Leading aspirants for the Anambra Governorship sit have condemned an attack in Nnewi which led to the disruption of Valentine Ozigbo “Walk 4 Health.”

The historic city of Nnewi was agog with excitement on Saturday, February 6, 2021 as one of Nigeria’s leading non-governmental organizations, Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation held the third edition of its health and fitness exercise programme tagged, “VCO Walk4Health”.

The well-attended event saw over one thousand residents of Anambra State gather and walk a distance of about five kilometers, with the procession taking off at St. Andrew DCC in Nnewi, through a designated route before returning to the takeoff point.

The Nnewi edition of #Walk4Health is the third installment of the fitness programs with similar events held previously in Awka and Onitsha but before the knew, thugs invaded the area.

According to source, the political thugs loyalists to a governorship aspirant in Anambra State.

They invaded the St Andrew’s DCC compound, Nnewi, destroying facilities put together for a proposed sports event.

The facilities destroyed include; the podium, chairs, tables and many others.

However, it was not clear as at the time of filing this report, which governorship aspirant the thugs were allegedly loyal to but there are speculation that the suspected mastermind may be afraid that Ozigbo could win the hearts of his people, who form his number one support base.

Political commentator and loyalists to the ruling party (APGA), Chinedu Obigwe also confirmed the ‘speculation’.

Meanwhile, Mr Ozigbo and Hon Chris Azubogu have condemned the action, saying that it was not Anambra-like.

Ozigbo who addressed supporters after a seven-kilometer walk in the industrial city of Nnewi said the violence was uncalled for. He said the event had been organized to improve the health of the people of the state.

Azubogu also in a press release condemned the attack, saying he was billed to be at the event but couldn’t make it because he was touring the state. He wandered why anyone would attack a peaceful gathering in the state.

“He (Azubogu) would have been part of the ‘Walk For Life’ event in Nnewi, his hometown, if not for his scheduled ongoing LGA tour, and he was already on my way to Awka North LGA when he received the news of the attack.

“The member representing Nnewi North/Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, on hearing about the attack, placed a call to Mr Ozigbo, stating also in a message that such behaviour does not represent Ndi Nnewi or PDP.”

He called for the arrest of those involved, describing the attack as condemnable and does not represent the actions for which the People’s Democratic Party is known by.

Also, Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, has condemned the attack saying its a deliberate attempt to ridicule Nnewi town.

A statement signed by Kamen Chuks Ogbonna, Head of Media and Strategic Communications to Senator Ubah states that:

“The Distinguished Senator who has since reached Mr Val Ozigbo on phone to get the full facts of the incident has also swung into action by dialling the security agencies to get to the root of the matter. The Senator condemns in totality this attack as well as the emerging plot by the perpetrators to ridicule the peace loving people of Nnewi Town who are renowned for their hospitality and peaceful disposition.

“The Senator also wishes to sound it categorically clear to these agents of destabilization that such actions are alien to Ndi Anambra and all parties contesting for gubernatorial primaries must observe the highest decorum in conduct and actions. He calls on the security agencies to as a matter of urgency fish out these agents of destabilization and bring the perpetrators to book in order to unravel the real plot behind the violent act.

“The Senator in conclusion also calls on the aspirants of the PDP to eschew thuggery and internal rancour and rather go about the bussiness of wooing their delegates in pursuit of party ticket peacefully as peace is the greatest panacea to the development of any state.

Rapidly, the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District and leading Governorship Aspirant for the November 6, governorship election, Uche Ekwunife has condemned in strongest terms the destruction of Walk For Health programme materials in the early hours of Saturday, February 6, 2021, in Nnewi by suspected thugs.

In a statement signed by her Media Aide, Kingsley Ubani, Ekwunife described the development as sad and unfortunate. She stated that in her many years of participating in elections, Anambra has never witnessed such ugly incident.

According to her, “this is a new development which must not be allowed to thrive. Ndi Anambra are known for playing politics without bitterness. All stakeholders must work towards sustaining peaceful, purposeful and issue-based campaign”.

Senator Ekwunife commiserated with Mr Ozigbo over the unfortunate incident which she noted should be condemned across political divide. She emphasized that Anambrarians are known for peaceful assembly irrespective of religious, political and social affiliation, and called on the authorities to fish out those involved in such condemnable act and bring them to book, stating that such ugly trend must not be allowed to thrive in a peaceful State like Anambra.

VCO Walk4Health is a health awareness initiative, aimed at promoting healthy living habits and the spirit of community, sponsored by Valentine Ozigbo, a leading gubernatorial aspirant in the 2021 Anambra elections.

The event featured brisk walk, motivational talk from PDP leaders in the state, free medical checkup, and distribution of hand sanitizers and face masks.

While addressing the crowd at the event, Mr. Ozigbo stressed the importance of healthy practices, especially as the world was battling one of the worst epidemics in recent history.

Ozigbo, who is the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, expressed satisfaction with the turnout at the event.

He went on to speak on the importance of keeping fit and how it impacts the health and general wellbeing of the individual.

“The significance of good health cannot be overstated. Without good health, it is impossible for any meaningful progress to be achieved,” Ozigbo said.

“Asides promoting good health, we have also identified the need to encourage oneness and a sense of community among the people of the Anambra.”

The respected business leader seized the opportunity to thank all the participants and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) “who added colour to the event with their presence”.

The event was graced by several top-ranking members of the PDP in Anambra State including members of the state executive, working committee, and supporters of Mr. Ozigbo.