Commercial banks, public schools and government offices were under lock and key in Anambra State on Monday for the inauguration of Willie Obiano and his running mate, Dr. Nkem Okeke, as governor and deputy governor.
Gates leading to the judiciary complex, House of Assembly, state secretariat and commercial banks were locked throughout the day.
The Eke-Awka Market and other stalls were also closed for business to enable their owners to witness the smooth transition of governance in the state after eight years.
Pupils and students of public schools who were not aware of the closure returned home around 8:30am, while some private schools recorded academic activities.
There was also traffic gridlock, especially on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, in spite of the heavy presence of the police and road safety officials.
Some residents said the situation was worthwhile as it was the first time a civilian government was handing over to another in the state.
Blessing Eleke, a dealer in provisions, said she did not open her shop for the day just to be part of the peaceful transition.
According to Eleke, this is worth experiencing because some years ago, sitting governors were either chased out of office or removed through the courts, which came with violence.
Eleke urged the newly inaugurated governor to improve on the infrastructure put on ground by the immediate past Governor, Peter Obi, especially in the area of electricity in the markets.
Another resident, Mr Patrick Oyejekwu, called on Obiano to focus on employment, agriculture and security to reduce kidnapping in the state.
Oyejekwu expressed confidence that Obiano of the All Progressives Grand Alliance would perform creditably well just as his predecessor.
The Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Town Planning in the state, Okoli Akirika, said the closure of shops, schools and banks was a demonstration of love for the new administration.
Akirika described the ceremony as a historic event in the the state.
According to him, those who closed their offices are actually happy with the achievements of Obi.
“They decided on their own volition to identify with the occasion.”
Meanwhile, Obiano on Monday in Awka, the Anambra State capital, assured the people of good governance anchored on the development of agriculture, industrialisation, oil and gas and security.
Obiano made the pledge during his inaugural speech after taking the oath of allegiance and oath of office, administered by the state Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi.
He said his administration would pursue aggressive mechanised agriculture.
He also gave the assurance that the new government would re-organise farmers to form co-operatives for massive increase in food production in the state.
The governor said that the All Progressive Grand Alliance-led government would provide an enabling environment for oil and gas development in the state.
According to him, the new administration will establish a refinery in the state within one year in office.
The governor said he would strengthen security, particularly the community police, as well as ensure that other economic sub-sectors thrive to further boost the economy of the state.
He commended the efforts of Obi, which he said helped to move the state forward in all sectors of the economy.
Obiano appealed to the people of the state, both at home and abroad, for cooperation to enable the new administration to succeed.
Earlier, Obi had thanked the people of Anambra State for their support and appealed to them to extend the same support to his successor.
He said that Obiano had the experience to take the state to the next level.
President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by Senator Ben Obi, his Special Adviser on Inter party Affairs, said Obi had provided quality governance to the state.
Jonathan urged the people to support the new governor to further develop the state.
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