11th March, 2014
Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra state will on Saturday accept his first traditional title from the Anambra Traditional Rulers’ Council, two days before he hands over to his successor, Willie Obiano.
Mr Chinedu Idigo , the chairman of the 14-member inauguration/swearing-in committee of the governor-elect, made the disclosure in Awka on Tuesday while briefing newsmen on activities lined up for the ceremony.
Idigo said that throughout Obi’s eight year tenure, he refused to take chieftaincy titles and remained simply a Mister.
“Obi had explained that it was only after his tenure that a chieftaincy title conferred on him would make a meaning because titles acquired while in office may be product of sycophancy,” Idigo said.
The chairman listed other activities lined up for the week-long activity to include an inter-denominational dedication service which would hold on March 13 at St. Faith Anglican Church, Awka.
According to him, it will be followed by an inaugural speech at the Women Development Centre, Awka on March 14 and a youth rally and marathon race on March 15.
“In the evening of March 15, there will be a cultural festival where Obi is expected to be conferred with his first traditional title by the Igwe Alfred Achebe-led traditional rulers’ council,” he said.
Idigo said that on March 16, there would be an inaugural mass at St. Patrick Catholic Cathedral in Awka followed by informal lunch at the Governor’s Lodge and a polo tournament later that day.
He said the grand finale would be on March 17, when Gov. Obi would officially hand-over to the new governor, Mr Willie Obiano.
“There will be an inauguration parade and swearing-in ceremony of the new governor and to round-off the events, there will be an inaugural ball at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia near Awka,” he said.
Idigo said it was the first time a sitting civilian governor of the state was handing over to another elected governor