By Obialunamma Nwadiogbu

Ekwulobia—Thousands of people from 10 communities in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State have chosen the Chairman of Nestoil Plc and Obijackson Foundation, Dr. Ernest Obiejesi as their leader.

Led by their different towns’ union presidents-general, the communities gathered at Obiejesi’s compound, denouncing the activities of some people whom they described as fake Igbo leaders, whom they said were out to snuff life out of their leader, warning that they would avenge any aggression meted out against Obiejesi.

Obiejesi, who returned to his country home in a helicoptre, met the large crowd who had waited for over seven hours before his arrival.

Immediately the chopper carrying Obiejesi landed, there was a thunderous ovation and various solidarity songs by different groups that came for the solidarity welcome.

Spokesman for the 10 communities and President General/President of the Presidents in Ihiala Local Government Area, Chief Ken Mmadukor decried the attempt on the life of Obiejesi by unknown persons. They prayed God to continue to protect him and guide him against his traducers and election riggers.

Solidarity songs

The villagers chanting “Osuofia!” “ Osuofia!” Obiejesi’s pet name, carried placards with inscriptions: “Osuofia, you are our leader; Osuofia, carry go, no shaking; “…Ubah, you are banned from entering Ihiala.’’ They also carried an effigy of one Mr. Ubah, just as they rained all sorts of curses on his person.

Chief Madukor of Azia and Chief Mike Ejezie of Ihiala were among the people that stood by Obiejesi, a.k.a Obijackson. Addressing the crowd, Obiejesi said he was overwhelmed to the point of embarrassment over the large crowd that came on the solidarity visit as well as prayers for God’s protection.

‘’I am overwhelmed and humbled by this great support and solidarity. I did not expect this. I am really grateful and humbled. I want to thank you very for coming to visit me and pay homage. He also, decried the impunity by an unnamed Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP, who reportedly ordered the shooting of innocent and helpless people in the area.

He lamented that “they kept heaping lies against me when I was the one they attacked… They went to newspapers and social media, attacking my person and businesses. “Let me assure you that Nigeria is changing for good, so the policeman giving the order, “Kill them!” Kill them!” must be brought to book as the law will take its cause.

“I am a supporter and promoter of good things in the society. And I won’t allow criminality to thrive. You do not need to do anything criminal to win election… You must be prepared to either lose or win. I am not a politician and may never be one, but I will stand for truth to prevail at all times.”

“The wind of change is already blowing , so the gun wielding policemen. The experience was scary and the shooting of my two police orderlies; the shooting at my vehicle, anybody that saw it will know that God really saved me. “One of the policeman was shot at his leg and the other one on his stomach. We know them and people know them but we do not want to join issues with them since we have taken it up both legally and in accordance with the rule of law.

“ I am the one beaten up on the orders of a superior police officer … we have reported the matter to the police and written our reports; doing all within the law and we are going to get justice…’’

Police reacts

The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Uche Ezeh confirmed the incident and however said he had not received the details of casualties at the time of this report but confirmed that two policemen were injured in the incident. “There was crisis at Ihiala Local Government Area which was the collation centre but I do not know the names of those involved in the fight. But two police men were injured and already taken to hospital for treatment.”