For The Records: EXCERPTS OF GOVERNOR SOLUDO’S EXTEMPORÉ SPEECH AT THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONY OF THE NEWLY ELECTED MAYORS AND DEPUTY MAYORS OF THE 21 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS IN ANAMBRA STATE

(Protocols)

The latest Mayor’s and Deputy Mayors in Anambra state. I want to say a big congratulations to you all.

First, on your victories at the polls . On Saturday last week, Anambra people spoke, and you were all duly elected. You are the first set of people to be elected Chairman/Deputy Chairman; and now, under our current administration, you will also be known as Mayors and Deputy Mayors. I think this is the first time we will be officially designating these offices as Mayors and Deputy Mayors.

I want to immensely congratulate you for the confidence that the people of Anambra reposed in you. They have overwhelmingly elected you on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA.

Today, I want to charge you that you have now transited from the realm of politics to governance. You have a duty to the people in your respective local governments. You have taken the oath of allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. You have also taken the oath of office. I enjoin you all to take these paths as sacred oaths.

Each day, remind yourselves of the content and meaning of each word and sentence that you read out today. They are not merely something just to say.

You have taken oath to serve the people selflessly and at all times, irrespective of their religion, creed, where they come from, how they dress- whether male or female. I am particularly happy that what we missed in the composition of the mayors, I think, is effectively counterbalanced by the composition of the Deputy Mayors. We have enough women as our deputy mayors. And each deputies are not just to occupy the office, of course, they act in your absence, and they deputize for you at all times, but more importantly, they have definite assignments in the day to day governance of their respective local governments.

They are there to complement you, work with you, and we hope seamlessly, together, you can get on to the business of governance at the grassroot.

Duty calls, and you have raised your hand to the call of duty. Now, go to your local government and get it done – that’s my major charge to you. You have taken the oath to live by the dictates of Nigeria’s constitution and all the other enabling laws, guiding the governance and administration of the state and local government.

The papers that you have there; that’s your proof that you are now mayors and deputy mayors in your respective local governments. That’s why we took time to do the ceremony, sign it and give it to you.

Welcome to “Project Anambra.” Now, we get to full speed. The local government and the state need to work collaboratively and cooperatively in order to advance the common good of the people because ultimately, we have only one goal; and that is the security and welfare of the people of Anambra State.

And I want to believe that the people have voted for you, All Progressives Grand Alliance put you forward as candidates, and you have been validated by the people’s mandate. As “project Anambra” team, we will never let them down.

Elections are over, victories are over – you are now sworn-in, show us what you got. That’s what the people of Anambra are asking of you. The clock starts ticking from now. Welcome onboard to “project Anambra,” and I wish all of you very outstanding, successful tenure in office.

Thank you, and God bless you.

Extracted by Christian Aburime