The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Tag: Soludo

  • Moghalu Demands Immediate Disbandment of Agunechemba Security Outfit in Anambra

    Moghalu Demands Immediate Disbandment of Agunechemba Security Outfit in Anambra

    Governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Anambra state, Dr George Moghalu has called for the disbandment of security outfit in the state co-nay Agunechemba with immediate effect.

    The victim, identified as Ms. Jennifer Elohor, was reportedly beaten and stripped at the NYSC lodge in Idemili South Local Government Area by the local security outfit.

    Addressing newsmen on Wednesday, former Managing Director, National Inland Waterway Authority (NIWA) also demanded arrest and prosecution of those involved in the brutalization of the corps member.

    Describing the action of the security outfit as embarrassing and height of irresponsibility, the LP flagbearer insisted members of the outfit must be trained and properly indoctrinated before they could be constituted to be a security outfit.

    He said, “I was very saddened over what I saw in the video. it was indeed a scandalous embarrassment, not only to Anambra, or Government but to the entire responsible citizen of the state.

    “It’s unacceptable, whatever the offences may be the young lady has committed. There are better civil ways to handle it, a corps member for that mat.

    “The right thing to do was to arrest her and hand her over to the police rather than the brutality, tearing her dress and dehumanizing her.

    “I stand on my position that the Udo-Ga-chi must be disbanded, trained and properly indoctrinated into the principle before they can be constituted to be a security outfit

    “You can’t kill those you’re meant to protect. You don’t take guns and hand over to irresponsible people and ask them to descend on the citizens.

    “This is a case too many. We’ve heard cases of people they’ve killed, maimed consciously or unconsciously and causing unnecessary obstacle on the highway and extortion money from citizens

    “The Federal Government must urgently step in to scrutinize and regulate the operations of this outfit. They should make an official statement on this matter. That young woman is on national assignment and deserves protection from both state and federal authorities.

    Expressing concern over the whereabouts of the assaulted corps member, despite reports that the operatives involved had been arrested, Moghalu called on government to produce the victim.

    “Where is the victim?” “The government must produce her and allow her to speak publicly about her ordeal. We live in a civilized society. The fact that she is a corps member makes this situation even more grievous, she was simply serving her country.”he queried.

    Labour Party Governorship candidate, Dr George Moghalu
    Moghalu further alleged that the vigilante group was established primarily to serve political interests in the upcoming gubernatorial election, particularly in favor of the incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

    “Federal Government must ensure adequate security during the November election.

    “It is now evident that the Udogachi was created as political tool to influence the electoral process. Their actions during the last Saturday election made that very clear,” he added.

  • [OPINION] Why Anambra Must Support George Moghalu’s Governorship Race, With Education as a Priority 

    [OPINION] Why Anambra Must Support George Moghalu’s Governorship Race, With Education as a Priority 

    By Comrade Shedrack Osinachi Mmadueke 

    As Anambra State approaches the all-important governorship election on Saturday, 8th November 2025, the call for a leader with vision, experience, and an unshakable commitment to the future of our children has never been louder. In Chief Dr. George Moghalu, the Labour Party presents a candidate whose track record, competence, and passion for human capital development place him far ahead of the rest.

    Education is the foundation upon which every successful society is built. Any government that neglects the education sector is deliberately weakening its future. Ndi Anambra are known across Nigeria and beyond as lovers of knowledge, entrepreneurship, and innovation — but for us to maintain and expand this legacy, we must reform and strengthen our educational system from the ground up.

    Chief Dr. George Moghalu understands that without quality education, no society can fully unlock its economic potential. He has consistently articulated and demonstrated plans that prioritize:

    1. Massive Investment in Schools and Infrastructure – From rehabilitating dilapidated classrooms to building modern science and technology laboratories, Moghalu is committed to ensuring that every child in Anambra learns in a safe, conducive, and well-equipped environment.

    2. Teacher Welfare and Training – He recognizes that teachers are the engine of education. His administration will ensure prompt payment of salaries, regular training, and provision of teaching tools to help them deliver world-class education.

    3. Affordable and Accessible Learning – Moghalu’s vision ensures that no child is left behind due to poverty. Scholarships, grants, and targeted support for vulnerable families will be expanded so that every Anambra child , from the rural village to the urban city has access to education.

    4. Skill Acquisition and Technical Education – With global economies shifting towards technology, innovation, and skills, Moghalu plans to strengthen technical colleges and vocational centers so that our youths graduate with employable skills, ready to create jobs instead of waiting for them.

    5. Digital Transformation of Education – The world is going digital, and Anambra cannot be left behind. Under Moghalu, public schools will be equipped with e-learning resources, internet access, and digital training programs to prepare our children for global competitiveness.

    For South East For Good Governance, the choice is clear. A vote for Chief Dr. George Moghalu is a vote for an Anambra State where education is not a privilege but a right — where the children of farmers, traders, artisans, and professionals sit side by side in modern classrooms, learning the skills and values to lead tomorrow.

    This November 8th, Ndi Anambra have an opportunity to make history. We can choose a leader who will transform our educational sector into the pride of Nigeria, or we can settle for mediocrity. The future of our children demands that we rise above politics of division and embrace the candidate with a plan, a vision, and the will to execute it.

    Let us vote massively for Chief Dr. George Moghalu, Labour Party Governorship Candidate — for the sake of our children, for the sake of our future, and for the glory of Anambra State.

  • [PICTORIALS] Peter Obi meets Soludo in Awka

    [PICTORIALS] Peter Obi meets Soludo in Awka

    Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi and the Governor of Anambra state, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo met today in Awka.

    Obi and Soludo, who met at St Patrick Cathedral, Awka, during the Thanksgiving mass of Most Rev. Bishop Ezeokafor’s 70th birthday, could be seen embracing each other, while they exchanged pleasantries.

    Recall that Soludo had earlier alleged that the investment of Obi in Anambra state government was worth next to nothing.

    Soludo made this assertion in an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today last Thursday.

    When asked his perspective on government investing outside the public sector with reference to Obi as former governor in Anambra, Soludo simply said, “I don’t know about the investment.”

    “Our interview is about the 2023 budget. I’m not talking about investments of any of my predecessors. By the way the one that you talked about I don’t know about that. I think there was something I read about somebody speculating about whatever investment. With what I’ve seen today, the value of those investments is worth next to nothing. So, let’s leave that aside,” he said.

    https://twitter.com/PO_GrassRootM/status/1595731862437101568?t=XHO2JXlOLef_vG2uiQSPcg&s=19

    (Vanguard)

  • Herdsmen’s invasion: Soludo explodes over priest’s prophecy

    Herdsmen’s invasion: Soludo explodes over priest’s prophecy

    ANAMBRA State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has reacted angrily over the prophecy by a renowned Catholic priest,, Reverend Father Emmanuel Obimma, popularly known as Ebube Muonso, that herdsmen with tribal marks would invade Anambra Government House and that he saw the governor running out in a pool of blood.

    The popular priest, who was addressing his congregation in a viral video, said there is need to pray for the state and the governor and for the governor to also pray for himself.

    In a strongly worded response, Soludo, who is a practising Catholic said although the priest has the monopoly of the pulpit,, such a monopoly demanded a responsibility on the part of the cleric to exercise caution and maturity in how he uses such power.

    Soludo said: “As an orthodox Catholic, I was brought up not to join issues with any man of God. I have been in the public arena for two decades and I appreciate comments and criticisms from the citizens, including the men of God.

    “I welcome your comments, advice and even criticisms as such help us to do better because we are certainly not perfect.

    “I am writing you, in the exercise of my duty (as a member of your Laity) to also advise you—- but not publicly on the pulpit as you chose to do.

    “On your prophecy, you are certainly entitled to claim that you “saw” anything, and to call for prayers. I need all the prayers in the world and I believe that thousands of people of goodwill are praying for us and for Anambra.

    “I am convinced that the God I worship who has sent me on this mission will lead us to finish it to His glory! My life is in His hands and He already knows how many more days or years He has for me.

    “No man has a say regarding His plan for my life. I don’t believe these political or phantom “prophecies” are designed to play to the gallery. That’s not my upbringing and faith as a Catholic. You have my contact and assuming that anything was “revealed” to you as a threat to my life, do you really believe that the best way to communicate it is on your pulpit?

    “By the way, God didn’t “reveal” to you the attack by unknown gunmen on my last year at a rally, killing three policemen; nor has He “revealed,” to you any of the dozens of the attacks on innocent people this year so that the people may take caution or pray.”

    (Vanguard)

  • Anambra: Gunmen invade Soludo’s hometown, injure policemen

    Three policemen sustained gunshot injuries when gunmen attacked their security post in Isuofia community, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    Isuofia is the hometown of the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

    Although some reports claimed that one policeman was killed, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, told Saturday Sun that no police officer was killed.

    He said that the gunmen did not attack the community but that they were passing along the road connecting Isuofia and Ekwulobia.

    “Gunmen did not invade Isuofia. We created observation points where we monitor the activities of criminals. We also embark on stop and search. So, what happened was that one of our observation points along Ekwulobia Road came under attack by hoodlums. Three of our men there unfortunately sustained gunshot injuries and they’re currently receiving treatment.

    “I can tell you that the operation is still ongoing. More personnel from Awka here have since been sent to the area to help restore normalcy. No policeman was killed,” he said.

    (Sun)

  • Soludo offers Amnesty to agitators in Anambra

    Sequel to the spate of violent attacks and weekly Monday sit-at-home in Anambra, Governor Charles Soludo, Sunday, said his administration has offered “amnesty” to agitators in the state.

    But Ohanaeze in a swift reaction yesterday took exception to the use of the word amnesty, saying it connotes that the youths have been committing an offence when in reality, they are only fighting against marginalization.

    Ohanaeze however lauded Governor Soludo’s efforts to rehabilitate aggrieved Igbo youths who are causing trouble in the state and South East in general while protesting the ill-treatment being meted to the people of the South East.

    Soludo had in an interview with Channels Television lamented the situation in the southeast which over the past year has witnessed spates of violent attacks with security operatives bearing the major brunt of the onslaught.

    Recall that on Sunday, gunmen had attacked a patrol team of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, in Anambra, which led to the death of two operatives.

    Amid the violent attacks, hoodlums are still enforcing the sit-at-home order which has been suspended by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

    Just yesterday, workers flayed efforts to bring to an end, the unpopular sit-at-home in the region which took the worst dimension, as residents deserted the roads and streets in Anambra, Imo and some cities in the southeast.

    Speaking on Channels TV, Soludo had said his administration is ready to rehabilitate and offer skill acquisition training to those willing to surrender.

    “Within the agitation movement, we have to agree that there are now factions. There are various factions. There is one led by one guy in Finland called Simeon Ekpa.

    “IPOB has come out to accuse that group of being the one behind much of the criminality taking place in the southeast. It is a very huge positive development.

    “A lot of them in the bush out there are having camps here and there. They come out to kidnap and kill. Once we isolate all the groups that are not involved in this, then we can focus on the criminals.

    “We have also offered them some kind of amnesty. Come out, give us your guns, we are prepared to give you training in whatever skills, even if we have to raise resources to empower you to become useful partners in the development of the society.”

    On the agitation for secession in the south-east, Soludo said an ideology cannot be killed through the use of guns, adding that it is pertinent to understand the root cause of the problem

    “A time comes when you realise that you cannot shoot an ideology with a gun. When you see it exclusively as a law enforcement matter, then you miss the point. You’ve got to engage them,” he said.

    The governor said his administration will set up a truth and reconciliation commission.

    “This is something we need to engage very seriously. We are taking it very seriously with an open manner to engage everyone and believing that everyone has some contribution to make. To the criminals, we are offering them an olive branch to repent.”

    To this end, the governor declared prayer sessions that took place yesterday across Churches in the state to formally end the sit-at-home.

    Lay down your arms

    Speaking at St Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral, Ekwulobia in Aguata local government area where he participated in the prayer session, Governor Soludo appealed to those still carrying arms and forced people to stay at home on Mondays in Igbo land to lay down their arms and embrace the path of peace in the interest of the people.

    He recalled that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had issued a statement putting an end to the Monday sit-at-home and wondered why it should continue.

    He observed that the people and the state were the major losers anytime the sit-at-home order was enforced, adding that children were deprived of going to school every Monday just as economic activities were also grounded.

    He said that the state cannot continue in that manner, stressing that this is the time to take back Anambra State and build it as a home of peace and the light of the nation.

    Governor Soludo also informed the congregation that the state government had put in place measures to rehabilitate and train the youths to be gainfully employed, as well as the setting up of a Peace and Reconciliation Commission to reconcile all aggrieved parties.

    According to him, with the prayers offered in the churches across the state, the Monday weekly sit-at-home is officially over and urged the people to come out every Monday to conduct their businesses while schools and other essential institutions/agencies are required to open for business every Monday as well

    The Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Most Rev Ebele Okpalaeke, who led the prayer session charged the people to embrace peace.

    He observed that nothing could be achieved without peace and harmony in the land and appealed to those who were bent on creating fear and tension in the land to desist forthwith and embrace the olive branch offered by the state government for peace to return to the state.

    Soludo has started well — Bishop Ezeokafor

    At the St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, who led the congregation in the prayer session observed that Igbo people were faced with a very serious situation.

    He said: “There is no doubt that Igbo are not well treated in this country. You cannot just be a visitor in a place that belongs to you. Igbo are a big force to reckon with right from independence and unfortunately, we say we are one country, but some people are not well treated”.

    The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese commended the actions being taken by the Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo to return the state to normalcy, particularly the plan to grant amnesty to the agitators.

    He said in an interview later that the move would go a long way to assuage the feelings of all the actors involved in the present situation.

    He said: “Every action has a reaction and I believe that most of the actions we are seeing today are reactions following that neglect of the Igbo.“But I also believe that it can still be redeemed and remedied. Those who are complaining have reasons to complain and what they are complaining about is real, but their method of approach is faulty.

    “What our people are doing is not right because we are fighting ourselves and destroying our economy.

    “This issue of sit-at-home every Monday does not help us if we must tell ourselves the truth. Everything an Igbo does to feed himself is through hard work and anybody stopping the economy from working is not helping us.

    “If people are realistic, they should listen to the voice of reason. People who should talk are talking. In the present circumstance, all the traditional rulers in Igbo land, the clergy, the PGs of communities, the government and everybody, are saying, let us look for another way of doing things.

    “Yes, we are in chains, but this is not the way to approach the issue. For people to be operating from the forests is not the right thing to do, we should operate from the house and not destroy ourselves.

    “I know very well that as Igbo, it is not in our culture to kill. We can use our mouths to quarrel, but using knives and cutting people is alien to us.

    “So, I really plead with those who think the solution is fighting and making people not to go to school or attend to their businesses to know they are not on the right track.”

    Soludo is doing well, but….— Ohanaeze

    According to Ohanaeze Spokesman, Alex Chidozie Ogbonnia, the issue is that people should look at cause and effect in any given scenario.

    But in the case of what is happening in the South East, what people are looking at is the effect, not the cause.

    “The cause is that the South East is being alienated; we are being marginalized and unemployed, we are sidelined and marginalized in government. And because of that, our youths are unhappy. They are being rendered poor on daily basis because of where they come from, because of the historical experience of their fathers or grandfathers. Because of that, they are angry and to that extent, there is agitation, either you treat us well or allow us to go. And to that extent, they are causing some of these problems in the name of IPOB and others.

    “As a matter of fact, the remarks by the President where he talked about 95 per cent and 5 per cent votes aggravated the situation. The present government has not been fair to the South East, and the people are expressing their dissatisfaction with the system in various forms.

    “Soludo is doing the right thing, calling them out, using the word amnesty. Well; the important thing is that the young people who are agitating are right. I want to congratulate Soludo. He is a man who has the audacity to tread a difficult path. He will get enough support. And if Anambra succeeds, it will affect the other South East States”, Ogbonnia said.

    Again, sit-at-home shuts down S-Ea

    Meanwhile, the sit-at-home observed in the southeast yesterday shut down most cities in the region.

    In Awka, Anambra State, prayers as directed by Governor Charles Soludo and other Igbo leaders to end the weekly Monday sit-at-home in the South East were held in many churches but that did not achieve the end as envisaged.

    It was also the same situation in Nnewi and its environs as heavy vehicular and human movements witnessed some weeks ago on the roads and streets of the town and that of Onitsha the commercial city disappeared. The streets were empty.

    According to some residents of both Onitsha and Nnewi, the current worsening disappearance of vehicular and human movements on the streets and roads in the two popular Anambra towns is not unconnected with the directive by the state government that there is no more sit-at-home and ordering the civil servants to resume work, an order the civil servants ignored.

    A Nnewi- based legal practitioner Mr Okechukwu Anele, alleged that the worsening disappearance of vehicular and human movements in the state is caused by misguided statements from the state government without first studying the situation of the sit-at-home.

    In Onitsha, the commercial city of Anambra State, roads and street shops that used to operate last three weeks, were all under locks and key while heavy vehicular movements were witnessed some weeks back, which gladdened the hearts of the residents, that things were beginning to normalize suddenly disappeared,.

    (Vanguard)

  • Soludo’s inaugural speech: Governor proposes roundtable talk with IPOB

    Soludo’s inaugural speech: Governor proposes roundtable talk with IPOB

    The new governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has lamented the economic losses incurred by the South East states each day sit-at-home is observed in the geopolitical zone.

    He said Anambra alone loses an estimated N19.6 billion even as many businesses have relocated to other states. He said that the bulk of the money generated in the state comes from the artisans who are largely badly affected by the ghost town order.

    Soludo stated this while delivering his inaugural speech shortly after he was sworn in as governor alongside his deputy, Dr Onyeka Ibezim, by the state Chief Judge, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, in the Government House, Awka.

    “A significant part of our state economy is powered by artisans, Keke drivers, vulcanizers, hairdressers, cart pushers, petty traders, bricklayers, women frying akara, and all those who depend upon daily toil and sweat to feed their families.

    “Every day, there is a “sit at home”, these poor masses lose an estimated N19.6 billion in Anambra alone. Due to the protracted breakdown of law and order, businesses are relocating outside Igboland, with growing unemployment, and traders who used to come to shop in Onitsha, Aba etc are going elsewhere.

    “Who is losing? By forcing our children—the future of Igboland—to stay at home instead of being in school, while even the critically sick people (including pregnant women) cannot go to hospital, we harm our future”, he lamented.

    Soludo endorsed the recent statement by the Joint Body of South East Council of Traditional Rulers and Bishops/Archbishops on Peace and Conflict Resolution, requesting for a tripartite discussion between them, The Presidency, and South East governors to deal with the conflicts in the South East especially in relation to Nnamdi Kanu, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

    “My heart bleeds to see and hear about our youth dying in senseless circumstances. Every criminal gang—kidnappers, wicked murderers, arsonists, rapists, thieves – all now claim to be freedom fighters. Criminality cannot be sugar-coated. This must stop.

    “There is no conflict that dialogue, in good faith, cannot resolve. Our government is determined to urgently restore peace and security in Anambra, and we will seek the active cooperation and collaboration of all stakeholders.

    “To IPOB/ESN, the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), as well as the disparate armed groups in the forests, it is time to interrogate both the purpose and means of your campaign.

    “To the politicians playing politics with insecurity, you are riding a tiger. The current trajectory is a road to desolation. Let us get around the table and talk.

    “Let the elite in the closet come out, and let’s debate our future and forge a consensus. The conspiracy of silence by the elite and some community leaders must end. If you see something, say or do something!

    “Securing Igboland and Nigeria must be our collective responsibility. Let those in the forests come out, surrender their guns and let’s work together to rehabilitate and empower you to contribute positively to the peace and prosperity of our homeland”, he appealed.

    Meanwhile, the new governor promised not to let Ndi Anambra down. He said that the trust reposed in him by the people of the state would not be taken for granted as he would do everything within his powers to deliver on his campaign promises.

    “Today, I stand up for the millions of Ndi Anambra for whom this mandate means everything. The hopes and expectations rise up to the heavens. Understandably, all of us wish that I could perform miracles – by waving my hands and all our problems will be solved. I hear you. I feel your pulse.

    “For your sake I keep awake at night, sometimes having palpitations about not letting you down. Well, since God is the Miracle Worker, I will look up to Him in prayer and faith as we all start the work ahead of us. I see and feel all the humongous challenges. I know the lean financial base of the state.

    “I know the limitations imposed upon a sub-national state such as Anambra by the peculiar structure of our federation. But here’s my promise: I will give it my all. I will work very hard every day, with you, to make Anambra proud. Every kobo of your tax money will be deployed to provide you maximum value,” Solduo promised.

    In his first appointment shortly after his inauguration, Governor Soludo retained Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Solo Chukwulobelu. He also appointed Dr. Chukwudi Okoli as Accountant General and Mr Chinedu Nwoye as deputy chief of staff/state chief of protocol. He said he would send the list of commissioner-nominees to the state House of Assembly next week for confirmation.

     

    (Sun)

  • EFCC arrests ex-gov Obiano after handover to Soludo: Drama as Obiano’s wife and Bianca Ojukwu fight at swearing-in

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday arrested the immediate past governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano.

    He was arrested at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, at about 8:30 pm last night.

    The arrest came barely hours after attending the inauguration of his successor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo.

    He was said to have been arrested on his way to Houston, Texas, United States of America, last night. Obiano had been on the commission’s watchlist.

     

    EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the arrest.

    The EFCC had requested the Nigeria Immigration Service to inform it anytime the governor was travelling out of the country from any of the international airports, as well as other points of entry and exit.

    It is, however, not clear why the anti-graft agency placed the governor on a watchlist.

    Sources said the move was a confirmation that the agency may have been discreetly investigating the former governor and possibly had intelligence that he was planning to escape after handing over power to his successor, Professor Charles Soludo, on March 16, 2022.

    Former Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Don Adinuba, had, at the time, condemned the EFCC watchlist reports, claiming that they were politically motivated.

    “Governor Obiano has a whole four months to remain in office as the Anambra State chief executive,” Adinuba said. “Nobody in Nigeria can circumscribe his constitutionally conferred immunity which shields him from both criminal and civil prosecution.

     

    “The EFCC went too far to announce in November that it is observing him. We are not aware of any state governor who had up to four months to be in office and the EFCC went on to sponsor media reports that he was being investigated,’’ Adinuba had said

    Obiano’s wife, Bianca Ojukwu fought at Soludo’s inauguration

    Meanwhile, there was drama yesterday at the inauguration of Charles Chukwuma Soludo as governor of Anambra State, as the wife of the immediate past governor, Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano, and wife of the late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu, Bianca, were engaged in a fight.

     

    The incident, which took place at Government House, Awka, disrupted the oath-taking of Governor Soludo and his deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, administered by Chief Judge of the state, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu.

     

    The new governor and his deputy were still signing the oath-taking register when Obiano’s wife arrived and went straight to where Bianca Ojukwu was already seated.

    In what people around initially took as a joke, Mrs Obiano was heard asking Bianca: “What are you doing here? You said we will never win the governorship and here you are.”

    This infuriated Bianca, who got into a verbal exchange with Mrs Obiano and it degenerated into a fight.

    Security men and guests rushed to separate both ladies and dragged Mrs Obiano to where her husband, Chief Willie Obiano, was seated.

    As soon as Soludo finished signing the documents, he came down from the podium and greeted the Obianos, the former governor and his wife departed the venue

    Bianca Ojukwu, however, stayed till the end of the ceremony.

    Although Governor Soludo expressed worry over the incident, he looked unruffled by it.

     

    The new governor’s media aide, Mr Joe Anatune, thereafter, issued a statement, apologising on behalf of his boss about the incident.

    He said: “Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo hereby apologises to Anambra people, their friends, and guests, who attended his inauguration this morning for the breach of protocol.

    “The breach was caused by improper communication, which itself arose from a personal issue between the two parties involved in the breach.

     

    “Steps are being taken to resolve the misunderstanding and restore the parties to their previous relationship. Anambra State has over the years been known for a huge stock of social harmony, and the stock will increase substantially in the years ahead, as part of a concerted effort to accelerate the state’s development.

     

    “God bless Anambra State, the Light of the Nation”.

     

    While delivering his inaugural speech, Soludo said: “The Anambra we are talking about is a place of law and order.”

     

    He, however, did not dwell much on the incident.

     

    In the speech that lasted about 50 minutes, the governor said: “My people of Anambra State, this is the moment. I applied for this job and APGA, our party, shortlisted me and you, my fellow Anambra people, interviewed and employed me as your chief servant and Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim as my deputy.

    “God ordained this moment and we are grateful to Him and you all for the privilege to serve you. We will work hard to make you proud. Today is my first day at work and I will work for eight hours today”.

    Explaining why he chose a low-key inauguration, Soludo added: “We had over one month to celebrate our victory. Now is the time to work and there is no minute or money to waste for fanfare. We could not organise an elaborate ceremony because the state cannot afford it.

     

    “Besides, for personal reasons, I do not subscribe to using the paltry taxes collected from market women and okada/keke operators on fleeting fanfare and banquet. I insisted that this inauguration will not cost the government of Anambra State one kobo and it has not. I would rather use our available resources to lay the foundation for a public hospital at Okpoko or elsewhere, or empower our security agencies to fight criminality.

    “Within the next one week, the list of commissioners will be laid before the House of Assembly. Tomorrow, we will head to Okpoko in Ogbaru Local Government Area and parts of Onitsha and Idemili as we signpost our commencement to urban regeneration, beginning with the greater Onitsha metropolis”.

    He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for ‘remaining a true democrat’ and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as well as security agencies for insisting on a credible electoral process.

    Soludo also paid tribute to the three policemen, Inspector Murtala Sayeed, Sergeant Mudashiru Ahmed, and Sergeant Samuel Ishaya, who lost their lives to unknown gunmen, who attacked his home at Isuofia in Aguata Local government Area during a meeting with youths in his village last year and promised to continue to take care of their families.

    The governor, who was adorned in the local Akwete dress with a black trouser and a red cap to match, attended the ceremony with his wife and six children.

    As earlier promised, he was driven into Government House in an Innoson SUV vehicle, which he stated would be his official vehicle and that of his deputy.

    His inauguration yesterday drew reactions from stakeholders, who saw his election as a positive development for Anambra State.

    Igbo youths call for an arrest, prosecution of Obiano’s wife

    Reacting to the clash between both women, a coalition of South-East Youth Leaders, COSEYL, the umbrella body of all youth groups in the southeast geopolitical zone, called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Mrs Obiano.

    COSEYL, in a press statement signed by its National President, Goodluck Ibem; and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Okey Nwaoru, strongly condemned the action, which it described as “ abominable” given the pedigree of the Ojukwu family.

    The statement read: “It is the height of insult on the entire Igbo nation for Mrs. Obiano to fight the wife of our revered and great Igbo leader and icon, Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu.

    “The father of Bianca, Chief C. C. Onoh, was a former governor of old Anambra State, who achieved so much for his people.

     

    “Mrs. Obiano has desecrated the temple and honour of the entire Igbo nation and she has to be disciplined.

    “We demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of Mrs Obiano by security agencies. As youth leaders of the entire Igbo nation, we cannot and will not accept or play down such a great insult to the wife of our great leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu.

    “Mrs. Obiano has purchased some goods and those goods she bought have to be supplied to her in full without removing any item from the goods she bought.

    “We, therefore, declare Mrs Obiano, the wife of former governor of Anambra State, Mr Willie Obiano, a persona non grata in Igboland for desecrating Alaigbo. The order has been given and it must be strictly adhered to.”

    Why Obiano’s wife deserves what she got — Joe Igbokwe

    Also reacting to the incident, Joe Igbokwe, the Special Adviser for Drainage and Water Resources to Governor Babajide Sanwo- Olu of Lagos State, said the immediate past First Lady of Anambra State, Ebelechukwu Obiano, “got what she wanted” in her scuffle with Bianca Ojukwu.

    “See the shame. Mrs Obiano went to confront and abuse Bianca Ojukwu and she got what she wanted. A big lesson to all,” Igbokwe, an indigene of Nnewi in Anambra State, wrote on his known Facebook page.

    Bianca speaks

    Reacting after the fight, Bianca Ojukwu congratulated Soludo on his swearing-in as the governor of Anambra State.

    Bianca in a post on her Facebook page described the inauguration as ‘liberation day for Anambra State.’

    She wrote. “It’s Liberation Day, and today we sing the Redemption Song. Anambra will be better!

    “Now I know just how those Israelites felt on the day they took those tentative first steps out of the land of Egypt….Just the sheer excitement and anticipation of liberation, the long-awaited return to the promised land must have kept them awake through that night.

    “This is the Day the Lord has made…a day that reaffirms the age-long truth that no-one holds the stage forever. I thank The Almighty for keeping us all alive to witness this day.’’

    She added that a more dynamic and progressive Anambra was achievable.

    “To Him be the glory. It was long in coming, but it’s finally here. Yes indeed….We are the barracks!” she added.

    Soludo, round peg in a round hole —Abia ex- Commissioner

    Celebrating Soludo’s victory, former Commissioner for Commerce in Abia State, Mr Sampson Orji, described the newly-inaugurated governor as “a round peg in a round hole”.

    Orji said the emergence of an erudite economist and a seasoned technocrat in the mould of Soludo as governor of Anambra State will have tremendous and positive impacts on the economy of the state.

    His words: “This is one of the greatest things that has happened to Nigeria, a rare occasion where the country has produced a round peg in a round hole.

    “Soludo is a rounded administrator, and an accomplished economist, who will bring to bear his wealth of knowledge on the already stable Anambra economy.”

    Soludo, good omen for Nigeria politics —Ohuabunwa

    In his reaction, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa described the emergence of Soludo as “a good omen for Nigeria politics”.

    He said it signalled “the dawn of a new era, where we will begin to recognize men of quality, capacity and integrity.”

    Senator Ohuabunwa also commended the immediate-past governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, for “ not anointing a stooge who will be answering him, sir, to the detriment of the state.”

    (Vanguard)

  • UPDATED: Soludo wins Anambra governorship election

    UPDATED: Soludo wins Anambra governorship election

    UPDATED: Soludo wins Anambra governorship election

    Former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has been declared winner of the Anambra Governorship Election by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

    The Returning Officer of the Anambra Governorship Election, Prof Florence Obi, announced the result on Wednesday morning at the INEC office in Awka, Anambra State.

    “That Charles Chukwuma Soludo of APGA, having satisfied the requirements of the law is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected,” the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar said on Wednesday.

    Soludo, who was the apex bank governor between 2004 and 2009, was declared winner after the November 6 election was declared inconclusive by INEC and after a supplementary election was held in the Ihiala Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday. He won 19 of the 21 local governments areas including Ihiala LGA.

    Sixty one-year-old Soludo won with 112,229 votes beating Valentine Ozigbo of the Peoples Democratic Party, who polled 53,807 votes, and Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress who got 43,285 votes. Ifeanyi Ubah of the Young Progressive Party polled 21,261 votes came fourth.

    Soludo’s walk to victory was paved with stony challenges including legal battles and intra-party squabbles but the Supreme Court in Abuja affirmed him as APGA governorship candidate. This was after the sacking of a former APGA candidate, Chukwuma Umeoji, by the court.

    Umeoji, who is the current member of the House of Representatives representing Aguata Federal Constituency in Anambra State, was recently sacked by a court decision after his name had been listed by the Independent National Electoral Commission as APGA’s candidate.

    The court then ordered INEC to replace Umeoji with Soludo as the validly elected candidate of APGA for the governorship election.

    Also in April 2021 during the build-up to the election, Soludo narrowly escaped death when gunmen unleashed terror on him and his security aides during a town hall meeting in his hometown in Isuofia in the Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra.

    Three of his police orderlies were killed during the attack which he described as “senseless”. Soludo dedicated his victory to the three policemen in his acceptance speech on Wednesday.

    Soludo is expected to be sworn into office next March after the expiration of the two-term tenure of the incumbent governor, Willie Obiano, who is also of the All Progressives Grand Alliance.

    (PUNCH)

  • Obiano entreats Anambra traditional rulers in favour of Soludo

     

    Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano has enjoined Anambra State Traditional Rulers to join hands and work towards ensuring that the APGA governorship candidate, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo emerges victorious in the November 6th, 202 election.

     

    The Traditional Rulers under the auspices of Anambra Traditional Rulers Council converged on Professor Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Center, Awka where they met with the governor yesterday.

     

     

     

    Governor Obiano said his major aim of gathering the traditional rulers was to appreciate them, having worked well with his administration’s two terms. He pleaded with them to endorse and support the APGA candidate at the polls.

     

    While Presenting the APGA candidate to them, Governor Obiano noted that APGA administration did well under Peter Obi and that that his government also did well under APGA. He said Professor Soludo will do best when he assumes office because he performed well managing the Nigerian economy and has the reach, contacts, hence, will be able to attract developments into the state.

     

    Chairman of South East and Anambra Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Alfred Achebe, State Chairman of APGA, Norbert Obi, Senator Victor Umeh, Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Matters, Veraqueen Okonkwo and Chief Alex Onukwue, among others were present at th e meeting.

  • INEC clears APGA (Soludo) and blanks out PDP

     

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a fresh list of political party candidates that will participate in the November 6 governorship election blanking out the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and giving a clean bill of health to former Governor of Central Bank (CBN), Professor Charles Soludo as the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA).

    In a statement the Commission issued on Thursday and signed by National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, the apex electoral body indicated that while a total number of eight political parties substituted governorship candidates, four others substituted their deputies.

     

     

     

    The Commission disclosed that the final list of candidates will however be released on September 7 in line with its timetable and schedule of activities approved on January 18, this year.

     

    According to the Commission, the political parties that substituted candidates are Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Africa Action Congress (AAC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), National Rescue Movement (NRM) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) which substituted due to Court Order.

     

    Other parties that substituted its deputy governorship candidates are; All Progressives Congress (APC), APM, Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and Young Progressives Party (YPP).

     

     

     

    The Commission’s statement read: “The Commission met on Thursday and deliberated on a number of issues, including the nomination of candidates for the Anambra governorship election holding on November 6, 2021.

     

    “The timetable and schedule of activities approved by the Commission on January 18, 2021 provides for the withdrawal/substitution of candidates in line with Sec. 35 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended).

     

    “Accordingly, by the deadline of July 30, 2021 fixed by the Commission, seven governorship and 11 deputy governorship candidates were substituted by 11 out of the 18 political parties.

     

    “Similarly, the Commission was served with the judgement of the Court of Appeal (Kano Division) which set aside the judgement of the High Court of Jigawa State on the leadership of APGA and the nomination of its candidates for the Anambra Governorship election.

     

    “The list of substitute candidates is attached to this press release. It has also been published on the Commission’s website.

     

    “However, the final list of candidates will be published on October 7, 2021 as provided in the timetable and schedule of activities for the election,” the statement read.

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com

  • Soludo, Oye comes out Victorious in court

    National Coordinator, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Media Warriors, Chinedu Obigwe, yesterday described the victory of the Victor Oye leadership of APGA at the Kano Appeal Court as the triumph of justice over injustice.

    In a statement issued in Awka, Obigwe said all lovers of APGA and good governance in Anambra State had waited for the victory because the court order procured from Jigawa State High Court was a “black market order that cannot withstand the test of proper judicial scrutiny”

    He said the public should realise the fact that INEC cited court order as the singular reason that made it to publish Chukwuma Umeoji’s name as APGA candidate before now but with the latest development from the Appeal Court, Umeoji, in the eyes of the law, has no justification to lay claim as APGA candidate any more.

    He noted that the decision of the Umeoji camp to further challenge the Kano Appeal Court judgment at the Supreme Court would amount to an exercise in futility, even as he expressed confidence that the Oye leadership, which duly nominated Soludo would meet them at the apex court and trounce them again with superior argument as against concocted tissues of lies.

    “The latest judgment of Kano Court of Appeal is a law, and INEC as an unbiased umpire, is duty bound to obey the law and also do the right thing by publishing the names of Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo and Dr. Onyeka Ibezim as Governorship and Deputy Governorship candidates of APGA for the November 6 election without further delay.

    “For now, Soludo will kick off his campaign and we will channel our energy towards winning the main election because we have confidence in the ability of our legal team to handle the situation. The Court of Appeal, Kano division, sincerely gave a sound judgment that rekindled the hope of Nigerians in our judiciary.

    “They are going to the Supreme Court, but we are going there to crush them with undeniable facts. Truth will always triumph over lies, hence, the reason I am confident that we will clinch another well deserved victory at the Supreme Court.

    “As for me, it is now time to face the opposition parties squarely for Anambra people to realise fully that Soludo and Ibezim are the best for the state and without comparison,” he stated.

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com