Mrs. Obiano (left) with Mrs Bianca Ojukwu (right)
The inauguration of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) today as the 5th democratically elected governor of Anambra State, was marred by fisticuffs between Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano, wife of the outgone governor Willie Obiano, and Bianca Ojukwu, wife of the late Head of State of the failed Republic of Biafra, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu
An eyewitness told Summit News that trouble started when Mrs. Obiano arrived Government House, Awka, venue of the event albeit late, and made straight to the front row where Bianca Ojukwu, was comfortably seated alongside other dignitaries.
A furious Mrs. Obiano reportedly asked Bianca to explain why she attended the event after saying that APGA’s candidate would lose the election that threw up Prof. Soludo.
After she waited for an answer and none was forthcoming, Mrs. Obiano repeatedly addressed Bianca Ojukwu, as a “witch” – an epithet used to describe deeply and manifestly wicked and destructive people in Igboland, and elsewhere in the country.
It was at this juncture, according to the eyewitness, that Bianca Ojukwu, rose from her seat, and like a wounded lion, slapped Mrs. Obiano, and proceeded to remove her scarf – an action that elicited a fight between the two women.
The action drew the attention of security agents and some personalities who pulled Bianca off the hold of Mrs. Obiano.
The eyewitness said that the incident occurred immediately after Soludo had taken his oath of office.
According to him, Mrs. Obiano was later taken away and shortly afterwards, her husband left the venue since the incident happened after the new governor had been sworn in.
Prof. Soludo and his wife were said to have left the venue unceremoniously after spurning greetings from Mrs. Obiano.
But Bianca Ojukwu stayed till the end of the ceremony
Summit News recalls that APGA has been enmeshed in crisis since 2005 when a section of the party leadership ousted Chief Chekwas Okorie, founder and pioneer national chairman of the party over triumphed-up charges.
When he finally left the party, Chief Okorie declared that he was in possession of the soul and spirit of the party, a declaration that many political observers say portends danger to the growth and development of the party.
Recall also that before he left office as governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, sent a high-powered delegation to meet and discuss with Chief Okorie at his Enugu residence, on ways and means of returning the spirit and soul of the party which were in his possession.
It was not clear whether Chief Okorie returned the soul and spirit of the party to ex-governor Obi, but what is clear is that the party has remained an Anambra affair ever since.
