Here, Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Our Consulting Editor takes a critical look at Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s proposal to build a second airport in Anambra State which has triggered pushback from the state’s influential Abuja-based elders. Under the banner of the Anambra State Public Officers and Elders Forum (ASPOF), they argue that the project is premature. At a heated emergency meeting in Chelsea Hotel, Wuse 2, the forum resolved that completing and maximizing the existing airport should come first, while other economic projects take precedence. Their position is not opposition to development, they insist, but a call for priority, transparency, and synergy.
Chief Coleman Uba, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the ASPOF, spoke for the group chaired by Chief Simon Okeke, Ochendo, at the meeting that drew members concerned about the governor’s plan.
After introduction, he opened, setting the tone for a discussion framed around representation and accountability. According to him, the meeting was summoned after “representation from so many members” who had heard news of the second airport and began sending complaints and queries to the chairman.
The majority of those in attendance, he went on, were against the project at this time. Their reason: Governor Soludo should first complete work on the first airport and redirect other funds to projects that enhance development, growth, and the economy.
ASPOF tried to get official clarification by inviting the Commissioner for Information, but he could not attend. The forum therefore deliberated based on the information available to them. The group’s view, Uba explained, is to thank the governor for “the numerous wonderful work he’s doing” while drawing his attention to one key concern: make the existing airport work at optimum level.
“Whatever we do to ensure the airport is fully utilized, because people say it is underutilized,” he noted, suggesting underuse is a bigger problem than capacity. On the timing, ASPOF believes the second airport may become necessary in the future, but its impact is not immediate. “Some other things are more important,” Uba said.
The free trade zone proposal linked to the airport also came under scrutiny. Members questioned whether an airport must be the first thing established in a free zone. “Second airport is not the most immediate need of Anambra State. It is important, it is good, but it is not a priority. Now that’s the view of most people who spoke,” Uba summarized.
He stressed that he was not speaking for himself alone but for “almost everybody” at the meeting who shares the view that development must follow necessity and priority.
Prince Samben Nwosu, speaking with permission from the chairman, echoed the sentiment while hailing the governor’s governance record. He also disclosed his own ambition for Senate.
Nwosu said ASPOF is not against what the governor is doing, but wants the people to know the purpose the second airport will serve to allow proper comparison of options.
“Whether is it better to go and fortify the existing airport, or to do a brand new one, which will be of better economic importance,” he asked, framing the debate as cost-benefit analysis.
According to the Nnewi- born prince, the forum has resolved to write Governor Soludo, inviting him in person within a week to address the house, since the commissioner could not make it.
“Even if you are building a house for me, I should know that you are building a house,” Nwosu said, arguing that citizens and government must be in synergy.
He noted there are “so many calls” from Anambra people, and the forum needs to iron things out so the project does not go “in the wrong way.”
Members also raised rumors that construction of the second airport had already started without wide consultation, fueling anxiety among stakeholders born in the state.
Nwosu said if the governor’s reason is economic boosting, ASPOF is ready to brainstorm. “Maybe 10% of this money can go into the existing airport,” he suggested as an alternative.
While appreciating ongoing projects like road dualization, ASPOF concluded that for any further airport projects, “Anambra people want to know why” before committing to a second facility that is not yet seen as urgent.
