By Eche Nwaobasi, Onitsha
The Patron and former Vice Chairman of the Building Materials Dealers Association Market, Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, Onowu Sir Silas Ikeh, has described President Bola Tinubu’s administration as a disaster, accusing it of worsening poverty, insecurity, killings and corruption in Nigeria.
Ikeh made the remarks while speaking with journalists during his 69th birthday celebration at the market last Saturday, where traders and market leaders gathered to honour him for his contributions to the development of the market.
He urged Nigerians to come out en masse during elections and use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to vote for leaders capable of addressing the country’s economic and security challenges.
“Tinubu’s government is a disaster. They have raised poverty, killings, insecurity and corruption to an unimaginable level. I am urging Nigerians to come out and vote them out,” he said.
“My appeal is for all of us to make use of our voter’s cards and vote for those who will address these problems before everybody dies.”
Despite his criticism of the Federal Government, the celebrant urged Nigerians not to lose hope in God, expressing optimism that the country would overcome its present challenges.
Ikeh, who is the traditional Prime Minister of Nnerim Ndugba in Isu Local Government Area of Imo State, attributed his achievements to God’s grace and faithfulness to him and his family.
Expressing gratitude for attaining the age of 69, he said he was hopeful of celebrating his 70th birthday next year.
He advised Nigerians to remain faithful, obedient and steadfast in their relationship with God, stressing that they should never lose hope in His ability to provide a better future.
Earlier, the President-General of the Building Materials Dealers Association Market, High Chief Chidi Emmanuel Mbagwu, described Ikeh as a blessing to the market and an inspiration to younger traders.
Mbagwu recalled the celebrant’s contributions to the establishment of the market at its present location in Ogbunike in 2009, following the relocation of traders from their former site on Williams Street, Onitsha.
He described Ikeh as a go-getter, peacemaker, consummate leader and God-fearing man who had consistently promoted peace, unity and love among traders.
The market leader wished him more blessings, good health and longevity.
Similarly, the Chief Security Officer of the Plywood Market, Ogbunike, a sister market, Nze Sir Stanley Ibekwe Ugochukwu, popularly known as Ozodiebube, praised Ikeh for his transparency, philanthropy,
humility and commitment to peace.
Ugochukwu recalled his significant role during the construction of the market and commended his continued efforts to promote its development.
“If I continue to tell the story of the celebrant and his achievements, it will be endless. My prayer for him is for God to give him good health and long life,” he said.
Also speaking, Chief Ndubuisi Iheanaetu, a member of the market’s executive, described Ikeh as one of the market’s prominent elders whose life and achievements continued to inspire younger traders.
He wished the celebrant many more years of birthday celebrations in good health.
The ceremony commenced with an opening prayer offered by representatives of the five South-East states represented in the market, followed by tributes celebrating Ikeh’s life, leadership and contributions to the trading community.
Before his installation as the traditional Prime Minister of his community in Imo State, Ikeh was a community leader in New Haven Estate, Nkwelle Ezunaka, where he was described as a pioneer in the estate’s development.
He is also a prominent member of the Old Orlu Leaders of Thought and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, as well as a human rights activist and public affairs commentator.
His tenure as vice chairman of the Building Materials Dealers Association Market coincided with the period when the market was established at its present location in 2009.
Tags: Silas Ikeh, Ogbunike Market, Tinubu Administration, Nigeria Politics
