By Izunna Okafor, Awka
As the race for the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State gathers momentum, the Anambra Patriots for Soludo, a quintessential support group comprising notable Anambra stakeholders, committed patriots, and grassroots mobilizers, has once again thrown its weight behind Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s visionary leadership and set the ball rolling towards his re-election for a second term in office.
The group expressed and reaffirmed this unalloyed support for the governor’s vision and transformative leadership as they, over the weekend, donated and presented a whopping sum of thirty million naira to him for his purchase of the expression of interest and nomination form for his second term bid as the state’s chief executive.
The symbolic presentation of the money, which took place at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, attracted some members of the Management team of the group, as well as top government functionaries, including the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, and other prominent stakeholders who came to demonstrate their solidarity.
Speaking during the presentation, the National Convener of the group, Arch. Okey Ezeibe, extolled Governor Soludo’s remarkable strides in governance, describing him as a visionary leader whose passion for the development of Anambra State remains unparalleled. He stated that the decision to support the governor’s second-term bid was not only informed by the governor’s commendable achievements but also by the evident socio-economic transformation that has characterized his administration.
Arch. Okey Ezeibe, passionately extolled the outstanding leadership qualities of Governor Soludo, describing him as a rare breed of leader whose transformative vision has set Anambra State on the path of sustainable development.
According to Arch. Ezeibe, the recently-celebrated three-year anniversary of the Soludo Administration marked a significant milestone, as evidenced in the governor’s multi-dimensional approach to development, which has touched various sectors of the state, including education, infrastructure, healthcare, water, and human capital development. He noted that these impactful projects and initiatives have set the state on a progressive path, winning the admiration of well-meaning citizens and stakeholders.
“These achievements speak volumes of a leadership driven by commitment, competence, and a sincere desire to elevate Anambra State to enviable heights. We, therefore, have no hesitation in supporting the governor’s second-term bid, as continuity is crucial for consolidating the gains of his administration,” Ezeibe added, further reassuring the governor of the group’s steadfast support throughout the electoral process and beyond.
On his own part, the Chairman of the group, Chief Ejiamatu Damian Enekwechi, also commended Governor Soludo’s unwavering commitment to repositioning Anambra State. He praised the governor’s tireless efforts to bridge infrastructural gaps and improve the welfare of the citizenry, stressing that such a leader deserves the opportunity to complete the good works he has started.
While highlighting the strategic importance of continuity, Chief Enekwechi maintained that a second term for Governor Soludo would undoubtedly fast-track the realization of his developmental blueprint and secure the gains made so far. He stressed that Anambra cannot afford to disrupt the ongoing transformation with untested leadership, urging the electorate to stay focused on sustaining progress.
While appreciating the group’s collective resolve to support the governor, Chief Enekwechi highlighted that the donation was a reflection of the group’s belief in Soludo’s capacity to further transform the state. He called on other well-meaning Anambrarians to rally behind the governor, emphasizing that continuity would be key in sustaining ongoing projects and initiatives.
Responding to the generous gesture, Governor Soludo expressed his profound gratitude to the Patriots for their show of support and confidence in his leadership. He acknowledged the group’s relentless efforts in advocating for good governance and reiterated his commitment to serving the people of Anambra State with renewed zeal and dedication.
The Governor, who described the support as heartwarming and encouraging, further appreciated the group for recognizing the strides his administration has made in reshaping the state’s socio-economic landscape. He assured them that their support would not be taken for granted, promising to remain focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people and making Anambra a livable and prosperous homeland.
Governor Soludo also seized the moment to reassure the citizens that his administration remains resolute in addressing critical challenges confronting the state. He stressed that ongoing developmental projects would be completed, while new initiatives would be introduced to sustain the tempo of progress.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to making Anambra a model state, even as he called for continued partnership, unity, and support from all stakeholders, noting that collective efforts would significantly propel the state to greater heights.
The presentation ceremony concluded on a celebratory note, with chants of solidarity and support for Governor Soludo’s second-term bid echoing throughout the Governor’s Lodge.
The Anambra Patriots for Soludo’s endorsement comes as a significant boost for Governor Soludo’s political ambition, as political observers describe the gesture as a demonstration of the governor’s broad-based acceptance and the confidence reposed in his ability to deliver more developmental strides in the state.
