By Augustine Ossie Okafor
During the last governorship election in Anambra State, I was out of the country on a brief business trip. Nevertheless, I remained closely engaged in the political process. I meticulously followed the campaign activities and evaluated the leading candidates, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Dr Andy Uba, and Dr Valentine Ozigbo; particularly through their participation in the gubernatorial debate held at the Women’s Development Centre, Awka. All three demonstrated competence and readiness to serve, but I leaned towards Professor Soludo based on his impressive grasp of economic policy and development strategies.
I encouraged my family and friends to vote for him, believing that his global experience and academic pedigree could be translated into purposeful leadership for Anambra. When he emerged victorious, there was a collective sense of anticipation. Many believed his tenure would elevate Anambra’s standing in the Southeast and beyond.
Governor Soludo commenced his tenure with vigour. Within a short period, over 739 kilometres of roads were under construction, with about 420 kilometres already completed.
These infrastructural developments, including flyovers and the Zero Pothole initiative, significantly improved internal movement across the state. Contracts were awarded to reputable construction firms, and the benefits were soon visible. The pace of work and level of engagement suggested a clear intent to raise the bar of governance.
In the Education Sector, the governor’s administration employed over 8,000 teachers in an unprecedented recruitment drive, made public schools tuition-free, and increased student enrolment by over 18%. The state also recorded a national low of 3% in out-of-school children, with smart schools emerging across various communities.
Healthcare witnessed significant improvements as well. About five new hospitals were established, 326 health centres were upgraded with solar power, and 1,000 medical professionals were recruited. Free antenatal care and delivery services contributed to a notable reduction in maternal and infant mortality rates, positioning Anambra as second only to Lagos in under-five survival.
Youth empowerment was addressed through the One Youth, Two Skills programme, which trained and provided seed capital to about 5,000 entrepreneurs. Additionally, the Solution Innovation District equipped more than 20,000 youths with digital skills, earning Anambra recognition as the “Best State in Digital Technology.”
However, the administration faced challenges, particularly in the area of security. From the outset of his tenure until about February 2025, Anambra experienced a surge in violent incidents: kidnappings, assassinations, and other forms of criminality created fear and uncertainty.
Citizens became wary of travelling or going about their businesses. Several explanations were offered for the insecurity, including external infiltration and criminal syndicates. However, the fundamental truth remains that security is a priority and should remain so under any responsible administration. The onus rests on leadership to ensure that security votes translate to tangible protection for lives and property.
To his credit, Governor Soludo responded. The launch of Operation Udo Ga Achi brought renewed confidence. Security forces were mobilised, strategic checkpoints established, and in time, normalcy began to return. Markets reopened, roads became passable again, and the people regained a sense of peace. It was a necessary course correction and one that earned his government commendation.
Beyond addressing security, the governor has made visible efforts in infrastructure, governance, and digital innovation. His development projects, including the new Government House and a growing digital governance initiative, indicate a broader vision for institutional reform.
It is also important to recall that at the inception of his political campaigns, Governor Soludo promised Anambrarians a modern, cosmopolitan state, with efficient railways and all the structural elements that make a city globally competitive. That promise remains a reference point, and the second term should be an opportunity to actualise it.
I strongly advise that if granted a second term, Governor Soludo should seize the opportunity to bring Anambra State closer to the Dubai – Taiwan model he boldly promised at the inception of his political campaigns. No political excuses should water down the ambition of his original manifesto. He must make Anambra a genuinely investor-friendly state, where economic dreams can thrive and business is nurtured, not hindered.
It is within reason to suggest that continuity could help solidify some of these gains. Governance thrives on consistency, and where progress has been made, it should be sustained and improved upon. However, political continuity should never be taken for granted, it must be earned through transparency, responsiveness, and measurable impact on the lives of citizens.
A final word of counsel to Governor Soludo: leadership in a culturally rich and politically dynamic state like Anambra demands mutual respect among its principal figures. Public altercations and disparaging remarks, particularly those directed at His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi, do little to advance the collective interests of the state or its people of goodwill.
It is on public record that during the 2023 General Elections, Governor Soludo was widely criticised for remarks perceived as undermining the presidential candidacy of Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party flag bearer. Mr Obi, a respected former governor of Anambra and an Igbo compatriot, has earned national and international regard for his prudent leadership style.
The governor’s comments were viewed by many, including the ‘Obedient’ movement and concerned Nigerians, as an unnecessary campaign of calumny. Such criticism appeared particularly misplaced against someone who had neither attacked him publicly nor invited such confrontation.
In a time when the nation yearns for credible, visionary leadership, Mr Peter Obi remains, in the eyes of many, a beacon of hope. Political differences notwithstanding, civility and maturity should guide our public discourse. Let us rise above petty partisanship and uphold the dignity of leadership in the spirit of Igbo unity and national progress.
As Anambra prepares for the next electoral cycle in November 2025, my hope is that voters will reflect deeply on the past four years, measure performance with fairness, and make informed choices for the good of the state.
May Anambra State continue to thrive in peace, justice, and progress.
Augustine Ossie Okafor, Legal Scholar and Advocate for Justice Reform, writes from Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
