By Christian ABURIME
In a polity where effective governance is often overshadowed by political rhetoric, Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, continues to stand out and attract nonpartisan accolades as an innovative leader delivering tangible results.
Recent events, including the groundbreaking of Phase 2B of the Second Niger Bridge access road, have not only underscored the critical importance of infrastructure to regional development but also validated Governor Soludo’s exceptional leadership.
From federal accolades to game-changing projects, the governor’s performance offers a compelling blueprint for governance that prioritises progress over politics.
At the launch of the 17.5km dual carriageway access road to the Second Niger Bridge, a project critical to unlocking the bridge’s full economic potential, Governor Soludo, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, reiterated the necessity of federal-state collaboration, a principle he has practised by investing over N150 billion of Anambra’s resources into federal roads.
This proactive approach has accelerated progress on 18 federal road projects in the state, including the strategic dualisation of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
Little wonder that Minister of Works, Dave Umahi rightly hailed Governor Soludo’s “miracles and miracles of performance,” emphasising that his road infrastructure and development initiatives are providing ‘lessons’ for national development.
But Governor Soludo’s achievements extend far beyond asphalt and concrete. Minister Umahi, a key ally of President Tinubu and chieftain of the APC, lauded the governor’s feats in security, education, healthcare, and fiscal responsibility. The “Udo Ga-Achi” (Peace will reign) initiative, which has restored stability to Anambra, demonstrates Governor Soludo’s innovative approach to combating insecurity. His administration’s fiscal prudence, reflected in the construction of a new Government House, Solution Fun City, Ekwulobia flyover and other signature projects, without burdening the state with debt, further underscores his commitment to sustainable development.
In an era of divisive partisanship, Governor Soludo’s ability to also forge strategic partnerships across party lines is remarkable. As Minister Umahi further noted, Governor Soludo’s APGA and Tinubu’s APC share progressive ideals, enabling collaborative governance that transcends political rivalry. This synergy is not only significant but highly commendable. Such alliances prove that Governor Soludo prioritises development over dogma or petty politics, a rarity in Nigerian politics.
Without a doubt, the resounding endorsements from federal leaders, organisations, religious leaders, and local stakeholders alike signal a clear mandate for Governor Soludo’s re-election in 2025. The works minister’s declaration that “no opposition can stand up to him” further reflects public confidence in Governor Soludo’s leadership. With such a sincere affirmation coming from a federal minister of the ruling party, does anyone in Anambra State still need an explicit pronouncement that there is no vacancy in Awka in 2025?
By all indices of undeniable stellar performance which is being rightly acknowledged, Governor Soludo’s tenure has indeed ushered in a golden era for Anambra, marked by infrastructure transformation, improved security, people empowerment, fiscal integrity and much more.
His leadership, validated by bipartisan plaudits and measurable outcomes, is a proof of what is possible when competence meets political will.
As the Second Niger Bridge access road rises, so too does Anambra’s future: a future anchored in Governor Soludo’s unrelenting passion for progress. For the sake of the Southeast and Nigeria at large, supporting Governor Soludo’s continued leadership is not just political wisdom; it is a development imperative. As Anambra is working with Soludo, Nigeria can, too.