By Tony Adibe
Famous Nigerian oil magnate and philanthropist, Prince Arthur Eze, said he was hopeful that President Bola Tinubu’s administration will bring about massive development in the South East geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
Prince Eze, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Oranto Petroleum, spoke to journalists following Tinubu’s recent visit to Enugu State. He noted that the president will release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. He described Tinubu’s visit to Enugu as a moment of celebration and unity for the entire South East region.
According to him, “Tinubu’s visit was wonderful. Everyone was rejoicing. The Igbo and Yoruba are rejoicing. Even those in Lagos, Abuja, and here are all rejoicing. The Inspector General of Police joined us to dance.
“Tinubu’s visit reminded us of Awolowo, who fought for independence with Michael Okpara, yet he was jailed for seven years in Calabar. Tinubu has continued in that path. When he was speaking, he was dishing out words of wisdom. God sent him here to address the issues concerning Ndigbo.”
Nnamdi Kanu (left) and President Tinubu
The international business mogul also spoke specifically on Nnamdi Kanu and those causing violence in the southeast zone: “It was Buhari that detained him, not Tinubu. But we will beg Tinubu to release him. Tinubu has a spirit of forgiveness; he has no enemies. So it’s not Tinubu’s fault; it’s Buhari’s fault. But we shall beg Tinubu to forgive.
“They (troublemakers) don’t know about the civil war. I was a refugee for three years with my father. I lost some of my brothers on the battlefield. I was here when Emeka Ojukwu declared the Republic of Biafra. They don’t know what war is.”
Eze lauded President Tinubu for establishing the South East Development Commission, an important initiative that he believes will bring meaningful change to the region.
“We have to thank Tinubu for the South East Development Commission. That commission can solve our problem. They have more than N100 Billion to create jobs here. Tinubu released the money. He doesn’t care. Other governments neglected us. That commission will change the lives of Ndigbo. Very soon, people will start getting jobs.
“Tinubu has no enemies. He doesn’t have boundaries. He doesn’t care to know who you are. Only Tinubu can solve our problems in the South East. Most of us here are above 60. So if Tinubu cannot solve the problem, then we are dead,” he said.
Eze also commented on the efforts of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who, in partnership with the federal government, has been driving development and security in the state. He commended Mbah’s use of technology in tackling insecurity, particularly the installation of security cameras in some parts of the Enugu metropolis, which has allowed residents to move around without fear.
Eze also urged other governors in the South East to follow Mbah’s lead in addressing security challenges using technology.
“Mbah provided security. You can see the massive urban development where he has spent a lot of money. He is making visible efforts to take us back to Old Eastern Nigeria. The time of Dr. Michael Okpara, Dr Akanu Ibiam and Nnamdi Azikiwe. “Other South East governors should learn from Governor Mbah. He is using technology to tackle insecurity. You can see cameras everywhere. That is why we all can move around, and no one will harass us. If other governors will emulate what he is doing, there will be no problem,” he said.
