Democracy is defined as government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Sadly, democracy in Anambra State under Governor Chukwuma Soludo seems to have taken a different shape; one that looks more like government of the ruling party, by the ruling party, and for the party in power.
This unfortunate trend is marked by a series of unguarded utterances, mud slinging and nauseating propaganda emanating from a sitting governor who ought to serve as a role model for citizens regardless of political affiliation.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), originally registered by Chief Chekwas Okorie to strengthen the political voice of Ndigbo, has now been reduced to a tool for cheap blackmail, witch-hunt, and slander against political rivals; or indeed anyone who dares to disagree with the clueless Soludo-led administration.
Years ago, renowned Nigerian-American economist and current Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Prof. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, warned Nigerians to beware of a professor without character, citing her unpleasant encounter with Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. Quite prophetic.
Since then, several prominent Nigerians and political stakeholders who have interfaced with him at different times have echoed negative experiences; painting the picture of a professor whom education has failed to refine, despite reaching the peak of academic accomplishment.
Most worrisome is that the Nero of Anambra, Charles Soludo, like the historical Nero, appears determined to fiddle while the state burns. This situation has raised public concern, calling into question not only the impact of his professorship but also the quality of education he once offered his students and even his children at home.
For the first time in Anambra’s history, a professor-turned-governor has adopted open banter and public ridicule as political tools to intimidate fellow contestants, rather than focusing on his achievements and future prospects for the state. One is forced to ask: Has contesting elections now become a crime in Anambra State?
Governor Soludo’s repeated attacks on every candidate on the ballot ahead of the November 8 governorship election give the impression that running against him and APGA is now considered a crime against democracy itself. Such an approach is not only undemocratic but also deeply reprehensible.
The last straw came with his attack on APC candidates, Dr. Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu (Ikukuoma) and Senator Uche Ekwunife, accusing them of parading fake certificates. This again raises questions about whether the so-called “professor-governor” is acting on his own volition or being manipulated by unseen forces.
His outbursts have provoked a sharp response from Senator Uche Ekwunife, who urged the governor to focus on governance, attend to his personal hygiene, and leave her alone.
Even more astonishing was the response from the First Lady, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, who waded into the fray rather than encouraging her husband to face pressing challenges confronting the state.
Her intervention, instead of dousing tension, only confirmed the old adage that once bad wares are displayed in the market, bad customers would begin to buy.
It is the wish of Ndi Anambra that the APC candidate, Dr Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and his deputy, Senator Uche Ekwunife would completely ignore these distractions and remain focused on the task of salvaging the state from an ineffective professor-turned-market-woman governor.
All indications point to the fact that these infantile antics are mere attempts to derail them, while the ruling party quietly mobilizes state resources, public funds, and key government institutions to rig the forthcoming governorship election, just as was widely alleged in the recently concluded by-elections.
We urge Ndi Anambra to also remain focused and steadfast with the Ikukuoma/Iyom Ekwunife ticket as the task of rescuing Anambra state is a task that must be done come November 8, 2025.
