Pete Edochie refers to Gov. Ugwuanyi as his “dearest” leader.

Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports

Chief Pete Edochie, a well-known veteran Nollywood actor, has described Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as “the dearest person” to him among great leaders in the country and beyond.

Edochie made the claim at an event commemorating his 53rd wedding anniversary with his wife, Barr. Mrs. Josephine Edochie, held yesterday at The Base Landmark Event Centre in Enugu.

Ugwuanyi attended the event alongside the state’s deputy governorship candidate, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, and former Deputy Chief of Staff, Imo State Government House, Barr. Chima Nwant to, among others.

Edochie, one of Africa’s most talented actors, praised Ugwuanyi’s exemplary leadership qualities as well as his attendance at the event.

The event, according to the veteran Nollywood actor, was a “defining moment in my life,” and he was deeply honored by Ugwuanyi’s presence to celebrate with him and his family.

Edochie questioned photographers about why they do not give him copies of photographs he took with Ugwuanyi on various occasions, noting that he has pictures in his house with Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe (Zik), Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chinua Achebe, and Jerry Rawlings, among other leaders.

“In my house, I have photographs of me and Zik (Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe), I have photographs of me and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, I have photographs of Chinua Achebe, and I have photographs of Jerry Rawlings, but the most dearest person to me is the Governor of Enugu State present here,” Edochie said, inviting Ugwuanyi and the PDP deputy governorship candidate to join him and his wife to cut the anniversary cake.

“However, on several occasions, the photographers who normally take these photos leave without providing me with a copy.

“So, today I’m going to cut this cake.” I beg His Excellency (Ugwuanyi) to stand beside me while I cut the cake. Your guest will join us, as will the incoming deputy governor.

“Any photographer who is the first to give me the pictures that you (photographers) capture now will receive a good prize from me.” “Did you hear what I said?”

Other distinguished guests at the ceremony praised Ugwuanyi for his humility, peaceful disposition, and commitment to good governance in their goodwill messages to the celebrants (Edochie and his wife).