Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has sworn in the newly elected mayors and their deputies for the state’s 21 Local Government Areas, charging them to make accountability, lawful governance and service to the people the foundation of their tenure.
Soludo administered the oath of office at the Light House, Awka,on Saturday , following the local government elections held on August 29, 2026, in which the elected council leaders emerged across the state.
The governor told the new mayors that their election marked the beginning of the real work of governance, urging them to account for every day in office and comply strictly with established laws and administrative procedures.
“Congratulations and my commiserations to all of you as well. I know that when you were applying for the job, you had all manner of aspirations, promises and expectations. Welcome to the world of reality and the clock starts ticking today. The work has already begun.” Soludo said.
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He urged the council leaders to take their oaths of office seriously, review them regularly and remain conscious of their constitutional responsibilities to the people.
Soludo also charged the mayors to examine the handover notes from their predecessors and establish the true state of assets and liabilities in their respective councils, given the challenges confronting local governments.
Established processes
While encouraging innovation, the governor cautioned the council heads against actions outside the law, stressing that effective local administration must operate within established processes, rules and regulations.
He also directed them to work toward making the local government system more sustainable, noting that existing laws provide opportunities for councils to pool resources and manage common financial obligations more effectively.
The governor urged the new officials to embrace the service-oriented principles of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), particularly its motto, “Be your brother’s and sister’s keeper,” stressing that no community should be left behind in the delivery of government services.
He reminded the mayors that previous political leaders had helped create the conditions that enabled them to attain office, charging them to leave the system stronger for those who would come after them.
The swearing-in was conducted by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, in the presence of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, and other senior government officials, including the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Barr. Ifeanyichukwu Ezeaka.
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated council leaders, the mayors Ayamelum ( Mgbechi Igwebuike)and Ekwusigo (Ifeanyu Onuchukwu) pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them by the electorate and deliver on their mandate.
The newly sworn-in mayors are Kingsley Ezeagu (Aguata), Ifeanyi Chinweze (Anambra East), Tony Obierika (Anambra West), Paulinus Okafor (Anaocha), Thankgod Anago (Awka North), Chinedu Okafor (Awka South), Mgbechi Igwebuike (Ayamelum), Clement Ozumba (Dunukofia), Ifeanyi Onuchukwu (Ekwusigo), Stanley Nkwoka (Idemili North), Oluchukwu Ilogbenam (Idemili South), Anayo Orjiakor (Ihiala), Ikechukwu Okakpu (Njikoka), Anazodo Echezona (Nnewi North), Ezeogidi Vangeroge (Nnewi South), Nnamdi Ifejika (Ogbaru), Ibekwe Albert (Onitsha North), Peter Moufunanya (Onitsha South), Chinonso Nwafor (Orumba North), Mufunanya Ikechukwu (Orumba South) and John Igbem Elochukwu (Oyi).
The state government is expected to organise orientation retreats for the new council leaders to acquaint them with governance procedures, resource management and compliance with state laws as they begin their tenure.
