It has been twenty-four months since the people of Anambra State turned out in large numbers to elect Governor Charles Soludo as the Executive Governor. His reputation as a professor, renowned economist, and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria gave him an edge over other candidates in the November 2021 election. With his promise-filled manifesto, the expectations were high. However, twenty-four months later, the suffering, pain, and struggle of the people of Anambra have only increased, leaving the state in comatoseness.
As Governor Soludo’s tenure reaches the two-year mark in few month, his administration cannot point to a single significant project that has been completed to alleviate the plight of the people of Anambra. Instead, it has been a series of disappointments with no tangible progress to show.
Mama Ekene is a widow with three children who depends on selling goods by the roadside to make a living. However, since Charles Soludo became governor, the roads have become almost impassable, making it difficult for her to sell enough to support herself and her children. This has led to despair and hardship, forcing her children to lead a life they never wished for.
Izuchukwu, a young graduate, voted for Soludo in the hope that he would create jobs and improve the economy. However, two years later, nothing has changed, and Soludo has failed to fulfill his promises. Despite his desire not to rely solely on the government, Izuchukwu invested in a tricycle for a transportation business. Unfortunately, high and unrealistic taxes of the Soludo regime, as well as a lack of good roads, have made it impossible for Izuchukwu to sustain his tricycle work. As a result, he sold his tricycle for a negligible amount and now wanders the streets aimlessly, feeling hopeless.
Soludo’s incompetence and unfulfilled promises have led to tragedies like those experienced by Mama Ekene and Izuchukwu. His administration has caused irreparable damage to the state, resulting in poverty and inflicting mental, emotional, and physical torture on the people.
Since taking office, Soludo has organized multiple fundraising programs among Anambra stakeholders and imposed oppressive taxes on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and businesses, leading to high revenue collection. However, these revenues have not translated into relief for the people or meaningful development.
The Soludo administration has been characterized by propaganda, lies, and deceit. State funds remain unaccounted for, and the regime lacks a clear vision for their utilization.
The few road projects that have been awarded to date have been assigned to questionable contractors, resulting in more problems than solutions. It is high time for Governor Soludo to consider resigning, as the state is suffering spiritually, emotionally, physically, and economically.
Anambra State is facing a dire situation with non-existent motorable roads just weeks before Christmas. Security remains a significant concern, with the Governor failing to address the issue in many local governments controlled by non-state actors.
Under Soludo’s administration, leadership has deteriorated, and the people of Anambra are forced to celebrate important events outside their ancestral homes due to insecurity. Even traditional rulers are no longer able to celebrate Ofala festivals due to these challenges.
With another Christmas approaching and numerous challenges ahead, it is unlikely that our people will be able to return home.
In September, the Soludo administration awarded the contract for the Ugwunwasike Road, which leads to the biggest building material market in the Southeast, if not West Africa. Despite the release of funds, the road’s condition has worsened, negatively impacting businesses and motorists.
Despite the significant attention and publicity, the densely populated Okpoko remains neglected. Owerri Road, despite its heavy traffic and financial contributions to the state, poses a constant threat to citizens’ lives through accidents and diseases. Beyond failed Raods, Anambra under Soludo is the dirtiest state to live or do business in today.
Professor Charles Soludo, instead of being a solution, has become a problem and a threat to the development and progress of Anambra State. As a man who claims to possess integrity, it would be fair for him to resign and free Anambra State from the lack of direction and effectiveness of his regime. Anambra is no doubt oversized for a Soludo to govern, he has failed the people and the state.
Uloka Chibuike is a citizen journalist, public policy analyst and a concerned citizen.
Writes from Awka in Anambra State.
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