Oliver Okpala, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment to the All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has said that the attacks by All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) against Ganduje, following his advice to the people of Anambra State and the entire South East to gravitate towards national integration politically is disrespectful and uncalled for. 
  
Okpala made this known in a statement issued yesterday, which was made available to The Guardian. The statement read: “There is a need for them to appreciate the gesture of Ganduje and not see his intervention as negative. His aim is for the economic development and political inclusion of Anambra State to move into the central national politics, saying that there is nothing sinister, as being portrayed by the overzealous APGA members.
  
“The eminent politician, who gave the advice, should not be vilified or insulted as they have now resorted to. Instead, he should be praised and commended for his suggestions on how the region can overcome its age-long political backwardness and economic inhibitions.
  
“For Ganduje, the target should be how Anambra State can experience exponential growth through being integrated into national politics given its enormous resources, rather than empty and bitter wrangling.”
  
Okpala explained that the issues Ganduje raised do not pitch him against Anambra State, saying that the matter is about policies of the state government vis a viz their inclusion at the centre to fast track their progress, principally for the economic benefit of the people.
  
He added that those attacking Ganduje should know that he did not attack any Anambrarian, but only proffered possible solutions to the condition of the state. 
 
 He said: “Coming from another region of the country to empathise with the people of Anambra is, in itself, a hallmark of leadership, transcending ethnic or regional sentiments. That is Ganduje for you, a detrabalised and nationalistic leader.”

“So, he should be appreciated for his concern for them to be redeemed from their economic and political backwardness and not derided. He should be encouraged to take interest in the affairs of the Igbo to engender their socio-political fortunes.”