…More Heads to Roll
By Ikeugonna Eleke
Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, may have made up his mind to reshuffle his media team. This is coming on the heels of next year’s Governorship Election, especially considering the minimal impact the team is making in showcasing his achievements.
The reshuffling started two weeks ago when he removed the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra State Broadcasting Service (ABS), Mr Chido Obidiegwu. He was replaced with Mr Christopher Molokwu, a seasoned broadcast journalist.
A press release announcing this, which was signed by the Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Christian Aburime, said: ‘The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has approved the replacement of Mr. Chido Obidiegwu as the Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) with the appointment of Mr. Christopher Osemedua Molokwu, as the new Managing Director of ABS. The new appointment takes immediate effect.
‘Mr. Molokwu who hails from Delta State, brings to the role, a wealth of experience as a seasoned media practitioner and an accomplished broadcaster with a demonstrated History of excellence in the Media Production Industry.
‘His career spans over 16 years, during which he has garnered vast expertise in strategic planning, customer service, event management, and social media.
‘Prior to his appointment, Mr. Molokwu served as the Programmes Manager at Wazobia FM Onitsha and as Head of Sports at Steam Broadcasting Limited (96.9 Cool FM).
‘A product of the University of Benin, where he earned a degree in the English Language and Literature, Mr. Molokwu is a member of the Institute of Disaster Management and Control, as well as an Associate Member of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON).
‘His leadership and professional skills in media management, community engagement, and social services make him well-positioned to lead ABS into a new era of growth and innovation.’
Though Obidiegwu was thought to have been sacked, Soludo later made an about-turn, announcing through Aburime that he was only redeployed, even though there has been no announcement of which office he was redeployed to till date. This only gave credence to the fact that it was only a face saving measure to save Obidiegwu’s reputation.
A source however told Fides that there was a major plan to reconstitute Soludo’s media team, as those handling him were seen not to have done much.
The source cited a recent tour of projects being done by the governor, in which journalists were conducted round project sites by a human rights activist, and former critic of the governor, Mr Osita Obi.
Many marveled at the extent of work Soludo was doing, and wondered why it took an outsider to organize the tour to show Soludo’s projects, while his media handlers found it difficult to even interface with journalists, let alone speak up on what the governor was doing in the state.
As true as the confession for a reshuffle was, this past week, Soludo again sacked the Commissioner for Information, Mr Paul Nwosu. Nwosu’s sack elicited jubilation from a section of journalists who complained that he was too withdrawn for the position and never briefed journalists even once in his close to three years as a Commissioner. He was also said not to be too disposed to entertain visits by journalists in his office, and was known not to pick calls when journalists called for reaction about stories pertaining to the state government.
But another school of thought believed Sir Nwosu could not have done much if the governor refused to make his office work.
His sack was also said to have been a forced one, as he was said to have been made to resign. In his stead, on the same day, Dr Law Mefor, a seasoned media professional, was screened by the State House of Assembly, cleared and also sworn in by Governor Soludo.
Aburime, in a press release announcing his swearing in, said: ‘The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has approved the appointment of Dr. Law Mefor, who has been sworn in as the new Commissioner for Information in Anambra State.
‘Dr. Mefor replaces Sir Paul Nwosu, who has moved on after over ten years of meritorious service to the Anambra State Government.
‘Dr. Law Mefor, a distinguished academic and public intellectual, brings a wealth of experience to his new position. With an impressive academic portfolio, he holds a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, alongside degrees in General and Applied Psychology from the University of Jos, Forensic Psychology from Nasarawa State University, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Calabar, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja.
‘Over the years, Dr. Mefor has established himself as an educator and media consultant, lecturing for over a decade at the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja. He has also made significant contributions as a syndicated columnist, publishing thought-provoking articles in The Cable and various online and mainstream newspapers.
‘Dr. Mefor’s public service career spans over a decade in the Nigerian Senate where he served as Senior Legislative Aide and Special Assistant to Senators, the Deputy Senate President, and the Senate President. His deep involvement in legislative processes and policy research adds a valuable dimension to his appointment.
‘A prolific author, Dr. Mefor has written several influential works, including, “The Audacity of Power”, a political analysis; “The Senator Ken Nnamani Portrait”, a biographical work; and creative pieces such as the novels, Dream Abuja and Corpers’ Odyssey, and the poetry collection, Phantasmagoria.
‘Wishing him success as he assumes his new role, Governor Soludo expressed confidence in Dr. Mefor’s ability and extensive experience to strengthen the communication machinery of the state and foster a more vibrant information environment for the government’s developmental strides.
‘Also, the Governor commended Sir Paul Nwosu for his dedication and contributions during his tenure as Commissioner for Information, wishing him the very best in his future endeavours.’
Our source said Soludo is not yet done, as more people in his media team may still be replaced. This, the source said, is to bring in capable hands that will help him push his 2025 re-election agenda.
