By Okey Okey
The former governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Thursday, took over office from the immediate past governor, Chief Willie Obiano and his Deputy, Nkem Okeke.
Soludo was swore-in by the state Chief Judge, Justice Onochie Anyacheberu after taken oath of office at 9.49 am. as his Deputy, Dr Onyedikachukwu Ibezim took his at 9.15am.
The event took place at the front of Excos Chambers in the State Government house, the venue said to have been endorsed by the new governor, who had insisted that only 50 persons would attend the event.
However, our correspondent reported that the event was attended by over three hundred persons including the former governor, Peter Obi, immediate past Governor, Willie Obiano and almost all his cabinets (commissioners, Special Advisers and others), Anambra State House of Assembly members which comprises 30 members, former Nigeria's Ambassador to Spain, Bianca Ojukwu, among others.
In his acceptance speech, governor Soludo promised to tackle insecurity and agitations through dialogue, to announce some of his principal officers before the end of work today (Thursday), to commence work at Okpoko, a surbup of Onitsha the next day, to submit list of commissioners to House of Assembly in one week and conduct Local Government elections in the next two years.
" Now is the time to work, and there is no minute or kobo to waste in fanfare. In a few minutes, I will announce some of the principal officers of the administration, and commence with serious meetings of the Anambra State Security Council, followed by a meeting with the permanent secretaries, a meeting on Okpoko, and with my Strategy, Execution and Evaluation (SEE) team.
"Within the next one week, the list of commissioners will be laid before the House of Assembly. Tomorrow, we will head to Okpoko in Ogbaru Local Government Area and parts of Onitsha and Idemili as we signpost our commitment to fundamental urban regeneration, beginning with the greater Onitsha metropolis.
" I will work very hard every day, with you, to make Anambra proud. Every kobo of your tax money will be deployed to provide you maximum value. We will conduct local government elections. No doubt, the uniform local government system as the third federating unit is one of the contested features of our federalism. But we must make the best of a bad system, by unleashing the potential of governance at the lower levels.
"Over the next two years, we shall review/amend the relevant legislations, reform and strengthen the system for efficiency, restructure/strengthen the Anambra’s Independent Electoral Commission, and conduct local government elections. We will collaborate and coordinate actively with LGAs to ensure synergy and complementarities. Let the revolution get to the grassroots," he stated.
Speaking in interview, the former governor of the state, Mr Peter Obi, hailed Prof. Soludo, expressing hope that his administration would tackle the needs of the citizenry as it was anchored on security of lives, education and uplifting people from poverty.
"I am committed to build a greater Anambra State and Nigeria. I see hope in governor Soludo's administration because he is committed to tackle critical issues of governance. From what he said at the event and his background, you will see that he is committed to build on education, security and uplifting the plights of the poor," Obi stated.
Also speaking, the South East Coordinator, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alh. Gidado Siddiki congratulated Governor Soludo, urging him to extend hands of fellowship to all irrespective of religious or ethnic inclinations with a view to get more hands to build a greater Anambra
On his part, the Transition Committee Chairman, Ogbaru Local Government Area, Hon. Arinze Awogu, said he was happy over the development especially for the fact that the new governor promised to invest on local industry by encouraging consumption and use of locally produced materials and products.
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