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  • Anambra 2021: Who can battle with the Lord? Soludo asks after winning APGA’s guber ticket

    Anambra 2021: Who can battle with the Lord? Soludo asks after winning APGA’s guber ticket

    After winning the Anambra governorship primary election of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Charles Soludo asks if there is anyone who can battle with the Lord.

    Soludo who made the remarks on Wednesday in his victory speech said he is poor boy whom God has lifted and gifted.

    Recall TheNewsGuru, TNG had earlier reported how he secured 740 votes, out of the 795 votes cast in the primary election that took place in Awka, the Anambra capital.

    During his acceptance speech, the former governor noted that he decided to come home and serve his people with the wealth of experience he has acquired.

    He called on members of the party to come together in order to ensure APGA takes the state to another level, adding that he will continue on the progress made by Willie Obiano, the current governor of the state.

    “To our beloved, amiable people of Anambra, I say here I come. I’m a poor boy whom God has lifted and gifted. To the glory of God, I reached the peak of my career in my 30s,” he said.

    “As a poor village boy, who has been specially blessed by God, I desire to give back to society through selfless public service.

    “I hope to deploy all global and national experiences, networks, as well as the local experience and knowledge as a village boy to make you proud.

    “As members of APGA, we should be very proud of moving Anambra from level to level. Do you ever want to change a winning team? Anyway, we will have an opportune time to engage those who said Anambra is not moving. Anambra is getting better. We also need to consolidate to get better and better.”

    The former CBN governor noted that the “battle” for the Anambra governorship election on November 6 is “the Lord’s”, and expressed optimism that the party will win.

    “At the last election, APGA won 21 out of 21 LGAs, and 80 percent of the seats at the state house of assembly. But we won’t take any vote for granted. We will work hard to earn every vote. We will triple our efforts and campaign everywhere,” he added.

    “Once again, let me thank you all for this overwhelming mandate and to say finally, the battle going forward is the Lord’s. And I want to ask, ‘Who can battle with the Lord?’”

  • Soludo wins Anambra APGA governorship primary election

    Soludo wins Anambra APGA governorship primary election

    Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Wednesday emerged the governorship candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Nov. 6 governorship election in Anambra.

    Soludo scored a total of 740 votes out of 792 valid votes cast by delegates.

    Declaring the results of the exercise, Samson Olalere, the Returning Officer said Soludo fulfilled the provisions of Electoral Act and APGA guidelines.

    Olalere said Soludo beat his rivals, Rep Okwudili Ezenwakwo, Damian Okolo and Thankgod Ibeh who scored 41, 7 and 4 votes respectively.

    He said a total of 812 delegates were registered out of which 795 accredited and 792 voted.

    The returning officer issued the APGA candidate Certificate of Return after Gov. Willie Obiano, raised up Soludo’s hand as the duly elected candidate of the party in the forthcoming election.

    In his remark, Obiano congratulated Soludo for his victory while calling on party faithful to continue to support the party.

    In his acceptance speech, Soludo said he was humbled by the overwhelming votes with which he emerged.

    He thanked his co-contestants for their gallantry while extending an olive branch to them, adding that APGA is a big house with enough rooms to accommodate everyone.

    He promised to build on the success of past administrations in the state if he eventually becomes the elected governor in November.

    Soludo thanked Obiano for his leadership style and Dr Victor Oye, National Chairman of APGA under whom the party had grown to be the third strongest party in Nigeria.

    In a reaction, Chief Neville Uchendu, a chieftain of APGA told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the outcome of APGA primary was a tip of the iceberg on what would happen during Nov.6 election.

    “Soludo is greatly loved by Anambra people and they will massively vote for him during the election,” he said.

    NAN reports that delegates for the election had assembled at the popular Alex Ekwueme Square Awka, for accreditation before proceeding to Prof. Dora Akunyuli Women Development Centre.

    NAN also reports that heavy security presence was noticed at two locations in Awka even as journalists were refused entry into the two places.

  • Soludo attack: Ex-Presidential aide commends, Obiano, Police for Rescuing Kidnapped Commissioner

    Soludo attack: Ex-Presidential aide commends, Obiano, Police for Rescuing Kidnapped Commissioner

    From Chuks Collins, Awka

    A Former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, and frontline governorship aspirant in the coming November 6,2021 election in Anambra state, Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo has commended the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano and the state police command for rising to the occasion in rescuing the Commissioner for Water Resources and Public Utilities Hon Engr Emeka Ezenwanne who was abducted last Wednesday when some unknown gunmen invaded the venue of Prof Chukwuma Soludo’s town hall meeting at Isuofia Civic Center in Aguata Council of the State.

    Nze Nwankpo in a message signed by his media Director, Dr. Harris Chuma-Odili, specially hailed Gov Obiano “….for his commitment to public security, and for working with the security agencies to rescue the victim.”

    He commended the Commissioner of Police and expressed happiness that the police rescued the victim unhurt and recording success in the study of facts to unravel the mystery behind the despicable act. He urged law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous crime do not go unpunished.

    He described the collaboration between the police and Anambra state government as a beautiful example of synergy for a peaceful and crime-free society and gave kudos to the governor for always providing requisite infrastructure and support to security agencies to render effective service to the people.

    Nze Nwankpo advised residents to be vigilant, give security agencies information on suspicious movements and characters so that the state will become uncomfortable for criminals.

    He joined Prof Soludo in thanking God for the release of his in law, Hon. Engr Emeka Ezenwanne unhurt. He once more commiserated with Soludo Campaign Organization for the unfortunate incident, and prayed for the repose of the three slained police officers at Isuofia Civic Center during the attack. “May the good Lord grant the families of the slained police officers the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”.

    Also, the governor had in a special thanksgiving service at his Aguleri countryhome to mark the Easter and celebrate the release of Ezenwanne described his release as a special gift to the citizens of the state.

    According to a report credited to the victim, he was not maltreated by his captors. He didn’t give further details.

    Meanwhile, the traditional ruler of Isoufia community, the country home of Prof Soludo, Col Christopher Moughalu, has disclosed that the community would embark on a spiritual cleansing of their civic centre, following the killing of three policemen in the facility.

    The police officers were killed at the Civic Centre when gunmen stormed the venue while the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Prof Soludo, was having an interactive session with the youths of the community.

    Igwe Muoghalu, in a statement by the Palace Secretary, Chukwujekwu Orajiuka, condemned the killing of the policemen and the kidnap of the state Commissioner for Water Resources and Public Utilities, Emeka Ezenwanne

  • NGO condemns shooting of Soludo’s security details, demands full-scale investigation

    NGO condemns shooting of Soludo’s security details, demands full-scale investigation

    An NGO, the Leadership and Advocacy Network , LEAD Network, has condemned Thursday’s shooting of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s security detail, at a function at his residence, in Isuofia community in Anambra.

    The hoodlums’ instigated violence at the function led to the gunning down of two of Soludo’s security detail, who were feared death.

    The Executive Director of the LEAD Network, Mr Chukwuma Okenwa, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu that the police should launch a full-scale investigation into the development.

    Okenwa noted that the perpetrators of the heinous crime must be smoked out and be punished appropriately, especially in the light of activities for the Nov. 6 Anambra governorship contest which was gearing up.

    “The killing of the security details attached to Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, a Governorship Aspirant of the All Progressive Grand Alliance [APGA], in the Anambra gubernatorial race is condemnable.

    “Such a barbaric act is too primitive in the 21st century, in which running for elections should be based on contest of ideas.

    “I hereby call on the Nigerian Police to launch a full-scale investigation into this matter and ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to book.

    “This, the police must do, more especially now that the killing of police officers was affecting the morale of the gentlemen of the police force,’’ he said. (

  • Police arrest four new suspects with links to violent attacks on Soludo

    Police arrest four new suspects with links to violent attacks on Soludo

    The Anambra Police Command says it has arrested four new suspects in connection with the reported attack on Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

    The command’s Spokeman, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the fresh arrest in a statement issued in Awka on Thursday.

    Ikenga gave the names of the four suspects as Mbah Victor (30), John Olisakwe (21), Chigozie Omeh (20) and Emmanuel Nnobi ( 28).

    “The suspects confessed to have actively taken part in the attack and subsequent abduction of the Commissioner for Water and Public Utility, Mr Emeka Ezenwanne,” the statement states.

    It further states that the command had intensified efforts to rescue the commissioner.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that Soludo was attacked by gunmen at a political gathering in his Isuofia home town in Aguata Local Government Area on Wednesday.

    It was gathered that three police orderlies attached to him were killed by the gunmen.

    The police had earlier confirmed the arrest of one suspect in the wake of the attack.

    According to him, “Efforts are still ongoing to apprehend other fleeing accomplices, unravel the circumstances surrounding the incidence and bring the suspects to book,” he stated.
    The command reaffirmed its commitment toward ensuring the safety of residents of the state.

    It further called on the people to assist the command with useful information that would help to tackle crime and criminality in the state.

  • Soludo is safe- Anambra CP

    Soludo is safe- Anambra CP

    Former Central Bank Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, is safe, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Monday Kuryas, has stated

    Kuryas made this known on Channels Television, after gunmen attacked him on Wednesday and killed three of his police entourage

    The sad occurrence happened in Soludo’s home town in Isiofia in the Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    Speaking on the television programme, the police commissioner said though Soludo was safe, the state Commissioner for Public Utilities, Emeka Ezenwanne, was kidnapped by the gunmen.

    Kuryas said, ”The former CBN governor was holding a town hall meeting with the youths of his community called Isuofia in Aguata Local Government Area of the state.

    “Suddenly, unknown gunmen attacked my men that were providing security for him. In the exchange of fire, three of my men were killed but the professor is safe.

    “However, the Commissioner for Public Utilities, Engr Emeka Ezenwanne, was abducted in the process and my men are on the heels of the abductors.”

    The commissioner noted that he has since visited the ex-CBN governor and “reassured the professor of the security around him”.

    While guaranteeing the people of the state that his men were on top of the situation, the police boss said some arrests have been made in connection with the crime.

  • Soludo’s attackers need to be arrested, prosecuted-Peter Obi

    Soludo’s attackers need to be arrested, prosecuted-Peter Obi

    The Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate for Vice President in the 2019 presidential election, Peter Obi, has said security agents need to arrest those who attacked Central Bank Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and murdered three police orderlies attached to him.

    The incident happened on Wednesday in Soludo’s home town, Isiofia, in the Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    This is coming a month after the former CBN Governor declared his intention to run in the Anambra State governorship election come November 2021.

    Reacting to the attack, Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State said “political violence should have no place in the democratic process in Anambra State.”

    He tweeted, “The reported attack on Prof Charles Soludo in which some security agents were killed stands condemned. Political violence should have no place in the democratic process in Anambra State. The Ballot and not the Bullet should determine the outcome of our elections.

    “Meantime, security needs to be stepped up, and the culprits fished out and prosecuted to serve as deterrents to copycats

     

  • (PHOTO)Gunmen attack ex-CBN Gov. Soludo in Anambra, kill three policemen, kidnap commissioner

    (PHOTO)Gunmen attack ex-CBN Gov. Soludo in Anambra, kill three policemen, kidnap commissioner

    Unknown gunmen on Wednesday attacked a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Charles Soludo in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra state, killing at least three policemen attached to him.

    According to reports, Soludo was in the community for an interaction session on his governorship ambition.

    Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Sunday Kuryas, confirmed the bloody attack on Soludo, a frontline aspirant in the November 6th governorship election in the state.

    He explained that the details are still sketchy but reports from his men in the area said some gunmen stormed Isuofia Townhall where Professor Soludo was having a meeting with the youths of the community.

    In the ensuing bloody confrontation, the police boss explained that three policemen were gunned down while the state Commissioner for Public Utilities, Emeka Ezenwanne, was taken away by the gunmen.

    The police commissioner also assured residents of the state that every detail about the incident will be made public as they unfold.

     

     

     

  • Anambra 2021: Soludo declares his governorship ambition

    Anambra 2021: Soludo declares his governorship ambition

    Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has declared his intention to run for the governorship of Anambra in the November 6 poll.

    Soludo would be running on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    Declaring his ambition on Thursday in Awka, he said he had been a party man since 2013 and would be better, if APGA offered him the ticket.

    He promised to achieve victory for the party, hoping to leverage his international connections to transform the state.
    He said that having served the global community, he was now poised to serve and develop Anambra.

    The governorship aspirant took time to assess Gov. Willie Obiano’s administration in Anambra and described him as one of the best in the country.

    He rated the governor high, in terms of infrastructure development and regular payment of ing workers’ salaries in the face of dwindling finances.

    He said that Anambra had experienced steady prosperity under APGA.

    “I granted an interview where they asked if I still stand by what I said in 2017 that ‘if Anambra is not broken, why mend it’ and I told them that Anambra is more sound now.

    “In 2010, Federal Bureau of Statistics conducted a survey and said the poverty rate in Anambra was 53 per cent.

    ”In 2020, it conducted another survey and said poverty rate had gone down to 14.7 per cent, what else can you use to measure good governance.

    “Anambra is doing well under Obiano and my mission is to continue and complete all the legacy projects of the governor,” Soludo said.

    Rep. Chinedu Obidigwe, representing Anambra East and West Federal Constituency, thanked Soludo for accepting the call to join the
    governorship race and promised his unalloyed support to him.

    Obidigwe said Soludo had paid his due as party a man and a technocrat and called on APGA to allow him to fly its flag as a sure way to victory.

    The event was attended by APGA chieftains in the state, including the state Chairman, Chief Nobert Obi.

    NAN

  • Nigeria must be liberated from ‘choking hold of Abuja’ to move forward – Soludo

    Charles Soludo, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Tuesday said there is an urgent need to liberate the country from the choking hold of Abuja if she must move forward.

    The ex-CBN governor also said the nation needs economic restructuring and heavy lifting from its current economic condition.

    The professor of economics, who is a member of the Economic Advisory Council just inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari, said this at an economic summit to commemorate 59 years of Nigeria’s independence.

    The summit was organised by Platform Nigeria, a vision of Poju Oyemade, the senior pastor of Covenant Christian Centre, Lagos.

    The 2019 economic summit was tagged “Re-designing the Nigeria Economy with New Ideas.”

    Soludo said the country is in dire need of innovations and competitiveness at all levels.

    According to him, the game of the future is ”innovate, commit or die.” He said Nigeria needs to start preparing for a world without oil, which calls for innovations in diverse aspects of the economy.

    “We need to start preparing for 400 million people that will soon be upon us in a world without oil. We have been living on the life support of oil, when oil goes up, the economy goes up and when oil comes down, the economy comes down.”

    He said Nigeria needs to be committed to equipping its people and youth with technology.

    “The misery that will befall us is to continue to churn out millions of semi-illiterates youth and largely unemployed citizens,” he warned.

    He called for a devolution of powers, which means giving powers back to the people.

    While reconising the importance of governance, Soludo said Nigeria requires new mechanisms rather than “the constitution and command and control institutions concentrated in Abuja.

    “There is need to liberate the choking hold of Abuja on the country so that innovations and competitiveness can thrive.”

    He said to create a new trajectory for the economy, something different has to happen. He urged Nigeria to begin to create a progressive institution for a world without oil.

    Other speakers at the Summit were Bismarck Rewane, the Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company Limited; Anil Gupta, a leading expert on Strategy and one of the world’s “most influential management thinkers; Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State; and Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the governor of Lagos State.