Anambra at 34: YPP Guber Candidate Decries State’s Continued Underperformance
Sir Paul chukwuma
The Young Progressive Party (YPP) governorship candidate for the upcoming November 8 election in Anambra State, Sir Paul Chukwuma, has expressed deep disappointment over the state’s inability to achieve meaningful progress 34 years after its creation.
In a statement personally signed by him, Sir Chukwuma lamented the lack of visible development, noting that four days ago marked Anambra’s 34th anniversary as a state in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, yet there is, in his words, “nothing to show for it.”
“At 34, Anambra is plagued by a myriad of challenges that starkly contrast with its rich human capital and enormous potential in commerce and industry,both of which remain grossly underutilised,” he stated.
He criticized the administration of Governor Charles Soludo, professor of economics, for failing to meet the expectations tied to his much-publicized ‘Dubai-Taiwan’ development model for the state.
“That Anambra remains an average Nigerian state is all the more concerning under its current leadership. One would expect that with his academic pedigree and economic expertise, the governor would have transformed the state’s fortunes. Instead, the government continues to struggle with the most basic responsibilities,chief among them, ensuring the safety of lives and property,” Chukwuma said.
He further accused the current administration of prioritizing political appointments and extravagant projects over meaningful development, referencing the recent celebration of the state’s anniversary at the newly constructed Government House, which he claimed cost an undisclosed amount in the billions of naira.
“The governor commemorated the state’s anniversary in a new Government House built at great public expense. Meanwhile, the internet was awash with controversy over yet another questionable appointment,” he added.
Chukwuma condemned what he described as the appointment of individuals with questionable backgrounds, alleging that:“In a state filled with globally respected professionals, this administration continues to appoint individuals either indicted for wire fraud in the United States or those with criminal records to lead strategic government agencies, including the one set up to tackle touting.”
He described such actions as an aberration that “must be condemned by all reasonable people.”
He also cited the unexplained demolition of the home belonging to the head of the anti-touting agency by federal authorities as yet another example of the government’s lack of transparency and accountability:
“To date, the government has failed to offer any explanation for why the federal government demolished the residence of the agency’s head,” he noted.
According to him, Governor Soludo has failed to effectively harness the state’s vast human and economic resources, or to turn around Anambra’s comparative advantages in commerce and industry.
“Not only are people unsafe in today’s Anambra, but prosperity and progress have become distant dreams,” he said.
Chukwuma however commended the resilience of Anambra’s people:
“Today, I salute the courage of Ndi Anambra across the globe and congratulate all the hardworking residents of our dear state.”he stated.
He called for change and a promise of better governance under the YPP:
“We must not surrender our homeland to political rhetoricians who lack the strength, vision, character, discipline, and zeal to move our state forward. The YPP is committed to reversing Anambra’s fortunes for good. This current disappointment is only temporary.
Our administration will restore the state’s glory. We will hire the best not suspected criminals and they, in turn, will give Anambra the quality leadership it truly deserves.”he added.
