An obviously baffled Governor Charles Soludo apologized to dignitaries who attended his inauguration over an embarrassing physical fight between the former First Lady, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano and wife of former Biafran Leader, Mrs Bianca Ojukwu.
Soludo explained in a statement by his Media Aide, Joe Anatune, that the privilege breach was caused by personal disagreement between the two highly placed women.
He said that efforts are being made to mend the fractured relationship between the two female personalities in the state.
“Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo hereby apologizes to all Anambra people, friends and guests who attended his inauguration this morning as the Anambra State governor for the breach of protocol,” the statement reads.
“The breach was caused by improper communication which itself arose from a personal issue between the two parties involved in the breach.
“Steps are being taken to resolve the misunderstanding and restore the parties to their previous relationship.
“Anambra State has over the years been known for a huge stock of social harmony, and the stock will increase substantially in the years ahead as part of the concerted effort to accelerate the state’s development. God bless Anambra State, the Light of the Nation.”The scene of the ugly incident was in front of the Governor’s office, venue of the swearing in ceremony within the Government House,Awka.
Trouble started shortly after Governor Soludo and his Deputy had been sworn in by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu who administered oaths of office and allegiance to them.
Prof. Soludo was about to bring to an end his inaugural speech when Mrs. Obiano walked into the venue.
Bianca Ojukwu was seated in the front row with other guests including immediate past Governor Obiano and other eminent personalities, National and State Assembly members, and the clergy.
Mrs Obiano broke the protocol as she arrived the venue of the swearing in late and her vehicle was stopped by security operatives at the inner entrance gate leading to office of the governor within the Government House.
Moments after she got into the venue of the ceremony, she walked from seat to where Ambassador Ojukwu was seated.
She was said to have tapped Bianca on the shoulder and the latter shrugged off her (Obiano’s Wife) hands for about three times.
Those close to the spot of the fight said that Obiano’s wife while tapping the shoulder of the former Beaty queen used foul language ‘You’re a bitch, you’re a bitch, I think you said, ‘we won’t be Governor’ on Lady Bianca.
The enraged Bianca got up up from her seat and gave the former First Lady a slap as a response to unprintable invectives on her.
With the arena now turned to a battlefield field between the two women, the former Ambassador to Spain grabbed the head gear, of Mrs Obiano’s as they dragged each other.Security operatives and dignitaries were fast to separate the two women amid confusion and embarrassment to the newly sworn in governor Soludo and other top dignatries.
While the commotion was going on, Chief Willie Obiano who was seated looked straight at the podium where Professor Soludo was signing his oath of office as Governor while he was being guided by the state Chief Judge, Justice Anyachebelu.
Government House sources said that the former Governor was shocked to have seen his wife at the venue as she was not among the guests that were expected at the event.
The source said that the former First Lady arrived very late after over 50 minutes because she was not planned to be part of the ceremony.
