Chairman of the Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet), Chris Azor, has commended Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, describing him as a leader who came fully prepared for governance right from the outset.
Speaking on Vanguard’s Politics Hub ahead of the Anambra governorship election scheduled for November 8, Mr. Azor, a development expert, highlighted Soludo’s performance and strategic planning as evidence of his readiness to lead.
According to him, Soludo’s governance blueprint was anchored on three key documents: the Anambra Vision 2070, the People’s Manifesto, and the Transition Committee Report.
“Prof. Soludo came in with a manifesto called the People’s Manifesto. From that document, which is very comprehensive, he came prepared,” Azor said. “During his inauguration on March 17, 2022, he mentioned that his performance would be assessed through three documents — the Vision 2070, which he chaired before becoming governor; the People’s Manifesto, which outlined his governance plans; and the Transition Committee Report chaired by Madam Oby Ezekwesili.”
Focus on Infrastructure and Development
Azor recalled that Governor Soludo wasted no time in declaring a state of emergency on road infrastructure, describing it as a bold move to address a long-standing issue in the state.
“On his first day in office, he went to Ogbogu, one of the popular slums in Anambra, to start reconstruction efforts. He said his mission was to make Anambra an ‘arrival lounge’ rather than a ‘departure lounge,’” he explained.
He noted that Soludo’s administration has recorded commendable achievements across key sectors including infrastructure, health, education, and youth empowerment.
Achievements in Health and Education
In the health sector, Azor praised the governor for employing nearly 2,000 health personnel and introducing free antenatal services for pregnant women in all public hospitals across the state.
In education, he said the government employed over 8,000 teachers to address the shortage of staff in rural schools, describing the move as “a deliberate and impactful intervention.”
Youth Empowerment and Economic Growth
Azor further highlighted the governor’s “One Youth, Two Skills” initiative, which has empowered over 20,000 youths with digital and technical skills through the Anambra Digital Hub project.
“He’s doing a lot to ensure that young people key into ICT and other entrepreneurial programs,” Azor said.
He also applauded Soludo’s fiscal discipline, noting that despite limited resources, the governor has resisted the urge to accumulate debt.
“He’s doing much with little,” Azor emphasized.
Challenges in Agriculture and Erosion Control
The ACSONet chairman, however, pointed out that more efforts are needed in the agricultural sector, urging the government to invest heavily in food production and agribusiness.
On erosion, he described Anambra as the “erosion capital of Nigeria,” stressing that the magnitude of the problem exceeds the state’s financial capacity.
“The resources in the state’s coffers cannot make a dent in erosion control. We’re advocating for support from development partners and the federal government to tackle this challenge,” he added.
Insecurity and National Issues
Azor noted that insecurity in Anambra reflects a national problem, citing poverty, unemployment, deprivation, and the continued incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu as factors fueling unrest in the region.
“It is a national issue. We must do everything possible to tackle insecurity,” he said. “The federal government must also give the South-East a sense of belonging.”
Voter Apathy and Electoral Integrity
He also addressed concerns about voter apathy, attributing it to citizens’ disillusionment with the political system.
“People believe the system has no hope or plans for them. They feel voting only empowers their oppressors,” Azor said, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rebuild its credibility.
He criticized court rulings that classify political party disputes as internal matters, arguing that such decisions affect the electoral process and could undermine the upcoming election.
In conclusion, Azor called on Anambra residents to participate actively in the forthcoming election despite challenges, emphasizing that citizen participation is vital to sustaining democracy.
“We urge Anambra voters to exercise their rights and cast their ballots, regardless of the circumstances,” he said.