Governor Soludo hails Anambra people, extends olive branch after reelection

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By Sunny A. David, Awka

Reelected Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has expressed gratitude to the people of the State for renewing his mandate, pledging to work even harder in his second term.

Speaking to journalists at his country home in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area, Soludo extended a hand of fellowship to his fellow contestants in the just-concluded governorship election held on Saturday.

“This is a moment to say congratulations to the people of Anambra,” Soludo said. “Four years ago, we won with 112,000 votes, but this time, you spoke even louder with 73 percent of the total votes cast. That is a clear show of solidarity and confidence.”

He noted that his party won in all 21 local government areas of the State, losing only six out of 326 wards. “This is a strong and emphatic statement of the people’s will. We are moving into the next phase of our development agenda from gear three to gear four,” he added.

The Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allowing a free and fair electoral process, describing him as a true democrat. He also praised the new INEC Chairman for conducting what he described as one of the most credible elections in recent years.

“Except for a few isolated incidents, the election was free, fair, and transparent. As of last night, INEC had uploaded about 99 percent of the results. We already knew where the election was headed,” Soludo said.

In a show of sportsmanship, the Governor called on his opponents to join hands with him in building a better Anambra. “We were 16 candidates, but only one person could emerge. We’ve had our fun and our fights, but now it’s time to work together for the good of our people,” he said.

However, Soludo expressed sadness over the killing of one of his supporters, a councillor from Owerre Ezukala community, who was reportedly shot shortly after casting his vote.

“It’s heartbreaking. We understand the attack came from across the border. It was unfair and condemnable,” he lamented.

Governor Soludo reaffirmed his commitment to serve the people of Anambra diligently, saying: “Ours is an assignment with a deadline, and no minute will be wasted.”