In a recent development, former governors of Ebonyi State, Chief Martin Elechi and Dr. Sam Egwu, have voiced their disapproval of the decision to name the state airport after late Senate President Chuba Okadigbo.
The statements were made by Elechi and Egwu on behalf of the Founding Fathers of the state during the Independence Day celebration at the New Government House in Abakaliki.
Expressing his dissatisfaction, Elechi stated, “Ebonyi people are not pleased to hear that our new airport is being named Chuba Okadigbo Airport. While Okadigbo was certainly a great Nigerian, he is not known in Ebonyi State, nor has he done anything significant for our people.”
“The airport is located less than 10 kilometers away from the primary school where Offia-Nwali made his indelible mark as a student. It is also in close proximity to the road and the residence of Dr. Offia-Nwali,” Elechi added.
Consequently, Elechi proposed that the airport be named after Offia-Nwali, a suggestion reflecting the sentiments of the Founding Fathers and the people of Ebonyi Central Zone.
In agreement, Egwu remarked, “The airport should rightfully bear the name of Offia-Nwali.”
Furthermore, Chinedu Ogah, a representative of the House of Representatives, announced that National Assembly members from Ebonyi State would introduce a bill to rename the airport after Offia-Nwali.
