Soludo’s Security Lapses Fuel Opposition Campaign In Anambra

Awka, Anambra State – With the 2023 governorship elections approaching, security in Anambra State has emerged as a central campaign issue. John C. Nwosu, a Labour Party candidate, has sharply criticised incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo, accusing him of failing to deliver on his promises and prioritising “molehills” over mountains.

Nwosu, speaking to select media representatives in Awka on Saturday, specifically targeted Soludo’s handling of security, a primary responsibility of the government, according to him.
He pledged to tackle the issue decisively if elected, making security his top priority in his “SHEEMS” governance platform, which also encompasses Healthcare, Education, Economy, Environment, Markets, and Social Welfare.

“Soludo promised mountains and delivered molehills,” Nwosu asserted, highlighting the stark contrast between his vision and the perceived shortcomings of the current administration.

He drew comparisons to the “humble, diligent, and transformative leadership” demonstrated by the Governors of Abia and Enugu States, pointing to them as models for effective governance.

Nwosu emphasised his commitment to best practices and efficient service delivery, stressing that “our governance performances will always be benchmarked and measurable.”

He argued that Anambra’s unique challenges require prioritizing and efficiency, promising a collaborative approach that listens to diverse perspectives and avoids “window dressing and sloganeering.”

He also expressed frustration over the lack of regional collaboration in the South East, lamenting the absence of viable joint ventures and the failure to leverage existing resources.

Nwosu advocated for a return to the model of the Eastern Nigeria Development Corporation (ENDC) pioneered by Dr. Michael Okpara in the 1960s, highlighting the successful BRACE Commission in the South-South as a model for regional cooperation.

Specifically, Nwosu questioned why a light rail connecting Anambra, Abia, Imo, and Rivers has not been realized, a project he believes would improve commercial haulage and preserve roads.

He also pointed to the stalled Orient Petroleum refinery in Aguleri Otu, suggesting that a joint venture between Anambra, Enugu, and Kogi, the states traversed by the oilfield, would have brought the project to fruition.

“Instead, we spent years fighting for unilateral oil rights. That was very shortsighted,” he concluded.

Nwosu’s criticisms and his focus on security are likely to resonate with voters in Anambra, where the issue has been a source of public concern.

With the elections approaching, the battle for the state’s governorship is heating up, and security is likely to be a defining issue in the campaign.