Aguleri Community Rejects Evaristus Obiano’s Support for Ukachukwu, Says “He Is On His Own”
Chief Chinedu Obidigwe
By Our Correspondent
Members of the Aguleri community in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State have strongly rejected the recent endorsement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, by Mr. Evaristus Obiano, the younger brother of former Governor Chief Willie Obiano.
The community has stated unequivocally that Evaristus’s support does not reflect the position of Aguleri people and that he is “on his own.”
According to Chief Chinedu Obidigwe, a former Political Adviser to Governor Willie Obiano and former member of the National Assembly, Evaristus Obiano’s declaration of support for Ukachukwu does not represent the collective view of the Aguleri community.
He stated that if Evaristus Obiano has any grievances against Governor Charles Soludo, he should come forward and state them clearly, rather than hiding behind misleading narratives.
Obidigwe said that Governor Soludo has performed excellently in Aguleri, implementing large-scale, unprecedented developmental projects in the area since the creation of the old Anambra State.
In a statement, Chief Obidigwe criticized Evaristus Obiano for making what he described as “destructive and undignified” comments about Governor Soludo.
He further pointed out that Evaristus Obiano held a minor position as Assistant Protocol Officer during his brother’s tenure and lacks both the capacity and the mandate to speak on behalf of the Aguleri people.
“My attention has been drawn to the recent declaration by Mr. Evaristus Obiano in support of APC gubernatorial candidate Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, in which he claimed that Governor Soludo has not provided basic infrastructure for Aguleri. That statement does not reflect the collective opinion of our people regarding the Governor’s performance,” Obidigwe said.
“It is important to note that Mr. Evaristus Obiano is a political lightweight. Our people know very well that in just three years in office, Governor Soludo has demonstrated real commitment to the socioeconomic development of Aguleri.”
“Historically, the hinterland area of Aguleri Otu had no roads,literally none since the beginning of time. Today, thanks to Governor Soludo, the area is witnessing massive road construction worth over ₦8.3 billion.”
“Previously, the three riverine communities of Aguleri Otu had no general hospital. Residents had to travel 17 kilometers to Otuocha for medical services. Governor Soludo saw this need and initiated the construction of a state-of-the-art general hospital, thereby relieving the people of this longstanding hardship.”
Obidigwe also highlighted the revival of abandoned water projects in the area under Soludo’s administration. “Water reticulation has been carried out across all communities in Otuocha, including Umuleri, Umu Oba Anam, and Aguleri. The electricity project in Aguleri is also receiving adequate attention,” he noted.
“If other communities in Anambra State received this level of support, Aguleri would still rank first,” he added. “Furthermore, the One Youth, Two Skills program launched by Governor Soludo has empowered Aguleri youths—many of whom are now not only gainfully employed but also employers of labour.” he added.
Chief Obidigwe, an indigene of Aguleri and a respected political heavyweight in Anambra, stressed that despite all these achievements, Governor Soludo still appointed a commissioner and several political appointees from Aguleri.
He warned that Evaristus Obiano should not put personal interests above the public good.
“Evaristus should not let his selfish ambitions and insatiable appetite for personal gain cloud his judgment. We judge the Governor by the tangible projects he has delivered, not by the sentiments of one individual.”
“If Evaristus Obiano, a political lightweight, is seeking personal favors from Governor Soludo, he should come out clearly and say so. His demands do not reflect the priorities of the Aguleri people.”
“We wish him good luck in his new venture with the APC, but it is a known fact that he cannot even deliver a single polling unit in Aguleri during elections.”
“Evaristus cannot speak for Ndi Aguleri, not even for his elder brother, former Governor Willie Obiano. He merely served as an Assistant Protocol Officer, while those of us who held key positions under the Obiano administration are solidly behind Governor Soludo.”he stated.
He urged Governor Soludo, as well as the people of Aguleri and Anambra State at large, to disregard Evaristus Obiano’s statements, describing him as a political lightweight and a lone ranger engaged in opportunistic political jobber.
