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Tag: Charles Soludo

  • Soludo opens up after meeting with President Tinubu in Aso Rock

    Soludo opens up after meeting with President Tinubu in Aso Rock

    Charles Soludo, the governor of Anambra State, has disclosed that his friendship with President Bola Tinubu spans over two decades and will not be undermined by political affiliations.

    The former Central Bank of Nigeria governor while speaking in Abuja on Tuesday shortly after a closed-door meeting with the President at the State House, described their discussion as “quite pleasant” and noted that Tinubu is in “robust health and high spirits.”

    Soludo said, “I have no apologies about it. President Tinubu is my friend. He has been my friend for 22 years now and counting, so you don’t deny your friend.

    “I support him, and I’m impressed by the bold steps he has taken, particularly in the areas of the economy and structural reforms. We are taking the right steps, and we need to stay the course.”

    According to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governor stated that his support for Tinubu stems from a broader ideological conviction that progressive parties should collaborate.

    “You saw all the billboards proclaiming that progressives are working together. It is a fundamental idea that I believe very strongly, that all those political parties who profess progressivism should actually come together in a massive coalition to deepen our democracy and spur economic and social development,” he said.

    On security in the state, Soludo said his administration is combining “kinetic and non-kinetic” approaches. He explained that the Homeland Security Law, passed in January, is being enforced alongside a crackdown on criminal elements, especially those exploiting young people.

    He added, “Our non-kinetic approach focuses on youth empowerment and job creation. We have a unique skills training programme that has already empowered about 5,000 youths, with thousands more set to benefit financially soon. We are creating thousands of youth millionaires within the next three years. The youth are very much involved.”

  • Nigerians react to Peter Obi’s birthday message to Gov Soludo

    Nigerians react to Peter Obi’s birthday message to Gov Soludo

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party(LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has caused a stir while felicitating with the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, on his 65th birth anniversary.

    Obi took to his Facebook on Monday to express warm wishes to the governor.

    “Your Excellency, My dear elder brother, My family and I join other men and women of goodwill in rejoicing with you as you mark another year today.

    “May God continue to bless you with strength, wisdom, and good health as you serve our dear state and nation. Happy Birthday, Your Excellency,” Obi said.

    However, Obi’s decision to publicly celebrate the governor sparked reactions among some Nigerians, who noted Soludo’s silence on Obi’s birthday earlier in July.

    Below are some of the reactions on Facebook:

    Eroh Erohdaking said, “You see, wisdom can never be bought with money. You can be a professor, but you don’t have wisdom.”

    Hrh Igwe Nnaemeka Omemgbeoji said, “…Even when Charles Chukwuma Soludo didn’t wish you happy birthday on your day, you still took time to wish him. Your charisma needs to be studied.”

    Tochukwu Paschal said, “I will wait until the day you will mistakenly wish Reno a happy birthday in the name of ‘he’s my well-respected junior brother’ and all that gentleman talk. Na that day we go show you say no be only you get yourself again.”

    Anukanti Vigilius Chukwuka said, “This man is very different from African politicians. This is the man we need to reset Nigeria.”

    Ferdinand Ohalee said, “His Excellency, when you go low you go high. In the new Nigeria of our dream, there won’t be any iota of bitterness rather love, compassion and dedication to service to humanity. Happy birthday Prof Charles Soludo.”

  • Angry witch doctors protest alleged witch-hunt by Soludo’s administration

    Angry witch doctors protest alleged witch-hunt by Soludo’s administration

    Some witch doctors and traditional medicine practitioners, referred to as Ndi Dibia and Ezenwanyi in Anambra State, have protested against alleged selective justice by the state government.

    They claimed that the use of Agunaechemba security operatives was a witch-hunt, anti-traditional faith, and a violation of their constitutionally-backed fundamental rights to practise the religion of their choice.

    The witch doctors, who gathered from various parts of the state, decried what they termed the stigmatisation of their profession by the state government, which they accused of using Agunaechemba to harass and crack down on their activities.

    During the protest, they offered prayers and performed rituals to resist what they described as the governor’s interference.

    Speaking at a secret location, the group’s leader, High Priest Ikele, described Governor Charles Soludo’s actions as “unjust and discriminatory.”

     

    Ikele said, “We’re not cultists or criminals. We’re traditional healers serving our communities for generations. Soludo’s attempts to stigmatise and suppress our activities won’t succeed.”

    The native doctors rejected the clampdown and vowed to continue their prayers and rituals until their demands are met. They also pledged to oppose the governor’s second-term bid in the November 8, 2025 election.

    Meanwhile, the state government has concluded plans to prosecute arrested native doctors for alleged violations of the newly unveiled Anambra State Homeland Security Law.

    Those currently in custody for allegedly promoting money rituals, including “Yahoo plus,” and preparing charms for criminals include Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki; Onyebuchi Okocha, also known as Onyeze Jesus (Father of All Men); and Ekene Igboekweze (Eke Hit) from Okija in Ihiala Local Council.

    Igboekweze, known for promoting native practices on Facebook, had reportedly criticised Nwangwu and Okocha for being easily captured by security operatives. However, he was also apprehended a few days later.

    The state’s Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, confirmed plans to charge the native doctors to court upon the conclusion of investigations. He dismissed claims that Governor Soludo’s administration is opposed to traditional worship.

    According to Mefor, the government is focused on combating crime and addressing those who enable it, including native doctors who prepare charms for criminals.

    Speaking on the state-owned Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), monitored by The Guardian over the weekend, Mefor emphasised that the accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court. Upon conviction, they will be sentenced according to the provisions of the new Homeland Security Law.

    He said, “The state government is committed to eradicating criminal activities in Anambra and restoring sanity across the state.”

  • Soludo speaks on order to arrest ladies seen in public without bra, panties

    Soludo speaks on order to arrest ladies seen in public without bra, panties

    The Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, has refuted reports alleging it authorized security agencies to arrest women seen publicly without bras or panties.

    TheNewsGuru reports that this follows a viral video which captured moment a town crier in Abagana, Njikoka LGA, is seen stating that, henceforth, women without underwear will be arrested.

    The town crier added that the directive was received from Governor Soludo.

    Clarifying the reports, the governor through its Senior Specicial Adviser on New Media, Ejimofor Opara, Soludo said such trivial matters do not have any legal backing and cannot be the focus of the State government or its law enforcement agencies.

    He further urged the public to disregard such announcement, adding that the government is focused on getting rid of criminals.

    The statement reads: “The trending announcement by the town crier in Abagana, Njikoka LGA, wherein the announcer stated that ladies who move about without underwear (bra and pants) would be arrested, is neither from the State government nor Agunechemba Security Outfit.

    “Such trivial matters do not have any legal support and cannot be the focus of the State government or its law enforcement agencies at this time it is focused on ridding the State of every form of criminality. While this is not to encourage indecent dressing in our communities, it is important to make this clarification so as not to derail the focus of our law enforcement under any pretext.

    “Kindly disregard any such distracting announcement and remember to continue supporting the Security Agencies with credible information on criminals around our communities — if you see something, say something!”

  • Why serving as a governor in Nigeria is challenging – Soludo

    Why serving as a governor in Nigeria is challenging – Soludo

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has emphasized that serving as a governor in Nigeria today is fraught with challenges, particularly regarding the management of local government funds.

    Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Soludo sought to clarify the recently introduced State Economic Planning and Development Law 2024 and the Local Government Administration Law 2024.

    Soludo acknowledged the pervasive allegations against governors concerning the control and mismanagement of local government funds.

    “In a society where public office is seen as a dining table and public trust is low, people judge others by their own standards; by what they would do if they were in the position. I often ask: control for what?” he stated, expressing frustration over the assumptions that often accompany discussions about local governance.

    The governor pointed to a recent Supreme Court ruling that affirmed local government autonomy as a significant opportunity for improved transparency, coordination, and collaboration between state and local governments.

    He revealed that this judgment catalyzed the formulation of new laws aimed at ensuring proper appropriation and accountability of funds transferred to local governments.

    “Neither the Constitution nor the Supreme Court judgment prescribes the manner of appropriation, expenditure, and audit/accountability for local government funds,” Soludo explained.

    He clarified that the ruling did not eliminate the need for cooperation among local governments regarding shared services, nor did it nullify Section 7 of the Constitution.

    Under the new laws, local government chairpersons will convene under the State Economic Planning Board, akin to the National Economic Council, to determine what percentage of their revenues will be allocated to a joint local government account for the funding of communal services.

    This initiative aims to enhance cohesive planning, transparency, and sustainability in governance, thereby maximizing the security and welfare of the citizens.

    Furthermore, Soludo noted that the laws are designed to protect local government workers and maintain the integrity of primary education and health care services, preventing chaos and collapse at these essential levels.

    He reiterated the importance of active collaboration between state and local governments, stating, “Given the functions assigned to the local governments by the Constitution, it is impossible to see how they can perform them without active collaboration with state governments. Without this collaboration, many local governments could find themselves in financial turmoil, necessitating bailouts from the state.”

     

  • Anambra holds LG election after 11 years

    Anambra holds LG election after 11 years

    Anambra state will today elect their local government executives after 11 years.

    The last local government election in the state took place in 2013 at the twilight of the administration of former Governor Peter Obi. Since then, successive administrations, particularly under Willie Obiano, opted to manage local councils through caretaker committees.

    The incumbent Governor Charles Soludo also continued with this tradition since assuming office in 2022 until a recent Supreme Court decision outlawed the practice of running local governments with un-elected officials.

    The governor recently announced that eight political parties would be participating in the election. However, Tony Nnalue, Commissioner for Information and Logistics at the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), stated that he did not have a clear figure on the number of parties involved.

    Soludo listed parties like the Action Alliance (AA), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), but not all have candidates contesting across all the local government areas.

    The announcement of September 28 as the date for the election had, however, sparked controversy among opposition parties, who argued that the timeline was too short to allow for adequate preparation, including primaries, sales of forms and campaigns. The ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state, however, dismissed these concerns, insisting that the preparation period was sufficient.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party (LP) expressed dissatisfaction with the election process, threatening to seek legal action.

    Chief Basil Ejidike, APC’s state chairman, said his party would not participate in what he described as a “planned sham election,” citing poor planning and lack of transparency. He criticised recent amendments to state electoral laws, accusing ANSIEC, the state electoral body of favouring the APGA and failing to involve other political parties in the process.

    APC’s state legal adviser, Chukwunonso Chiwuba, argued that the amended electoral laws passed in August 2024 were invalid since the election process had already commenced.

    The Labour Party similarly refused to participate in the election. In a statement issued by the party’s publicity secretary, Theo Egbe, the LP described the local government election as “ill-conceived and contrived” under “obnoxious and illegal” electoral laws.

    Labour Party affirmed its commitment to challenge the legitimacy of the election through legal channels, and warned its members against engaging with any unauthorised sale of nomination forms.

    Other political parties under the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), however, expressed their willingness to participate in the election provided the ANSIEC extends the timeline and ensures a level-playing field.

    At a meeting held in Awka, the IPAC called for more time to prepare, and requested a review of voter registration to include newly eligible voters.

    In contrast, the APGA remains confident of winning the election. At a campaign rally, Governor Soludo declared that the party would win all the 21 local government chairmanship seats and 326 councillor positions. He dismissed the opposition parties as disorganised, saying the APGA had already secured four local government chairmanships unopposed.

     

     

  • Soludo’s daughter Adaora ties knot with lover abroad

    Soludo’s daughter Adaora ties knot with lover abroad

    The first daughter of Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, Adaora has tied the knot with her long time lover, Arinze.

    The couple,TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) learnt had a civil wedding on July 26 amidst family and friends.

    Taking to her Instagram on Sunday, Adaora shared  photos of the wedding with her husband with the caption, “26.07.24 #Wedding #Civilwedding”

    In another post, she wrote; “Signed, Sealed, Delivered | 26.07.24. Married my best friend in the intimate wedding of my dreams, surrounded by family.”

    Adaora’s wedding is coming a year after she got engaged to Arinze.

    The proposal was held in Marrakech, Morocco.

    Adaora bagged a master’s degree in management from Imperial College Business School.

    She also earned a fashion communications diploma from Conde Nast College of Fashion and Design.

    Her father, Soludo was a former governor and ex-chairman of the board of directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    He served at the CBN between May 2004 and 2009. He was elected the governor of Anambra state in March 2022.

  • Abiodun emerges Chairman, Southern Governors Forum

    Abiodun emerges Chairman, Southern Governors Forum

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun on Monday, emerged the Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum.

    The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Soludo, emerged as the Vice Chairman.

    The emergence of the Abiodun and Soludo, was part of the decision reached at the end of the meeting of the Southern Governors Forum, held at the Presidential Lodge, GRA Ibara, Abeokuta.

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu, announced the emergence of Abiodun and Soludo.

    Sixteen out of the 17 governors that constituted the Southern Governors Forum attended the meeting with only Rivers State Governor, Similayi Fubara, absent at the meeting.

    While some governors, were physically present at the meeting, some were represented by their deputies.

    The governors that attended the meetin tog include Babajide Sanwoolu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Alex Otti (Abia), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Bassey Otu (Cross River).

    Other governors in attendance, were Charles Soludo (Anambra), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi),

    Peter Mbah (Enugu), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa) and Uno Eno (Akwa Ibom).

    Also on ground to represent their governors were Deputy Governors, Chinyere Ekomaru (Imo), Monday Onyeme (Delta) and Olayide Adelami (Ondo).

    Speaking with journalists at the end of the meeting, Abiodun commended his colleagues, for electing him as the Chairman of the forum.

    He said, “It is indeed an honour and a humble one at that, that I have been nominated to lead the Southern Governors’ Forum, along side with Professor Charles Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State as the Vice Chairman of this forum.

    “I first want to thank all the Governors, the 17 Governors for coming to Abeokuta today for this meeting, the first meeting after about three years. It underscores the commitment and the determination to ensure that the Southern States occupy by their pride of place.”

  • Fire guts Gov Soludo aide’s office

    Fire guts Gov Soludo aide’s office

    Parts of the office of the Special Adviser to Anambra Governor on Political Matters, Dr Alex Obiogbolu, was on Tuesday gutted by fire.

    The office is inside the Anambra Government House, Agu Awka, Awka.

    Two fire fighting fighting trucks were deployed by the Fire Service to combat the inferno.

    A source in the office said the fire started from the electricity junction box.

    Obiogbolu, who rushed back to the scene, described the inferno as “unfortunate”, while commending the Fire Service for their swift response.

    In a reaction, Mr Chukwudi Chiketa, the Anambra Fire Chief confirmed that the inferno was as a result of power surge.

    Chiketa called residents to ensure they switched off their electrical appliances whenever they were not not in use and to make sure they had fire extinguishers in homes and offices.

    “It was as a result of power surge, we got there in good time and stopped the fire from causing maximum damage to the building or touching those around it.

    “People should switch off their electrical appliance when they not at home and when they are not in use.

    “It also important to make sure there is fire extinguisher in homes and offices so that they can contain the fire before Fire Service arrive the scene,” he said.

  • Anambra 2025: Oil magnate tipped as Soludo’s successor

    Anambra 2025: Oil magnate tipped as Soludo’s successor

    Mr Emeka Umeakuka, a Chieftain of the Labour Party in Anambra, has said that Chief Barth Nwibe is the best man for the job of next Anambra governor, come 2025.

    Umeakuka told journalists in Awka on Saturday that Anambra needed a thorough-bred, home-grown grassroots politician with critical, creative thinking capacity to provide solutions to identified problems.

    Umeakuka, known as a grassroots mobilizer, described Nwibe, an oil magnate, as a man with a blend  of intellectual capacity, rich history of  human capacity development and proven records of youth empowerment and employment.

    He said leadership had been identified as problem of any society and that Anambra electorates should be wary and meticulous in chosing the leadership that would be people oriented and govern with a touch of humanity, character and integrity.

    “Anambra requires one who sees the act of governance through the eyes of the masses and not through the whims and caprices of the elite bureaucrats and technocrats.

    “It behooves the people to be very critical, careful and analytical in making a well-informed decision that determines their future.

    “This is why Anambra needs Chief Nwibe, whose accomplishments in the private sector underscores his ebullience, competence and capability to run for the exalted office of governor of Anambra.

    “Nwibe is a man among men, a man of the people, a lavish giver, a philanthropist and a liberal democrat who believes in the liberal concept of power, where the masses are the true custodians,” he said.

    Umeakuka said Nwibe had the capacity to transform Anambra because he believed in Peter Obi’s governance and political philosophy.

    He said the lawyer, businessman and politician had generated jobs in his private sector engagements and empowered many youths education through his ‘Ugo Igbo Foundation’ which he had run for over 18 years.

    “Available statistics show that over 1,000 youths of Anambra State have benefitted from his free tuition and other entrepreneurial skill acquisition empowerment programmes.

    “This record is phenomenal, Bart Nwibe’s effort has built capacity, generated employment and reduced poverty in the state.

    “He is the man of the moment, the man to be trusted with the Anambra State governorship mantle, come 2025,” he said.