Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has emphasized that his focus is on improving governance, not competing with past governors like Peter Obi and others.
The governor stated this in response to Bishop Matthew Kukah’s remark during a thanksgiving mass celebrating Soludo’s three years in office at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Awka.
Peter Obi is widely regarded as one of the most successful governors in Anambra State’s history, particularly in terms of fiscal management.
During his tenure from 2006 to 2014, Obi implemented various initiatives that transformed the state’s economy and infrastructure .
Bishop Kukah had praised Soludo’s leadership and progress made in the state, urging the governor to avoid comparisons and competition with others.
“Governance is not about competition, but about consolidation,” Kukah noted, acknowledging that successive governors in Anambra had made significant contributions to the state’s growth.
Responding Soludo reaffirmed his commitment to building upon his predecessors’ achievements, rather than competing with them.
“My Lord Bishop, we are not in competition with anyone. What we are doing is to improve on what the past governors have done, not to compete with them.”
Soludo highlighted his efforts to improve infrastructure, education, and other sectors contributing to the state’s development. He emphasized creating a competitive environment, not with past administrations, but with global standards like the Dubai-Taiwan revolution. Soludo pointed to initiatives like employing over 8,000 teachers, aligning with global educational advancements.
“We are contesting against the revolution going around the world. When we employed over 3,000 teachers, it was not to compete against our past, but to compete with the revolution going on globally,” Soludo said. “Anambra has all it takes to achieve the Taiwan-Dubai dream.”
The governor reflected on achievements in infrastructure, including improved road networks making previously inaccessible areas accessible within 30 minutes. He highlighted efforts to reduce government expenditure, revealing Anambra spent only 65% of what previous administrations spent during their first three years.
Soludo emphasized leading in education, health, and critical sectors, sharing statistics like providing free ante-natal and delivery services to over 102,000 women. He stressed the ongoing battle against insecurity, focusing on addressing root causes and cleansing the state of criminals.
“We are taking the latest fight against insecurity by tackling it from the root,” Soludo noted. “Anambra is known for its enterprise spirit, and that is where we are headed. If you know any criminal anywhere, just whisper to us, and we will come and pick them.”
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