Why Tinubu Appointed Bianca Ojukwu as Minister – Soludo’s Commissioner

In a recent reshuffle of his ministerial cabinet, President Bola Tinubu appointed Bianca Ojukwu, widow of the late Biafra leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, as a minister. Anambra State’s Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, explained that this decision aims to strengthen connections with the Southeast region, a move seen as a strategic political gesture.

In an interview with Rudolf Okonkwo on 90MinutesAfrica, Mefor described Ojukwu as a “symbol of the Igbo race,” with her appointment seen as a way for President Tinubu to engage the Southeast and integrate the region into his administration. Mefor emphasized that Ojukwu, as the widow of an iconic Igbo figure, could serve as a bridge between the administration and Southeast communities.

“President Tinubu is trying to make an inroad into the southeast and he sees Bianca as one who could help him,” Mefor said, underscoring her influence and symbolic value in the region.

Mefor also praised Tinubu’s choice, calling Ojukwu’s appointment “one decision that the Tinubu administration has gotten right.” He addressed concerns that her new role could blur the lines between her affiliation with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), assuring that voters in Anambra could make distinctions between party allegiances.

“Election is local, and Anambra State electorates are very sophisticated,” he stated, expressing confidence that voters could differentiate between political candidates and parties during elections.

Mefor also touched on the recent controversy surrounding the Anambra State Local Government Administration Law. Critics argue it could undermine a Supreme Court ruling directing local government allocations to go directly to local government accounts rather than joint accounts with state governments. Mefor clarified that the law aligns with the Supreme Court’s ruling, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability within local government finances.

“The Anambra State Local Government Administration Law was made to operationalize the Supreme Court judgment,” Mefor said, adding that it provides a clear framework for ensuring funds are used effectively by local governments.

In his remarks, Mefor stated that the law does not require local governments to operate any accounts with the state government. Rather, it outlines procedures to ensure transparent use of funds in compliance with the 1999 Constitution. This clarification, he said, should reassure those concerned about potential state interference in local finances.