Ahead of the November eight Governorship election, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has showcased tangible achievements and addressed pressing issues facing Anambra State.
While appearing on a live chat on national televisions, the Governor emphasized the need for increased voter participation in Anambra State.
During the discussion, the Governor reported a significant increase in the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR), stating that when he came into office, the state IGR was 1.5 billion naira, but now doing above 4 billion naira monthly, a financial growth he argued reflects sound governance and a commitment to improving the state’s economy.
Governor Soludo also spoke on improvements in healthcare, noting that the percentage of patients utilizing public hospitals has surged from 22-27% to an impressive 74%, showcasing his administration’s focus on delivering quality healthcare to citizens, declaring Anambra as an APGA fortress.
Voter apathy emerged as a central theme in the discussion, with Governor Soludo highlighting that voter participation in Anambra currently stands at only 20%, adding that the target is to break the threshold, comparing the state’s participation rate with higher rates of 30 to 40% seen in other regions.
He pointed out the need for strategic efforts to engage citizens in the electoral process, especially emphasizing the unique context of the South East.
In terms of governance philosophy, Governor Soludo touted an experimental approach to development politics aimed at providing value to the people and translating that into political capital, saying that he doesn’t take any vote or the people for granted, underscoring the administration’s commitment to involve citizens in governance.
Addressing aspirations for a more accountable civil service, he firmly stated that they are against any structure that discourages hard work.
On the issue of educational qualifications, he assured that Anambra would take a proactive stance against fake certificates, declaring intentions to “domesticate” federal initiatives focused on verification, and promised a campaign to raise awareness on the issue.
Looking towards the forthcoming election, Soludo expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as it is the first outing of the new leadership of INEC.
Source: abs
