By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
Apparently embarrassed by the breach of protocol which happened just as he took his Oath of Office today in Awka, the newly inaugurated Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has apologized to all Anambra people, friends and guests who attended the ceremony.
This is even as he has promised to reconcile the feuding parties, saying that Anambra state has a history of reconciliation after a major disagreement.
A major breach of protocol occurred at Governor Soludo’s inauguration on Thursday when former First Lady, Ebelechukwu Obiano and Iyom Bianca, widow of the late Igbo leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu were locked in fisticuffs at the Swearing-in Ceremony in Awka.
This disgraceful outing by both women has prompted Governor Soludo to embark on damage control exercise by apologizing to Anambra citizens and other embarrassed Nigerians over the incident.
The apology was contained in a release by Joe Anatune, Head, Soludo Media, where he apologized to all Anambra people, friends and guests who attended his inauguration on Thursday, March 17, as the Anambra State governor for the breach of protocol.
“The breach was caused by improper communication which itself arose from a personal issue between the two parties involved in the breach”, the statement noted.
It added that steps are being taken to resolve the misunderstanding and restore the parties to their previous relationship, stressing that Anambra State has over the years been known for a huge stock of social harmony, and the stock will increase substantially in the years ahead as part of the concerted effort to accelerate the state’s development.
At the Swearing-in Ceremony, a commotion ensued. The immediate past First Lady, Ebelechukwu Willie Obiano, gave wife of the Biafra Warlord, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, a thunderous slap.
The embarrassing incident occurred immediately after Soludo took his oath of office and finished inspecting the Guard of Honour mounted for him by the police.
According to sources, dignitaries including Ex Gov Obiano were already seated when Mrs. Obiano stepped in and moved to the front row where the widow of Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu was seated. It is not clear what led to her moving close to the former Beauty Queen. Suddenly, she landed her a slap.
The action drew the attention of security agents and some personalities who pulled Mrs Obiano off the hold of Bianca who was visibly shocked at the action.
It took the concerted effort of security operatives to bring the situation under control.
Mrs. Obiano was later taken away and shortly afterwards, her husband left the venue after his wife sealed his eight year’s administration with such public disgrace.
