By Ibe Pascal
Yesterday 17 March 2023 marks exactly one year, Charles Soludo, the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, was sworn in as the governor of Anambra state.
Soludo, who was the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), won the Anambra governorship election with 112,229 votes in 2021.
In September, Charles Soludo of Anambra State vowed that the state would become a massive construction site in the area of infrastructural development, particularly roads, after the rainy season.
The governor flagged off construction of nine roads in Okpoko and the Mmiata-Anam-Nzam road, which has two bridges. This is in fulfillment of his administration’s promise of building over 220 kilometres of roads across the state, before the end of 2022.
The projects is said to be part of what Soludo had promised in his manifesto; to build more roads, as well as modernise and maintain existing ones with flyovers, bridges and pedestrians walkways.
The governor noted that this would effectively connect more communities to the urban setting, as well as boost the state’s economic fortunes.
“In the state’s 2022 revised budget, N54 billion, accounting for 50 per cent of the budget size, was dedicated to the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for road constructions and maintenance in keeping with the administration’s urban regeneration agenda.”
“The nine roads are Obodo-Owerri road, 5.77km; Oguagu- Ik Onuorah-Anumudu-Mgbuka- Amazu-Owerri road, 2.97km; Edeh road-School road-Awalite – Ojoto-Owerri road, 1.48km; School road- Umuobom street-Ojoto street Junction, 0.58km and Umuobom street (Ojoto street Junction-Adazi Ani street- Owerri road, 0.77km.
Others are Umenweke street (Obodoukwu Junction)-Umeojiakor Street (School road Junction), 0.58km; (Ojoto Junction)-Anumudu (Mgbuka Amazu Junction), 0.99km; Uzii street- Mission street (Awaited Junction), 0.54km and Anumudu street (Ik Onuorah Junction)- Gmi road- 0.38km.
Performing the flag-off at Okpoko, Soludo said the visit was his fourth time in Okpoko since the inception of his administration.
“What we have come to do today is about the promise we made to you. When I ran for governorship, there were three local councils I transversed, and the images I saw kept haunting me.
“These local councils are, Ogbaru, Anambra West and Awka North. I couldn’t believe there were still places like this in Anambra. I made up my mind that these council would feel the impact of government. The rainy season is almost over. Every local government would feel our impact.
“We must give life to the population in Okpoko because they are also part of Anambra. We are conducting a study on how to provide water in Okpoko. We will move together.
“We are looking for a space for general hospital. We are also looking for a recreational ground within Okpoko. Life will come here,” Soludo assured.
In December 2022, a group of traders in Anambra State complained about the activities of illegal revenue collectors in different parts of Onitsha, the commercial hub of Anambra.
The group, under the aegis of Concerned Anambra Traders’ Association, made the remark at a news briefing in December.
The group’s Chairperson, Gabriel Okeke, described the extortion of Onitsha traders by touts as condemnable and unacceptable.
Mr Okeke regretted that holidaymakers and travellers passing through Onitsha and its environs were being subjected to harassment, assault and extortion daily by touts on the road.
“The touts, who have returned to the state after their sack by Governor Charles Soludo, openly stationed themselves at some strategic areas of Onitsha,” Mr Okeke said.
He listed the areas to include the Upper Iweka axis, Bida Road, Nkpor Junction, St. Anthony Church on the Old Road and Owerri Road.
Others are Iweka (down flyover), Ugwu Nwasike Junction, Building Material Market, and Bridgehead, amongst others.
He said the touts were operating with audacity without the fear of arrest by security agencies.
Here are people’s opinions as Soludo marks one year in office
ON FACEBOOK
Okoye francis —-
Charly Nwa Mgbafor,
Your 4 Years Tenure Is Already 50 % Gone
Out Of The Remaining 3 Years, You Have Only Another 2 Years Of It To Prove To Us That You Can Be Returned Again.
Because The Last One Year Of Your Remaining 3 Years Will Be Used For Politicking For 2nd Term In Office
So Better Wake Up Now And Hit The Ground Running Faster As The Last One Year Has Not Been Really Eventful.
I Did Not Vote For You, But I Would Want You To Succeed.
Ejewalum Eke Udi!
Azubike Ifemeje —-
It’s exactly one year since you abdicated your duties and turned yourself into mercenary letter writer to some wicked politicians.
You must therefore, assure your people that you won’t write useless, worthless letters again to witch hunt people who has none of your time.
You must assure them that you will never descend into this treacherous situation again.
For your one year anniversary is characterized by evil against humanity in every sense of it!
Eze Ajie–—
Soludo is the express definition of “Never judge a book by its cover”
To say that I’m utterly disappointed in this man after all my praises and confidence reposed in him is an understatement.
I’m absolutely ashamed.
The voice of Southern Nigeria—-
Prof CCS… Kindly show us the Foundation of your Dubai and Taiwan as you promised Ndi Anambra State.
Oge Chukwu Gloria —–
Now I understand why they say vote candidate and not party.
See as we take miss Valentine all because Soludo was in APGA. Abeg make una no do that mistake next time, enough of APGA.
Valentine Ozigbo we go again next election.
Maduh Gabie —
365 days already gone?….and nothing to show physical? Chaii. Please start getting ready to park out, 2nd term is not for you.
You can read other comments here https://www.facebook.com/103104878681389/posts/pfbid0f9H7jfL8z3J1HJzk4grcipqQ6ws56aoa1rg1PN3ZjxxfaRrkkF9aWVpN92XVHJNPl/?app=fbl
