From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Security has been beefed up within the state in Anambra while traffic adjustments have also been made to ensure a smooth and hitch-free visit of President Ahmed Tinubu.
Yesterday, most areas within the capital city wore a new look as finishing touches were made on some of the projects expected to be inaugurated by the president.
Some of the projects and areas include Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, the New Government House, Governor’s Lodge and Presidential Lodge, Solution Fun City, and Awka Country Club, among others.
The state government had last week stopped all private and group activities within the Ekwueme Square to make way for workers and machines doing finishing touches in that axis.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, while addressing workers at the May Day celebration, expressed delight over the visit, describing it as a partnership that works.
He enjoined the people to give the president a resounding welcome as he visits to inaugurate some of the projects done in the past three years by the present government in the state.
Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, also held a high-powered meeting and deliberations with other security chiefs in the state aimed at ensuring the security of lives and property during and after the presidential visit, as confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, in a press statement within the week.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA) has debunked reports of political tension.There have been reports making the rounds alleging tension and clash of interests between the APGA and the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the announcement of the President’s visit.
National Coordinator of APGA Media Warriors Forum, Chinedu Obigwe, described the reports as “baseless and part of a calculated attempt to create unnecessary panic.
“Anambra is peaceful and calm like ice water. The people of the state are already set to welcome President Tinubu to the state to commission signature projects of our beloved governor, Prof. Chumwuma Soludo.
“Everything must not be politicised. What the President is coming to do in Anambra is to celebrate Governor Soludo’s achievements in office with the people of the state and such Presidential gestures will serve as encouragement to other governors.
“The achievements of Governor Soludo’s administration are worth celebrating because since the history of our state creation, no governor can boast of doing what Soludo did in the State within a short space of three years and two months.
The APGA chieftain insisted that the people of Anambra State are in a celebration mood because Soludo has justified the confidence reposed in him by Anambra electorates.
During the visit, the president is also expected to have a town hall meeting with stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, the President General, and other leaders of thought in the state at the Doctor Alex Ekwueme Square, which was also reconstructed by the present administration in the state.