The flag off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate in Anambra State, Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige Tuesday kicked off without the national leader of the party, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu even as the traditional institution in Onitsha condemned the flag off on the day Onitsha was holding its Ofala festival.
Although only three governors, including Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, Fayemi of Ekiti State and Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State where among other party chieftains who attended the rally, which was disrupted by a heavy down pour till after 3 pm.
Adding to that, youths in Onitsha protested against Ngige for holding their flag-off campaign on the day, Dr. Alfred Achebe, the Igwe of Onitsha was having his Ofala festival.
The Obi of Onitsha speaking at his palace, placed curse on Ngige and APC , saying his Ofala announcement was made over a year ago and wondered why APC should disrupt its sanctity.
While rounding up his Ofala festival Tuesday, the angry Obi said it was very disrespectful for a political party, in spite of the almost one year notice, to fix their rally the same day.
He angrily struck his ofor thrice on the ground and spoke in Igbo "onye mejoo ani, ochuba ya (he who goes contrary to tradition will have himself hunted).
Earlier he debunked the rumour in some quarters that he resigned as the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council on account of differences with Governor Obi, insisting that having been in the position for over five years that it was time for others to serve too.
He said he enjoyed good and harmonious relationship with Obi, who accorded him due respect punctuated by reciprocity. He said he was behind him in the support for Anambra North to produce the next governor in the spirit of equity and fairness.
Senator Ngige was also not spared too by Governor Obi, who condemned APC rally, expressing surprise that a true Igbo son, Dr. Chris Ngige is supposed to be, would allow his party to fix rally at Onitsha the same day the Obi of Onitsha is performing Ofala festival.
Calling on the people of the state to respect traditional institutions, he wondered if any politician, including Ngige would try such in an APC-controlled state.
Obi, who recalled that APGA shifted their rally from Tuesday, the 8th to Monday, the 7th, said a dog bears the name given it by its owner and that it behoves Igbos to stand up firmly and insist that their traditional institutions must be accorded full respect at all times.
Meanwhile, Onitsha Youths carried placards with anti APC and Ngige inscriptions, some which read: "from deportation to desecration of Igbo land!”
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