Soludo’s second term: Anambra renews covenant with competence – Shettima

2026-03-17 - 16:13

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru ABUJA – Vice President Kashim Shettima has applauded Charles Soludo for his contributions to nation-building, stating that Anambra State has renewed “a covenant with competence” with his re-election. Shettima spoke on Tuesday while representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration and swearing-in of Soludo and his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, for a second term in Awka, Anambra State. He described Soludo as a man of ideas and integrity whose contributions have helped foster unity and strengthen Nigeria’s political, economic, and social institutions through informed and constructive engagement on national issues. According to the Vice President, the President’s policies have benefited from Soludo’s candid advice and expert insight, both publicly and privately. He noted that the governor’s leadership style demonstrates that governance can unify, persuade, and remain principled without deepening divisions. “It is no surprise that his people have entrusted him with another term to guide the state into safer and more prosperous waters,” Shettima said, adding that Anambra’s electorate had renewed not just a mandate but a commitment to competence and continuity. He also commended Deputy Governor Ibezim, noting that effective leadership depends not only on the chief executive but also on loyal and disciplined collaborators. The Vice President highlighted lessons from Soludo’s leadership, including the need for political actors to rise above partisan differences and embrace collaboration in the interest of national development. He further observed that Soludo’s relationship with the Federal Government has remained cordial and productive, enabling progress in governance and policy implementation. Shettima credited the Soludo administration with efforts to restore order, improve security, and tackle criminal activities in parts of the state, expressing confidence that the governor’s second term would consolidate on existing achievements. He assured that the Federal Government would continue to partner with states committed to improving the welfare of citizens. In his inaugural address, Governor Soludo pledged to deepen development and build on the gains of his first tenure across key sectors, including health, education, agriculture, and the economy. He thanked the people of Anambra State for their overwhelming support in the last gubernatorial election, describing the 73 per cent votes he received as a strong endorsement of his administration. “We will not take your historic support for granted,” Soludo said, promising to work for all residents of the state. The governor also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their support, noting that collaboration across political lines is essential for progress. He reaffirmed his vision to transform Anambra into a major economic hub, stating that by 2030, the state aims to evolve into “an African Dubai, Taiwan, and Silicon Valley.” Dignitaries at the event included former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan; former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku; former Anambra State Governor Chris Ngige; as well as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, among others.