they don’t take away politics and tell themselves the truth; stop playing the ostrich, end to this national embarrassment called insecurity seemed not in sight,” Chief Akunna argued.