By Chizoba Okeke
Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo, to mobilise well-meaning individuals, philanthropic organisations and organised private sector in the state to urgently assist in the evacuation of stranded Anambra indigenes facing hardship in South Africa.
The call followed a motion sponsored by the Majority Leader, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme and other members of the House on July 14, expressing concern over the plight of Anambra citizens affected by xenophobic attacks, unfavourable immigration policies, economic hardship and other hostile conditions in South Africa.
Hon. Ofodeme noted that many of the affected persons travelled abroad in search of better economic opportunities but are now confronted with severe deprivation, insecurity and legal challenges, which have placed emotional and financial burdens on their families back home.
He stressed that the situation requires urgent intervention in line with the Igbo philosophy of “Onye aghana nwanne ya” (one should not abandon one’s brother), while appealing to wealthy Anambra industrialists, captains of industry, diaspora organisations and other stakeholders to support the evacuation effort.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, thanked the mover of the motion.
Also, the member representing, Aguata Constituency 1, Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke, Hon. Jude Ngobili representing Ihiala Constituency 1 and Hon. Fred Ezenwa representing Onitsha South 1, commended the mover of the motion and said it is a call for humanitarian action, noting that the plight of Anambra stranded indigenes in South Africa requires collective actions.
Chizoba Okeke is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
