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  • Soludo, Moghalu emerge candidates in Anambra guber primaries

    Soludo, Moghalu emerge candidates in Anambra guber primaries

    • APC aspirant Okonkwo pulls out of process

    Anambra governor, Chukwuma Soludo yesterday  won the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship primary in the state.

    Soludo was declared winner at the primary held at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, amidst tight security and under the watch of the officials of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The governor, vying for a second term, polled 3,171 votes from the 3,175 accredited delegates across the 326 political wards in the state.

    He was confirmed with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote in the primary election.

    While presenting the party’s nomination certificate to the governor, Chairman of APGA Primary Election Electoral Committee, Chief Uchenna Nwegbo, said the process was in compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022.

    Nwegbo said that Soludo’s unanimous adoption as the sole candidate of the party for the Nov. 8 governorship election also adhered to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.

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    Reacting,  the governor praised APGA officials for organising what he called a well-structured exercise.

    He also commended the delegates for their disciplined conduct and expressed gratitude to the people for their trust and support.

    “Never before in Anambra’s history has there been such a wide consensus. I am truly humbled, and I assure you that I will not let APGA and the people of Anambra down.

    “We will continue to work to deepen our vision of infrastructure development, human capital investment, security and  economic transformation.

    “Anambra has not seen anything yet. Our agenda is loaded and we will continue the progress unbroken,” he said.

    In a related development, a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), George Muoghalu, yesterday clinched Labour Party’s governorship ticket ahead of the November 8, 2025, elections in the state.

    Muoghalu polled 575 votes at the party’s primary held in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

    The primary election was monitored by the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as the party’s electoral team and other observers.

    Muoghalu’s co-contender, John Nwosu, who had withdrawn from the contest earlier on Saturday, still garnered nineteen votes.

    Reacting to his victory, Muoghalu said the party’s trust in him would not be misplaced as the defining moment for Anambra has come, adding that it was the time to build a prosperous and an inclusive state.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) was yet to elect its candidate at press time.

     About 1,630 delegates were set in Awka, last night  to elect the flag bearer of the party  for the November 8th Anambra State governorship election.

    At the time of filing this report, most of the delegates had been accredited, waiting for voting.

    Seven aspirants had earlier bought nomination and expression of interest forms to contest the ticket, but only four aspirants were left as at 7:30 pm yesterday.

    The aspirants are: Hon. Nicolas Ukachukwu, Chief Valentine Ozigbo, Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo and Hon. Edozie Madu.

    Those that have pulled out from the race based on their official statements include: Hon. Chukwuma Umoeji, Sir Paul Chukwuma and Prof. Obiora Okwonko.

    Earlier in the day, the Chairman of the Anambra Governorship Primary Election Committee and Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, had a series of meetings with various sub-committees in order to ensure a hitch-free process.

    Sir Paul  Chukwuma cited the existence of some unprogressive elements within the party as reason for his withdrawal and resignation from the party. On his part, Okonkwo cited violence which may endanger his supporters if he continues, as the reason for his withdrawal.

    Okonkwo’s letter reads, “After a careful evaluation, and reflection, on the current state of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election process in Anambra State, I have decided to withdraw my aspiration for the party’s governorship ticket.

    “This decision to withdraw from the race was a difficult but necessary one because of some developments that are inconsistent with my principles and values. The project is not worth risking the lives of my supporters among other reasons.

    “However, my passion for public service remains strong, and I will continue contributing to the socio-economic and political development of Anambra State and our country, Nigeria.

    “I will also continue to help in ways I can towards the realization of President Bola Tinubu’s development programmes and the economic growth of our country, for the good of our countrymen and women.

    “I appreciate the trust and support my political associates, supporters and stakeholders in the APC and other places have shown me. Your support has meant a lot. and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have connected with so many committed and passionate Anambrarians,” he wrote.

    The Anambra State chairman of the party, Sir Basil Ejidike, has, however, described allegations of anomalies in the primary election process as untrue. 

    He said “those discrediting the ongoing primary election of the All Progressives Congress APC in Anambra State are the opposition group. Things are going smoothly without  any form of chaos and violence as being propagated by the enemies of the party.

    “APC has no problem with the primary election, everything is going well, but you know politics is a game of number and the aspirants want to get as many delegates as possible to their side.”

    PDP postpones Anambra governorship primary to April 8

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has shifted its Anambra governorship primary from April 5 to April 8.

    Chidi Chidebe, PDP Anambra chairman, confirmed the development in Awka.  

    The primary will produce the party’s candidate for the Nov. 8 governorship election.

    Chidebe said the National Secretariat approved the shift to complete necessary administrative processes and ensure a smooth exercise.

    He described PDP as the most peaceful party in Anambra, ready to contest, united and prepared.

    “Our primary election will now hold on Tuesday, April 8.

    “With the confusion in other parties, it’s clear that PDP is not the problem,” he said.

    He urged members to prioritise public and party interests over personal ambitions.

  • BREAKING: Soludo picks APGA ticket for Anambra Gov poll

    BREAKING: Soludo picks APGA ticket for Anambra Gov poll

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo has emerged as the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State.

    Soludo was the sole aspirant at the APGA governorship primary on Saturday at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka. 

    Announcing the results, the Returning Officer, Uche Nwegbo, stated:
    “Total delegates for this election is 3,260; 3,175 were accredited; 3,172 total votes cast, with four invalid votes. The governor received 3,168 yes-votes and no no-votes. By the powers conferred on me, I hereby declare Prof. Chukwuma Soludo as the candidate of our party.”

    Soludo accepted the nomination and assured party members and citizens of continued development.

    “Anambra is APGA and APGA is Anambra. I am humbled by this historic display of solidarity. I accept this nomination wholeheartedly,” he said.

    He reiterated APGA’s legacy of progressive leadership and emphasized the ongoing transformation in the state:

    Read Also: Soludo embarks on massive road projects

    “We’re doing this without borrowing one Naira. We’ve only just begun—Anambra has not seen anything yet,” he stated. 

    Soludo praised the peaceful and orderly conduct of the primaries and thanked the party, support groups, and INEC observers. 

    He also announced the Deputy, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, will remain his running mate for the 2025 election.

    “If it’s not broken, why mend it?” he said, referring to his continued partnership with Ibezim.

    The Governor expressed confidence in the upcoming elections:

    “We will win all 21 local governments, the 326 wards, and maybe even all the polling units. We want to make a statement,” he boasted. 

  • Moghalu: Anambraians have lost faith in Soludo

    Moghalu: Anambraians have lost faith in Soludo

    When he joined the Labour Party (LP) last year, George Moghalu was categorical about his resolve to govern Anambra State. In an interview with JIDE ORINTUNSIN, the former Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) explains how integrity and not money will secure him victory at the polls.

    What are your chances in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election?

    It is a simple question that requires a simple answer. My chances are very bright. I can repeat it a thousand times, so my chances are bright. You asked again about the threats from the other political parties, especially the ruling APGA and the APC. However, I have not even started looking at the strengths of the other parties yet.

    I am not bothered about what is happening in other parties. I am concerned about what is happening in my party, the LP, because every election has two stages: the primary and the main election. For now, we are concerned with the primary. An Igbo proverb says one must first struggle to get the land before getting a mat. This is because if one doesn’t get the land, there will be a problem of where to put the mat. The emphasis now is to convince party members to choose me for the assignment. It is after I secure the ticket on April 5, God willing, before I start thinking about what is happening in other political parties.

    As a new entrant into the party, you have been accused of planning to reap where you did not sow. What’s your reaction to this accusation?

    It is not about reaping where I did not sow. The truth is, yes, I am a new entrant into the LP, but I am not a new entrant in the political space in Anambra and the nation. I have remained a political player from 1990 to date. So, you can’t expect me to be an unknown quantity. For now, it’s not about reaping what one did not sow. The party also needs politicians of my stature to be able to run the election. I have been around. It is about me and the platform. It would be a wrong assumption for anybody to say that I am trying to reap where I did not sow.

    The LP leadership has assured all aspirants of a level playing ground. Do you think they are paying politics?

    Why do you think that they are playing politics with it? So far, I have every confidence in the leadership of the party of being able to deliver on their promise, because the best thing that can happen to any political party going into any political contestation is to ensure a free, fair, credible primary process so that at the end of the day, everybody will be happy. Like I have always said, there is no difficulty in calling the winner to congratulate the person once you feel that the process is free and fair.

    Are there moves by aspirants for a possible consensus or alliance ahead of the April 5 primary?

    I’m not aware of such an arrangement. What I know is that a good relationship exists among the aspirants. I see it as a family affair because only one person will represent the party. Granted, we all have the right to contest for the ticket once we feel qualified, but, in the end, it is thrown back to party members who will vote during the primary. It will become a matter of the delegates choosing whoever they think can present their interest better.

    Why do you think you have an edge over other aspirants?

    It is not in my place to start determining the edge. It would be better for you to make inquiries when delegates emerge. Ask them questions, and they will tell you who will emerge as the winner.

    The fear is that the indirect mode of primary would give the ticket to the highest bidder. Does this bother you?

    I don’t see it as such, particularly in the LP, where I am contesting today, because delegates that will emerge will come out through a direct process. It means that they are representing the people’s interest: locality, local government, ward, and things like that.

    How strong is LP in Anambra, considering the speculations that the Obidient Movement has dumped the party?

    There is no iota of truth that Peter Obi will leave the party or has pulled out members of the Obidient Movement from the party. It is not true. I usually don’t like commenting on speculations because there is no fact to back them, but as for this one, I can tell this is not true. The Obi I know will announce it if he wants to leave the party. He will make it public. So, people are just speculating.

    I also don’t see anything wrong with visiting the governor of Bauchi State. They are both national leaders. Before he became the presidential candidate of LP, he was a two-time governor of Anambra State, and he visited a second-term governor of Bauchi State and the chairman of the governor’s forum of a major political party like PDP.

    Read Also: Tinubu, Obi, Soludo, Otto mourn Nwosu in Anambra

    What is wrong with that? They are consulting because Obi wants to be president of Nigeria, so he is moving around to consult with those he can work with. As for the visibility of LP in Anambra, I can tell you that the party is very much on the ground.

    We can test the strength of a political party when the campaign begins and after the election. Since politics is very local, the party still occupies many elective offices. The LP has two out of the three senators representing Anambra at the National Assembly, seven out of the 11 House of Representatives members, and more than 10 in the State House of Assembly.

    Does that not show you that the LP is on the ground? This is coupled with the fact that its 2023 presidential candidate is from Anambra State. Some of us aspiring to fly on the flag of the party have our followers that we have kept from our days at the National Secretary of APP and ANPP, down to when I became the National Vice Chairman, to when I became the National Audit till now that I am running for governor. Don’t also forget that I have tried to be the governor under APC.

    What are your fears as you approach the primary?

    I don’t have any fear, to be honest with you, because if you are looking at fear from the general perspective, the only concern I have for the election scheduled for November is the insecurity in the Southeast. I hope INEC lives up to its responsibility as the umpire. They owe it as a duty to give us a credible election. It provides them an opportunity to redeem their image. It’s an opportunity to cancel out all the negative comments about their performance. So, to be honest with you, I don’t have any fear,

    I have said it repeatedly: power belongs to God, and He gives to whomever He pleases at His own time. God’s will must be done; that is why I am always worried when we, as politicians, make pronouncements like I must do this or that. We have had cases where people declare what they will do on Monday but could not wake up after Sunday. The moment you play God, be ready to face the consequences.

    What is your impression about the rate of defections in recent times, especially that of Nasir El-Rufai to the SDP?

    Defections of politicians have remained a problem in Nigerian politics because most politicians see political parties as vehicles to actualize their ambitions, not necessarily as a platform for ideological development. I cannot give you an honest answer because my recent defection to the LP was my first time moving from one platform to another.

    I may not be experienced enough to talk about this, but some politicians have moved from one party to another up to six or 10 times. The moment they disagree with anybody or do not get what they want, they leave.

    It is common here, and it is worrisome because it does not show development and growth of our political and democratic institutions. Political parties should be more than vehicles for the actualisation of political power. They should be seen as institutions for the development of political ideology.

    In Britain, we talk about the Conservatives and the Labour Party. In the USA, they have the Republicans and the Democrats and what they stand for. Any contestant has the conviction of what they believe. It provides them an opportunity and platform to sell, and that is why you can be challenged.

    When a Democrat becomes Republican, it raises eyebrows, and questions will be asked. It is unlike here in Nigeria, where somebody can be in party A in the morning, party B in the evening, and by the time you think that he has settled in party B, he will have gone to party C. All the movements are just trying to shop where it will favour him.

    From the APC to the APGA, most aspirants in the forthcoming Anambra election believe they have a strong network with the presidency. Meanwhile, many of them, do you have much to do with the presidency? I don’t have any network with the presidency. However, my network is connected to God Almighty, who holds the ultimate power and determines what happens to mankind. We can only talk about today, not about what will happen tomorrow.

    None of us can talk about the next hour, let alone tomorrow. Some stakeholders believe in my candidacy and are supporting me. As for the determining factor of what will happen about the contest, it is for God and God alone.

     What are you going to do differently about the insecurity in Anambra?

    It is a serious issue and challenge. You are part of the system to know that news about Anambra has always been negative. It is either one person being killed or kidnapped. It has now become our consistent narrative, and that is most unfortunate.

    A lot of things can be done better. There is a need for a rejig of our security architecture. I don’t want it politicised because that is the direction everybody is going. Addressing the issue requires both a kinetic and non-kinetic approach.

    Soludo says the insecurity in Anambra is exaggerated. Do you agree with him?

    How can anybody claim that we are exaggerating? When a 75-year-old retired Archbishop was kidnapped and kept for one month, was it also an exaggeration that a sitting House of Assembly member was kidnapped, killed, and his corpse found over one month after?

    Was it also an exaggeration when a band of armed gang arrived at a burial ceremony at Ihiala and hacked down over seven to nine persons? Was it also an exaggeration when a lecturer in Awka was mowed down? I don’t want to appear as if I am playing politics with this. My concern is that the primary responsibility of the government is the protection of lives and property, and anytime that government fails to do that, the government has failed, and there should be no defence for it.

     If I may ask again, why did it take us three and a half years to come up with a solution or pretend to come up with one? Why have we failed to invest properly? You want to address the issue of insecurity, and you are bringing used tokumbo vehicles.

    How many points of agenda do you have to govern Anambra?

    I have said that the principal thing is to restore the people’s confidence in their government because everybody has lost faith. People are counting days, and until you restore the people’s confidence in their government, you are wasting your time. For me, that is the principal responsibility, and for you to do that, you must address the needs of the people.

    We come from a state that is small in terms of landmass, but we have enormous human capital in every facet. We have it in abundance in Anambra State. It is only for the government to create an enabling environment for the people to develop their state. So, it ought to address the fundamental issues and get the people to feel safe because you cannot talk about attracting investment without addressing insecurity. You can’t talk about industrial agriculture without addressing insecurity. The moment a farmer cannot feel safe going to the farm, you are wasting your time because the potential for agricultural development is enormous. I keep asking myself what has gone wrong. Time was in this country, before the advent of oil, that every region was living independently and progressively on agriculture.

    Then, it was about oil palm in the Southeast, groundnut pyramids in the North, and cocoa in the Southwest. Our leaders then invested in agriculture and used it to develop the religions. What has gone wrong? Has God left Nigeria? The answer is no.

    What is your comment on the growing incidence of vote buying during primaries and the general election?

    I am very much worried about that. Very worried because we have successfully weaponised poverty, and the political class is effectively using it to their advantage. I feel sad about it, but I am going into this race believing that my credibility and who I am will sell me. It is not about money.

    Let people throw their money. I will encourage the electorate to collect it because poverty has been weaponised to put the people down so that at every election, you give them peanuts and collect their destiny. I feel sad about it. We must improve our voter education so that people will understand that their vote is their power to change the narrative. It is not about the money they will collect because no amount would be enough to mortgage their future for four years.

    What are the other areas the governor can do better?

    There are areas, like infrastructure, that he has not impressed me. That you have some patches of it like road infrastructure is not enough. That cannot solve the problem. Our hospital system, investment in agriculture and a lot of things need to be done to change the narrative. So much needs to be done, and the current government has not impressed me.

  • Tinubu, Obi, Soludo, Otto mourn Nwosu in Anambra

    Tinubu, Obi, Soludo, Otto mourn Nwosu in Anambra

    A former  chairman of the National Electoral Commission, NEC, Prof Humphrey Nwosu, was buried yesterday in Ajalli, Orumba North local government area of Anambra State.

    President Bola Tinubu, Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo and Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti were among those who paid their last respect to the late professor.

    Tinubu was represented by the Minister of Works, Senator, David Umahi.

    His burial took place 24 hours after the Senate refused to honour him, which led to the walking out of the Southeast lawmakers out of plenary.

    However, the five governors of the Southeast have resolved to meet with President Tinubu to request for a befitting National honour for him.

    According to Soludo, “We must learn to change our style and devise a style of dialogue to get what we need from the government at the center and not through fighting and attacks. 

    Read Also: Tinubu saved Nigeria from collapse – Abbas, Deputy

    “For us in Anambra and the Old Aguata Union made up of the forty five Communities in the three local government areas we shall honor and celebrate our son. 

    “After the funeral,  we the Southeast governors will meet with the President over the National honour to our brother and we are sure that he will grant us that request, ” Soludo said.

    Umahi, explained that Mr President has so much value for our “brother Prof Humphrey Nwosu. We are celebrating him for his profound contributions to the Nigeria democracy and we shall continue to cherish him and his achievements. This is because he played very vitals roles in the evolvement of the Nigeria democracy and governance,” he said.

  • Anambra stakeholders urge Soludo to declare second term bid

    Anambra stakeholders urge Soludo to declare second term bid

    Stakeholders from Orumba North and Orumba South local government areas of Anambra State have called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to declare his intention to run for a second term, emphasizing the need to sustain the developmental strides of his administration.

    The appeal was made after a well-attended meeting of the United Orumba Association (UOA), where members expressed concern that the progress recorded under Soludo’s leadership might be halted if he chooses not to seek re-election.

    In a statement issued after the meeting, the UOA congratulated Soludo on his administration’s achievements over the past three years and urged Ndi Anambra to join in encouraging the governor to continue his mission.

    Speaking on behalf of the association, UOA President Chief Obi Okoli (Onwa Nawfija) highlighted key reasons for the call, citing Soludo’s prudent financial management. 

    He noted that the governor had operated with fiscal discipline, spending only 65% of what was used in 2013 and 61% of the 2014 expenditure, demonstrating accountability and efficiency.

    “Which state would want a governor like Soludo to abandon his excellent works halfway?” Okoli asked, emphasizing the economic gains made during Soludo’s tenure.

    Okoli also praised the governor’s extensive transformation of the state’s primary healthcare system, which now provides free antenatal and delivery services for pregnant women under the care of professional doctors and nurses. 

    He added that Soludo aims to establish fully staffed healthcare centers in every part of the state by year-end.

    He further commended the achievements of the Anambra State Primary Health Care Board, led by Executive Secretary/CEO Pharmacist Chisom Uchem, which recently won awards as the best-performing board in both the Southeast and the entire country, earning $500,000 and $700,000 respectively.

    The stakeholders warned that halting these initiatives would be detrimental to Ndi Anambra and urged Soludo to heed the growing calls to continue his leadership in a second term.

    “Anambra State through the State Primary Health Care won 1.2 million dollars because Governor Soludo revamped it and put elegantly qualified personnel to be in charge, without resorting to nepotism or favouritism”

    The association bemoaned the calamitous tragedy which may befall such unprecedented projects as, the new Government House, the Fun City, Ekwulobia Roundabout, Okpoko Renewal project, where the Governor, for the first time in history, commissioned a General Hospital Tuesday, hundreds of kilometers of high quality roads, crisscrossing the entire state and other numerous projects going on in the state presently, if the Governor should abdicate the governorship to another person.

  • Legality of Soludo’s prohibition of market preaching

    Legality of Soludo’s prohibition of market preaching

    • By Anthony S. Aladekomo

    Recently, a video of the governor of Anambra State, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, went viral on the social media. He was seen confronting an apparent Christian preacher at what appeared to be a roadside at a market and warning him and his likes against preaching again in the market or on the roadside. The incident was also well reported by the traditional media.

    In an apparently intimidating or bullying mood, he yelled at the preacher: “If you want to preach the Word of God, go to your church. You are causing noise pollution here. You cannot come to a marketplace and disturb everyone. If you want to preach, go to a church. Those who want to listen will come to you; you cannot force people in the market to hear your message. This is a marketplace, not a church. You are violating the law. You cannot take over a public space and turn it into a church. Otherwise, you will be charged for using this space.”

    He was also quoted as threatening and pontificating that any violator of his instant executive legislation would pay a fine of N500,000.

    It has to be noted that, in his statements to the poor preacher, he also said: “You cannot take over a public space and turn it into a church. Otherwise, you will be charged for using this space.” This is nothing but doublespeak. So, is Mr. Governor really out to fight noise pollution or to scheme for another revenue source?

    As a teacher of environmental law and human rights law and an advocate of both, I cannot but agree that nobody should be allowed to be a victim of noise pollution. In fact, public safety (including a noise-free environment) is one of the limitations to the right to freedom of religion. 

    However, many things are obviously wrong with Soludo’s recent executive criminalisation of market and roadside preaching in Anambra State. His threats would have been reasonable if he had directed it against preachers in residential or educational areas, especially in unholy hours. How come also that he sees noise pollution as capable of emanating only from preachers but not from other places like music studios and business-promoting megaphones at the market?

    The grandstanding of the Anambra State governor against preachers is discriminatory and is a flagrant violation of the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of religion, freedom of speech and due process that are evergreen in our legal system and in the international human rights regime. His so-called verbal ban on market and roadside preaching without any enabling law or with a law still being hidden is unconstitutional. It is elementary constitutional law knowledge that, by the authorities of section 36 (12) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and the case of Aoko v Fagbemi (1961) 1 All NLR 400, not even a court can convict any person of a crime here unless the crime and its penalty are defined in a written law. 

    Read Also: Insecurity: Police arrest bandit drug suppliers, female arms dealer

    Somebody may now say: “But he was only banning preaching only at the market and on the roadside.” Why should a governor of a state even come by himself to confront a peaceful preacher in a market? Is that the procedure stipulated by the still hidden or imaginary law against noise pollution or anti-preaching law that he was trying to enforce?

    Are there no other greater problems like insecurity, unemployment, pervading hunger and infrastructural deficit that he could have attended to? Indeed, the governor is merely curing ringworms while leaving leprosy to fester.

    In any case, can a state governor whimsically, capriciously, unilaterally and verbally declare an act or omission a crime and impose a fine on it? Is it not even ridiculous and ludicrous that a governor in Nigeria today will be imposing N500,000 fine on street preaching? This is indeed another proof that there is a serious disconnect between the government and the governed in Nigeria.

    How much does he pay as minimum wage per month? The federally recommended amount is just N70,000:00 and yet he is there imposing N500,000:00 fine on market preaching! It is interesting to note that neither the governor nor any of his aides has so far identified any complainant in the whole saga. Which one is likely to constitute real or more noise pollution: A market preaching or the inherent general market noise?

    Practically speaking, the governor needs to know that such a preaching has the ability to save not just sinners but persons who are dangerous to governance and the society, like gunmen, armed robbers and social miscreants, many of who sometimes lurk around markets and the roadside. Indeed, researchers have strongly found out that religion plays an important role in the psycho-social wellbeing of the governed in any society. In fact, I have, on different occasions, personally witnessed bus transporters contributing money for gospel preachers in Lagos, sometimes even without them asking for it.

    Obviously, the governor needs familiarisation with due process and the human rights that all Nigerians (including street preachers) are entitled to under the municipal and international human rights law. For the avoidance of doubt, section 38 (1) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution provides that “every person shall be entitled … (either alone or in community with others, and in public or in private) to manifest and propagate his religion or belief”. Similar provisions are in article 8 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights 1981, article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 1966 and article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948. If you criminalise street, roadside or market preaching, you are virtually telling preachers to move to the forest or the desert to “propagate their religion.” To who there?

    For the avoidance of doubt, street, roadside or market preaching has been declared a lawful exercise of religious freedom. In Kokkinakis v Greece 1993 Ser. A. No. 260 A, 17 EHRR 397, the applicant was charged with unlawful proselytisation in the form of intrusion on the religious beliefs of Orthodox Christians. He was convicted. His appeal to the European Court of Human Rights was however allowed. The court held that non-criminal proselytisation remained a major way to express religious freedom. In fact, the British Police recently paid heavy compensation to one Oluwole Ilesanmi, a Nigerian, after realising the illegality of his arrest by them for preaching on the street of London. In a nutshell, Christians, Muslims, African traditional religion believers and other religious practitioners have the right to lawfully propagate their religions in public places in Nigeria and in all normal jurisdictions.

    I hope the foregoing legal and practical points will move Governor Soludo to realise that he has embarked on an illegal voyage of war against innocuous preachers, against who no complaint has been lodged. I do hope that he will soon explain away the so-called prohibition of preaching at markets and roadsides. This is because, as abundantly stated in the foregoing, it is a violation of the right to freedom of religion of the preachers and because it is practically needless. 

    •Dr. Aladekomo is a law lecturer and public affairs analyst.

  • Soludo: Tackling challenges of governance

    Soludo: Tackling challenges of governance

    In the last three years, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has been making efforts to develop the state through the deployment of scarce resources and prudent spending, reports Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU

    Three years after, Charles Chukwuma Soludo has proved that the people of Anambra State who elected him as governor have made a wise choice.

    That is not to suggest that the Novermber governorship poll would be a walk over for the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA),which is fielding him for a second term.

    Soludo returned home with a wealth of experience as former presidential economic adviser and Central Bank Governor, with the goal of improving governance and delivering the dividends of democracy.

    Opinion is divided on his achievements. While Soludo showered praises on himself, saying that he has lived to expectation, the opposition and other critics are of the opinion that he has only indulged in showmanship.

    To objective analysts, the governor has tried. But, much needs to be accomplished by his administration.

    At the St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Awka, the state capital, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Dr. Mathew Kukah praised Soludo’s leadership and the progress recorded by his government, urging him to avoid comparisons or competition with others. He also enjoined the people to support Soludo in his aspirations for a prosperous and livable state.

    Rev. Kukah said “governance is not about competition, but about consolidation,” noting Soludo’s predecessors had made significant contributions to the growth of the state in their unique way.”

    Kukah said serving as a governor, senator, or bishop is a sacred contract with both God and the electorate, adding that it is a form of stewardship, where one is entrusted with duties that demand accountability to the people and adherence to personal principles.

    He praised Soludo for his accomplishments over the past three years and for his expression of gratitude to God.

    The priest said: “I’m from Kaduna State, but I must admit I’m jealous of the progress in Anambra. You have consistently had governors who leave their unique mark in terms of good governance.

    “Anambra is a state with great men and women like Cardinal Francis Arinze, the late Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Adichie, the late Dr Alex Ekwueme and many others. And I’m happy that Governor Soludo is consolidating on the gains.

    “I have seen some of the projects by Governor Soludo and I commend him. These are projects that will improve the quality of life of the people. I pray that your agenda for securing the people, for education, health, women and youth empowerment will be achieved by God’s Grace for the betterment of the people.”

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    Soludo is conscious of the contributions of his predecessors. He reaffirmed his commitment to building upon their achievements instead of competing with them.

    He said: “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.”

    The governor paid tribute to all of them  – Chinwoke Mbadinuju, Chris Ngige, Peter Obi and Willy Obiano.

    He noted that despite the crisis that rocked the tenure of Mbadinuju, his government laid the foundation of Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu University. The former governor also started the Ekwueme Square in Akwa.

    Soludo praised Ngige for fighting the ibfrastructure battle. He said successive administrations had struggled to meet the standard of roads constructed by Ngige, adding that his legacies in that area have remained a reference point.

    Soludo highlighted his efforts to improve infrastructure, education, and other sectors that contribute to development and progress. He said  his government was working to create a competitive environment with global standards such as the Dubai-Taiwan revolution. Soludo said his initiatives, including the employment of over 8,000 teachers, were meant to align with the global educational advancement.

    He added: “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. Anambra has all it takes to achieve the Taiwan-Dubai dream.”

    The governor alluded to his achievements in infrastructure, including improved road networks, which now make previously inaccessible areas. He made references to Amansea and Ufuma, which are now accessible within 30 minutes.

    He also drew attention to his efforts at reducing government expenditure, saying that Anambra has only spent 65 percent of what previous administrations spent during their first three years in office.

    Soludo said: “We are leading in the area of education, health, and other critical sectorr.”

     Tendering vital statistics, he highlighted other achievements,  including the provision of free ante-natal and delivery services to over 102,000 women, with a significant number coming from neighboring states, the battle against insecurity, focusing on addressing its root causes, and ridding  the state of criminals and fraudulent individuals. On his health programme, he said the state now boasts of good hospitals, adding that people get pregnant in other states only to relocate to Anambra for safe delivery.

    Soludo said the state has the vision to become a prosperous, crime-free state where decent people thrive.

    He added: “We are taking the latest fight against insecurity by tackling it from the root. 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 wipe them out.”

    Soludo said that his administration achieved significant progress in infrastructure and human capital development in three years without borrowing. He said: “I express my gratitude to the Almighty God because it is a journey ordained by God. Three years ago, we applied for this job and you employed us based on trust. Looking back on the promises we made, it is fair to say so far, so good. “We have commissioned over 750 kilometers of roads, with more than 400km already completed. Additionally, we have recruited over 8,000 teachers and rehabilitated public schools to enhance the education sector. “We achieved remarkable progress in youth empowerment, agriculture, security, and the health sector. Today, Anambra is leading in health in Nigeria. We have done all these without borrowing one kobo in three years.”

    The governor maintained that his goal is to transform the state into the Dubai, Taiwan, and Silicon Valley of Africa, leveraging its abundant resources and exceptional human capital.

    He said: “We still have one more year left in this tenure, and I want to assure you that we will continue working diligently every single day to fulfill the promises we made to you. So far, we are on track to laying the foundations for realising the Anambra of our dreams.”

    Traditional rulers, politicians amd other stakeholders, whoo applauded the governor, urged him to sustain the tempo of achievement.  The traditional ruler of Nawfia community in Njikoka Local Government Area, Igwe Dr Ogochukwu Daniel Obelle, said Soludo has not let the state down. 

    He said his achievements have touched critical sectors of the state economy within three years.

     Igwe Obelle maintained that various approaches to governance deployed by the governor showed that he is well-prepared to actualize his vision of making Anambra State a livable and prosperous homeland.

    The monarch said Soludo has, through his numerous developmental strides, restored people’s confidence and hope in governance, urging the residents to support and pray for the administration. He lauded the reforms in education, youth empowerment programs (“one youth, two skills initiative”), and health sectors, including employment of five thousand teachers and the ongoing move to employ another three thousand for public schools, distribution of 20,000 computer laptops to headteachers/principals of public/mission schools, employment of over four hundred medical personnel for the hospitals, and upgrade of Primary Health Care Centres in the three hundred and twenty-six electoral wards.

    Igwe Obelle said these are clear indications that Soludo is committed to giving the people of of the state quality governance.

    The traditional ruler noted that the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of various roads in  by the government would enhance human and vehicular movements.

    He also said it would boost businesses.

    Igwe Obelle added: “To be honest with you, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has done beyond expectations. The ‘one youth, two skills initiative’ has really curtailed criminal activities in the State under his watch. I want Ndi-Anambra irrespective of political affiliation to give him full support to deliver his campaign promises.

    “I urge the governor to remain focused and not to be distracted by his political opponents. He should employ more youths into the State security outfit (Anambra Vigilante Group) to help curb the growing number of idle youths who are falling for hard drugs and other abusive substances.”

    Igwe Obelle also commended the governor for prudent management of state resources.

    He urged affluent individuals and well meaning groups to key into the private-public community partnership initiative of the government to increase the tempo of development across the 179 communities in the state. A commentator, Ebuka Nwankwo,  said Soludo has converted the state into a construction site. He praised him for the ongoing road revolution.

    He said: “The administration has awarded contracts for the construction of over 400km of new roads and has steadily maintained a pace of fully completing an average of 28km of these awarded roads every month within the dry season period.

    “The 400km of high-quality roads being constructed with stone base and cement stabilization – a technology that is rare in the history of road construction in Anambra because of its cost implication – is exclusive of the 392km of roadways that have been made motorable as a result of the governor’s routine road maintenance works, erosion control works and the flyover project in one of the state’s major cities – Ekwulobia. Interestingly, many more road projects will also be awarded in the coming months.

    “With the rate Governor Soludo is building new roads and maintaining existing ones, he will be setting an unprecedented record in the Southeast in the coming years.”

    On security, Soludo has also made a mark. Before his inauguration,  unknown gunmen were on the prowl and eight local governments were under siege.

    The state government has liberated these local governments and has made Anambra a relatively safer state.

    Nwankwo said: “As a result of the robust security architecture in the state, perpetrators of any crime are apprehended within days unlike before where criminals, in some cases, were never caught.”

    The urban regeneration and renewal have also been applauded. Anambra lacks a masterplan. Sokudo embarked on the designs for masterplan for Anambra Intercity Railway Network and three  brand new cities – Awka 2.0, Onitsha 2.0 and Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City. The goal is to create one expanded city state.

     The governor’s social and human capital development programmes are also expected to yield more fruits. No fewer than 1,068 women enjoy the  free delivery programme on a monthly basis. Also, over 5,000 pregnant women benefit from the free antenatal services and free medications monthly. on a monthly basis.

    Soludo is building general hospitals, primary healthcare centers and recruiting healthcare personnel in the state. Due to his education programmes, the number of student enrolment has inceased.  The empowerment programmes, including skill acquisition training, that target tbe youths have enhanced inclusion. Last year, no fewer than 5,000 youths were empowered with seed capitals, or grants, totally N2 billion after they were trained in the state’s One-Youth-Two-Skills Programme.  Also, 10,000 youths are being empowered with grants to start their own businesses.

    Nwankwo said: “There is also the ongoing agricultural revolution which aims at taking millions of people out of poverty through the state’s palm kernel and coconut revolution.

    To observers, Soludo has maintained fiscal prudence. Payment of pensions, salaries, and inherited debts have been achieved without borrowing a penny from any bank.

  • Anambra Assembly hails Soludo’s leadership on third anniversary as governor

    Anambra Assembly hails Soludo’s leadership on third anniversary as governor

    The Anambra State House of Assembly has commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for exemplifying true leadership within his first three years in office.

    As Soludo marks his third anniversary on Monday, the lawmakers noted that he has lived up to his promises, as outlined in his inaugural speech.

    Addressing journalists in Awka, Speaker Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, speaking on behalf of the Assembly, described Soludo’s performance as “super excellent.”

    He emphasised that Soludo’s first speech as governor reflected his commitment to working for Ndi Anambra, and his high-paced governance approach has continued to drive positive change across the state.

    “In the past 26 years that I got myself involved in Anambra politics and governance, what Governor Soludo is doing is quite enormous. He has chosen a part to deliver the heart desires of the citizens.

    “For the first time, the tax is working for Ndi Anambra. Every action taken by the Governor is geared towards touching the lives of the underprivileged.”

    The speaker noted that Soludo’s administration came with an agenda such as infrastructure, security and reforms in governance.

    “I went round the state to inspect the projects, considering the fact that oversight is part of the functions of lawmakers, I decided not to get the reports from the Committee but go and see things for myself in the three senatorial zones.

    ” The new Government House and Governor’s Lodge are almost completed, and there are changes in the infrastructure of the House of Assembly.

    “By all ramifications, the path Governor Soludo is towing is encouraging and major stakeholders in the state are beginning to key into the partnership. 

     Udeze revealed that the Governor is a man of vision who has changed the mindset of members of the 8th Assembly by stating that Anambra is one agenda.

    “Mr. Governor has done well and a lot of stakeholders believe he is doing the right thing and on November 8, 2025, Ndi Anambra will speak with one voice by voting Soludo for second term” he said

  • Soludo bans roadside preaching in Anambra, imposes ₦500,000 fine

    Soludo bans roadside preaching in Anambra, imposes ₦500,000 fine

    Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo has warned roadside preachers using loudspeakers in public spaces, especially markets, accusing them of causing noise pollution and disturbing residents.

    Soludo declared that anyone caught violating the noise pollution order would be fined ₦500,000.

    A viral video circulating on social media on Saturday captured the Governor confronting an unidentified roadside preacher at a market, instructing him to stop disrupting traders with his preaching.

    He advised the preacher to conduct his sermons in a church or rent an open field, emphasising that those interested in listening would seek him out there.

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    Addressing traders at what is believed to be Ochanja Market in Onitsha, the Governor said, “If you want to preach the word of God, go to your church. You are causing noise pollution here. You cannot come to a marketplace and disturb everyone.”

    He added: “If you want to preach, go to a church. Those who want to listen will come to you; you cannot force people in the market to hear your message.

    “This is a marketplace, not a church. You are violating the law. You cannot take over a public space and turn it into a church. Otherwise, you will be charged for using this space.

    “You will pay ₦500,000 because we cannot allow this. We have banned loudspeakers in markets due to noise pollution, which affects people’s eardrums. You cannot force people to listen to your preaching. We are cracking down on fake pastors and prophets in Anambra.”

  • Why Soludo deserves second term, by Anambra women

    Why Soludo deserves second term, by Anambra women

    Over 2,000 women in Anambra State have endorsed Governor Chukwuma Soludo for a second term ahead of the November 8 gubernatorial election.

    The endorsement came during the 2025 Anambra State Women’s Summit held at the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Southeast Regional Office, Awka, with the theme: “Together we rise: achieving the best through the women.”

    Convener of the summit and APGA Women Leader in the state, Lady Esther Onyekesi, said the endorsement was to enable the governor to complete his ongoing humanitarian and development projects across the 179 communities in the state.

    She called on his co-contesters from other political parties to consider stepping down for the governor so he could actualise his Vision 2070 of making Anambra a clean, peaceful, livable, and prosperous homeland.

    She said: “We are adopting Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo as our sole candidate because of his achievements in just two years and eleven months in office.

    “Soludo has done tremendously well in all sectors of the economy, particularly in the health and security sectors.

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    “Today, every expectant mother in the State, irrespective of tribe, ethnic and religious placement gets free antenatal in any government hospital of her choice.

    “We now sleep with our two eyes closed. Our children are going to school while our youths are being trained and empowered free of charge through the One Youth, Two Skills acquisition programme of the government.

    “We are using this summit to inform the public that we are strongly behind the second-term ambition of Governor Soludo.”

    The governor’s wife, Dr Nonye Soludo, described as phenomenal what her husband’s administration had so far been able to achieve in the area of women empowerment.

    She said the Soludo-led government has greatly raised the living standard of women in the State to an enviable status.

    Appreciating the women for endorsing her husband for a second term, Mrs Soludo assured that the present government would continue to work toward improving the welfare of women in the state.

    “Women are indeed nation builders, which the society cannot do without.

    “Your massive turnout is commendable and speaks volumes of your approval of the development model of my husband’s administration,” she added.