Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, the wife of the late Chukwuemeke Odumegwu Ojukwu, has recently come under scrutiny from stakeholders within the Anambra chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following her appointment as Minister of State at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FMFA) by the President. Critics have described the appointment as an anti-party move, given that Ojukwu is affiliated with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Notable figures such as Prince Orji Nwafor Orizu and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, the highest elected officeholder in APGA, have voiced their support for Ojukwu’s appointment, highlighting that the Senate approved her nomination during the screening process.
In a recent interview with journalists after her screening at the National Assembly, Ojukwu emphasized her commitment to aligning Nigeria’s foreign policy with the goal of strengthening democratic institutions globally. She stated that her efforts would involve leveraging Nigeria’s economic potential and facilitating trade both regionally and internationally.
Highlighting Nigeria’s youthful demographic, with approximately 75% of its population under 43, Ojukwu asserted that tapping into the country’s human capital could lead to sustainable progress. She also advocated for greater engagement with the Nigerian diaspora, noting that increasing women’s representation in the cabinet would contribute to advancing the nation’s interests.
Prince Orji Nwafor Orizu, Principal Partner at Friends Chambers in Abuja, characterized Ojukwu’s appointment as a significant opportunity for both the Anambra APC and the state as a whole. He acknowledged that while some members of the Anambra APC expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of consultation prior to her appointment, he believes it represents a positive step forward.
Orizu urged party members to support Ojukwu, stating that their current approach suggests a misunderstanding of the principles of a presidential system of government. He reminded them that the President is not obligated to select only from APC members or to consult with the party before making appointments. He pointed out that Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, the highest-ranking official in the APGA, has openly supported Ojukwu’s nomination in the Senate.
Expressing gratitude to the President for appointing Ojukwu, Orizu highlighted her impressive qualifications and background. He noted her previous roles, including serving as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain and as a representative in the UN World Tourism Organization, where she earned accolades as the best African Ambassador in Spain. Additionally, he emphasized her legal training and her lineage as the daughter of former Governor C.C. Onoh of old Anambra State and the wife of the late military governor of the Eastern Region, Chief Chukwuemeke Odumegwu Ojukwu.
Orizu concluded by reinforcing the importance of Anambra APC stakeholders rallying behind Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, arguing that unity and support are essential for the progress of the state and the party.
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