The Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo and well-meaning philanthropists from the state to intervene in the plight of Anambra indigenes reportedly stranded in South Africa by facilitating their evacuation and safe return to Nigeria.
The appeal followed deliberations during plenary at the State Assembly in Awka, where the House Majority leader and lawmaker representing Ekwusigo Constituency, Ikenna Ofodeme, raised concern over the condition of the affected citizens and the need for urgent humanitarian assistance.
The lawmakers urged the state government to work closely with the Federal Government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa to ascertain the exact number and circumstances of the stranded indigenes and ensure that necessary diplomatic and logistical arrangements are put in place for their safe evacuation.
Supporting the motion, lawmakers from Idemili South, Ebuka Igwe; Aguata 1, Anayo Okpakeke; Onitsha South 1, Fred Ezenwa; Onitsha South 2, Jude Umennajiego; and the Chief Whip and member representing the Ihiala 1 constituency noted that many of the affected persons may be facing severe economic hardship and other challenges requiring immediate attention.
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They also appealed to philanthropists, corporate organisations, and public-spirited individuals to complement government efforts by providing financial and material support to assist in bringing the stranded Anambra indigenes back home.
The legislators stressed that the intervention should be driven by compassion and the collective responsibility to protect the welfare of citizens, irrespective of where they reside.
The Speaker of the Anambra House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze, expressed optimism that a coordinated response involving the state government, relevant federal agencies and private donors would provide timely relief to the affected persons.
Udeze reaffirmed the commitment of the Anambra State Assembly towards advocating policies and interventions that would safeguard the interests and well-being of Anambra citizens both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.
He urged all stakeholders to act swiftly to avert further hardship.
