ANIAS Hails Anambra Accountant-General, Achor, Says Appointment Restores Pride of Non-Indigenes

Anambra Accountant-General Mr Joachin Achor (in red Cap) in a group photograph with Executives Members of Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State

By Titus Eleweke

The Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State (ANIAS) on Tuesday commended the State Accountant-General, Mr Joachin Achor, for making non-indigenes residing in the state proud through his meritorious rise to the prestigious position.

The association gave the commendation during a courtesy visit by its executive members to Achor in his office at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka, Anambra State.

Speaking during the visit, the President-General of ANIAS, Prince Chigozie Nweke, said the association was proud and honoured that a non-indigene could rise to such an exalted position through merit, hard work and dedication to service.

According to him, the appointment was particularly significant at a time when non-indigenes were frequently associated with criminal activities in the state, noting that Achor’s elevation had presented a positive image of non-indigenes and demonstrated their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the development of Anambra State.

He said Achor’s hard work, dedication and commitment, which earned him the position, had proved that many non-indigenes were working diligently to add value to the state and its development.

Prince Nweke further disclosed that ANIAS was a duly registered association recognised by the Anambra State Government and operated in synergy with the government and other relevant agencies in the state.

“What we are doing is organic. We have a certificate of recognition from the state government to operate,” he said.

He explained that the association was undertaking a comprehensive data-gathering exercise to identify and document non-indigenes living in Anambra State, including their professions, states of origin and places of residence.

“We are profiling every non-indigene because everybody is automatically a member of the association. We are doing this because we are not happy that most crimes in the state are attributed to non-indigenes,” he said.

Nweke added that the association was committed to compiling reliable information on non-indigenes to support the state government’s efforts to prevent and combat crime.

“We are working hard to obtain data on non-indigenes in the state, including their professions, states of origin and places of residence. We are committed to assisting the state government in checking crime,” he said.

He assured the Accountant-General of the association’s prayers and support, stressing that Achor’s position had brought honour and pride to non-indigenes in the state.

According to him, while non-indigenes were often associated with negative incidents, Achor’s achievement represented a positive development worthy of celebration and recognition.

Nweke also disclosed that the association comprised people from all states of the federation, united by their common residence in Anambra State and their desire to contribute to its progress.

Responding, Achor expressed his willingness to associate with his fellow residents from different parts of the country living in Anambra State.

He said it was his first time hearing about or meeting members of the association, adding that he was pleased with their visit and the objectives they had presented.

The Accountant-General described ANIAS as the kind of association the state governor would be interested in seeing operate in Anambra, noting that it was encouraging for non-indigenes to organise themselves around positive ideals and contribute to the development of their host state.

He observed that non-indigenes were often linked to negative activities and urged the association’s executive members to intensify efforts to educate and reorient their members towards responsible conduct and lawful activities.

Achor emphasised that the state government was committed to treating everyone equally, irrespective of state of origin, religion or ethnic background.

He disclosed that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo had appointed him a permanent secretary before subsequently elevating him to the position of Accountant-General, describing his career progression as evidence that merit and hard work could be recognised in the state.

“I want to advise that we should not hear about non-indigenes only when there is bad news. We should try as much as possible to counter the negative narrative with good deeds.
“Anambra State is very accommodating, and we must work accordingly for mutual benefits,” he said.