Soludo Fires Shot:Touts Can’t Govern State That Produced Zik, Achebe , Ojukwu, others
Governor of Anambra State Prof Charles Soludo
By Our Correspondent
Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, declared over the weekend that Anambra has evolved beyond the stage where it can be governed by “street urchins” and political opportunists.
He made this statement while addressing party supporters at a rally organized by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) at the Ekwulobia Urban Stadium in Aguata Local Government Area.
“This is the land that produced icons like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Nwafor Orizu, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, and Professor Chinua Achebe. Anambra is far too sophisticated and historically significant to be handed over to charlatans,” Soludo said.
He criticized what he described as a wave of impostors and unserious aspirants seeking to govern Anambra, adding that he remained focused and unshaken by their antics.
“I am not distracted by those who see governorship as a tool for personal enrichment or public manipulation. Some of them are mere extortionists using political ambition as a cover to fleece businessmen and mislead the public,” he added.
The rally, which drew a large crowd of APGA loyalists, traditional rulers, community leaders, and political stakeholders, served as a dual endorsement event for both for Soludo’s second-term bid and for Chief Emma Nwachukwu as the party’s candidate for the upcoming Anambra South senatorial by-election, scheduled for August 16.
Also in attendance were APGA National Chairman, state and local executives, former Deputy Governor Dame Virgy Etiaba, and other high-ranking members of the party.
Despite not having officially launched his re-election campaign, Soludo said he was humbled by the overwhelming show of support, revealing that the rally was solely organized and funded by committed party members.
“Emma Nwachukwu will be in the Senate within the next two weeks. I urge everyone to vote massively for him. We need alignment between the National Assembly and the state government to deliver for our people. Onodugo will win,” he declared confidently.
In a pointed political accusation, Soludo alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was plotting to manipulate the forthcoming elections in the state.
He warned gubernatorial aspirants from Anambra South against destabilizing the state’s fragile political equilibrium.
He dismissed claims by certain aspirants that they would serve only a single term as governor, calling such promises deceptive and unserious. “Anyone making such a promise either lacks vision or needs psychiatric evaluation,” he remarked bluntly.
Soludo also used the occasion to reiterate his administration’s offer of amnesty to armed groups still operating in the forests.
He urged them to lay down their arms and embrace rehabilitation, warning that failure to do so would invite the full weight of the law.
Demonstrating widespread party unity and momentum, APGA stakeholders from Anambra South presented a ₦100 million campaign donation to support Soludo’s re-election. Traditional rulers in the zone also honored him with the prestigious “Olu Atuegwu” chieftaincy title, previously conferred on him in Anambra North and Central.
Speaking at the event, Chief Dr. Akai Egwuonwu, a former senatorial aspirant, declared his full support for Soludo and Nwachukwu.
“Governor Soludo has earned a second term through his transformative performance. APGA must win across the board,” he said.
The rally ended with a resounding call for party unity, as APGA prepares for the critical August 16 senatorial by-election and the high-stakes November 8 governorship contest.
