From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
As Anambra State approaches another electoral cycle, questions about Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s performance continue to generate debate across the state. Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike, chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Anambra State Chapter, and elected Mayor of Aguata Local Government Area, offers his perspective on the administration’s achievements.
In this interview, he gives his perspective on governance under Soludo, touching on infrastructure development, youth empowerment, security challenges and the controversial taxation policies that have sparked mixed reactions among residents.
Opinions are divided on whether the governor has justified the confidence Anambra people placed in him. How would you describe Anambra under Soludo over the past three years?
Without mincing words, I can boldly say the governor has justified the confidence the people of Anambra placed in him. We all live in Anambra and can see the transformation occurring in the state under Soludo’s leadership. During the election campaign, he made promises and presented a manifesto focusing on education, health, social transformation, security, and agriculture. Based on these commitments, I can say his administration has performed well, and Anambra has witnessed unprecedented achievements.
The governor has demonstrated that Anambra can work and that promises can be fulfilled. As a young person who looks up to him, I made no mistake in adopting him as my mentor and model for good governance. The infrastructural revolution is evident—roads, the new Anambra Government House, after 34 years without one, employment opportunities, and programmes benefiting the poor, including free maternity deliveries and education. The “One Youth, Two Skills” program has engaged thousands of young people.
The transformation of Okpoko, the largest urban slum, into a modern city with opportunities for young people exemplifies this progress. Anambra is rising, the people are happy, and we owe the Governor our support, prayers, and law-abiding citizenship.
Beyond the accolades, there are mixed reactions. While many applaud the governor, others complain about high taxation. What’s your response?
From the beginning, the Governor made it clear he is a disruptor. Naturally, it’s difficult for people to adjust to new governmental policies or systems. These reactions are expected, but people are gradually adjusting to the reality that no society can develop without taxation. In Europe and America, development is driven by taxation.
For the first time, the Anambra State government is showing people that paying taxes is their responsibility, and they can see their tax money at work. The government intentionally demonstrates transparency by placing inscriptions on construction sites stating “Your tax money is working.” This transparency deserves applause.
Regarding security, successes have been recorded recently. However, some believe the government acted too late, as many became victims. What’s your take?
I won’t dwell much on this since security matters shouldn’t be publicly discussed in detail. However, security is not like road construction where you can easily identify and fix problems. It’s a multi-faceted issue requiring various tactics, strategies, and careful consideration to avoid creating more problems while solving existing ones.
Unfortunately, some became victims while the government worked to get it right, but we should applaud the fact that the government didn’t just act—it acted correctly. Today, the people of Anambra are enjoying the benefits of the government’s security actions. In security matters, it’s not about how fast, but how well, and the Governor deserves credit for providing security in the state.
Are you confident the governor will have a clean sweep in the November poll?
Everyone knows there’s no real contest between Soludo and any other candidate in the November 8 election. This is the first time we’re having an election where the general perception is to ensure APGA wins and Soludo returns for his second term. Few months before the election, the political space hasn’t heated up because everyone knows which way the pendulum is swinging.
The confidence is very high, based on unprecedented achievements and the Governor’s sterling performance. We thank the Governor for showing us that it’s possible for a government to focus on governance rather than politics and achieve meaningful results for the people.
Don’t you fear the mandate might be taken away through electoral manipulation?
Such fears are unfounded because the people solidly support the governor. Even those who might have attempted ballot snatching in the past are now working for the governor. Anambra has a unique electoral pattern—if we support you, we support you completely. If we don’t, you’ll know. It would be impossible for such scenarios to occur in Anambra this time.
You’re barely 36, and many young people in Anambra occupy strategic positions in government. Is the Soludo administration youth-friendly?
This is significant for young people in Anambra. There’s no better time to be young in Anambra than now because the Governor has shown deep commitment to empowering young people, giving us opportunities to serve and showcase our abilities. The “Not Too Young to Run” campaign finds practical demonstration in Anambra State, where young people, including myself, occupy sensitive positions previously reserved for elites and elders.
We’re happy this is happening during our time, and young people in these positions are doing their best to deliver on the mandates given by the Governor. I appreciate the Governor for the opportunity to serve as a transition committee chairman before our election as mayors, and for helping numerous youths prove there’s no limit to what young people can achieve.
In Aguata LGA, you seem well-prepared with monthly activity timetables. What’s happening in your area?
In Aguata LGA, we’re working hard to provide opportunities for our people through our “Greater Aguata Agenda.” We focus on education, healthcare, agriculture, sports development, youth empowerment, and basic infrastructure. These are our core areas, and we’re doing everything possible to make remarkable impact. The past two years haven’t been easy, but we believe nothing is impossible, and our governance footprints demonstrate this commitment.