Governor Chukwuma Soludo has praised President Bola Tinubu as a cerebral, courageous and patriotic leader, commending ongoing federal projects and reforms, as he was sworn in for a second term as governor of Anambra State.
He made the remarks during his second-term inauguration ceremony held on Tuesday at Alex Ekwueme Square, where he and his deputy, Onyekachukwu Ibezim, took the oath of office administered by the state Chief Judge, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu.
The ceremony drew a distinguished audience including Vice President Kashim Shettima, former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, as well as former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Emeka Anyaoku and the Ooni of Ife, among other political, traditional and business leaders from across Nigeria.
In his inaugural address, Soludo emphasised national unity and strategic political engagement for the South-East region.
He stressed that the region must “bargain with its votes” and actively participate in coalition politics to secure equitable development.
The Governor noted that the economic and social footprint of the Igbo people across Nigeria underscores their stake in a united federation.
“We need Nigeria, and Nigeria needs us,” he said, calling for a renewed commitment to democratic processes and warning against violent agitation, which he described as self-annihilating.
Marahall Plan
The governor also called for what he likened to a “Marshall Plan” for the South-East, urging the federal government to address infrastructure gaps through equitable distribution of national projects such as highways, rail lines and gas networks.
He acknowledged Tinubu’s approval of key requests, including the inclusion of the region in national gas and rail master plans and the dredging of the River Niger to boost the Onitsha River Port.
Soludo pledged to consolidate his administration’s development agenda over the next four years, focusing on security, economic transformation and urban modernisation aimed at positioning Anambra as a “livable and prosperous smart megacity.”
He also appealed to political opponents to join hands with his government in advancing the state’s progress, assuring citizens of inclusive governance.
Vice President Shettima, in his remarks, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to partnering with Anambra State to drive development, while congratulating Soludo on his re-election victory in November 2025.
The inauguration marks the beginning of Soludo’s second term in office, extending his leadership through 2030 under what his administration describes as an intensified phase of its “Solution” development agenda.