By Christian ABURIME
Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR has said the nation needs leaders who truly believe in the country. He described Ndigbo as itinerant people who cannot afford to be an intolerant tribe.
Governor Soludo stated this when the Presidential Candidate of the New National People’s Party, Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso paid him a courtesy visit at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia
“I want to commend your tenacity and belief in the country, your exemplary public service and commitment to our nation.
I’ve always said that those who have something to offer should offer it through public service. Public service is the biggest philanthropy.
In Anambra and indeed, the South East, we pride ourselves as being republicans and that is freedom to converse.
Here in Anambra is the home of Azikiwe, Akweke, Chinua Achebe, Okadigbo, and so on and so forth and here we are known as people who freely express themselves and associate themselves.
“As an itinerant people, we cannot afford to be an intolerant tribe. We have a popular saying that “Oje mba, enwe ilo”.
“My position is that everyone should be allowed to canvass freely and allow the people to make their choice.
“It’s a serious matter of where the country is and where the country will be in future. It is time for the progressives to begin to think of the ordinary person”, Governor Soludo stated.
“The hardwork is beyond the election. Whoever wins, we need to sift out and bring out almost like a government of likeminds for the transformation of this country.
“We are blessed. We have lots of challenges, but we need people who firmly believe in this country. It is possible for Nigeria to be one of the first seven best economies in the world.
“We wish you best of luck in this movement, even though I’ve been intensely focused on what is going on in my party.
“This state is blessed. We are trying everything to make it work.
“Large population of our people are in Kano. As Ndị Igbo, we are a great stakeholder in all the places.
“Here in Anambra, our politics is such that when we are running, we can fight among ourselves, but after the election, you see our people together, chatting. It’s not a do or die affair. Everybody should campaign freely, added the Governor.
On his part, Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso lauded Governor Soludo’s development initiatives.
“We are here to open our offices but we felt that we couldn’t come to Anambra without coming to pay our respect to you.
“You are someone we’ve worked closely with over the years. Thank you for recieving us personally.
“I’m sure this visit will go a long way in reinforcing our good relationship between the two states.
“Successive leadership have failed the nation and unless something is done, only God knows what will happen.
He continued, “we are presenting ourselves to reverse the negative trend of insecurity, economic crises and other challenges”.
Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Barrister JPC Anetoh, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Collins Nwabunwanne his Information and Special Duties Counterparts, Sir Paul Nwosu and Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, among others, were also present during the visit.