Bianca Ojukwu Unveils Agenda For Foreign Ministry As Anambra APC Kick

Bianca Ojukwu Unveils Agenda For Foreign Ministry As Anambra APC Kick

By Abba – Eku Onyeka Abuja

*Chief (Mrs) Bianca Ojukwu, Foreign Affairs Minister (State)

Supported by among others, the highest elected officer in her party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, a prince from Nnewi, Anambra State and the entire senators, the wife of former Military Governor of the then Eastern Region (Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Rivers States), Ambassador Bianca 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 President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

 

*Mrs Bianca Ojukwu

However the critics have described the appointment as an anti-party move, saying that ahe is an APGA member.P She has therefore continued to enjoy the support of notable figures like Prince Orji Nwafor Orizu and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, explaining that the Senate approved her nomination during the screening process. At an interview after the screening with journalists 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. When asked if she is satisfied with the number of women in the cabinet, she suggested that there be more of them in the cabinet, so that all hands will be on deck to move the country forward.

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 Christian.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.

*Mrs Bianca Ojukwu

Reminding them that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he said that the appointment is in line with the rules of presidential system of government, even as he said that Mr President must consult all the party members before making an appointment. She equally suggested that there be more women in the cabinet, so that all hands will be on deck to move the country forward. ..