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By Okey Emmanuel

The political movement aimed at drafting the elites and distinguished citizens of Anambra State into a vanguard for promoting politics of development is fast spreading like a volcano. A friend described it as a holy tsunami emerging to sweep away underdevelopment from our society and enthrone transformational governance. The Soludo Promoters Forum, SPF, is the team carrying out this revolutionary crusade.

SPF has taken the role of the biblical John the Baptist -  a voice in the wilderness calling on the elites to repent, this time from election apathy -  and get involved in promoting politics of development for the interest of the state and that of present and future generations. They are taking the message to all the local governments in the state; and, like in the days of John, the elites are trooping out in their numbers to be baptized into what one of them described as Soludo Solution Movement.

But some political watchers are pondering the real intention of these elites, many of whom had earlier considered politics as a leprous career best reserved for the crooks in the society. More baffling is the realization that these elites are not just coming into the project with enthusiasm, they are selflessly and sacrificially investing their time, intellect and resources into it!

So what is the secret?

Hear what Professor Romanus Ezeokonkwo - a Council member of University of Nigeria, Nsukka and President General of Nkpologwu Town Union said - *"The stark realties of post-Covid 19 economic challenges in the world, Nigeria and indeed Anambra has made issue/development-based politics mandatory both for politicians and other members of the civil society. As such, beneficiaries of good governance - you and I - shall therefore no longer afford to leave our faith helplessly in the hands of politicians only but to play leading role in determining who rules us."* A testimonial from Igwe of Nkpologwu while praying for the success of SPF during the inauguration of Aguata Chapter of the forum showed that Prof. Ezeokonkwo had over the years distanced himself miles away from politics.

By this, the Anambra elites are simply realising that the business of governance is so crucial in our lives and society, such that they can no longer afford to sit on the fence and watch complacently in fear of the antics of political vultures and political swine who paint politics dirty in Nigeria.

More importantly, the the demo of a bright and beautiful smart city for Anambra conceived by the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano in his Anambra 2070 Vision, and currently being conjured by a crack team led by Prof. Chukwuma Soludo inspired the elites to rise up and seek for who could make this Eldorado a reality in Anambra. Professor Okey Ikeanyibe, a leading member of Soludo Promoters Forum, said on this: *"We have therefore taken a sincere search into the political horizon of our dear state with the aim of finding experienced and trusted individuals who have the capacity to steer the state to prosperity amidst the turbulent economy of our time. We find Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo as the most qualified based on his sterling qualities and credentials. The circumstances of our time truly has no room for experimentation."*

Perhaps, the seriousness of the import of this new movement could best be explained by the words of Ichie Ikenze Mezue of Ideani - a revered and well accomplished technocrat. Speaking during the inauguration of Idemili chapter of the forum, Mezue - an attendee to the event - said proverbially that, *"a community does not choose a war leader from amongst women when they have a warrior in their midst".*

Suffice it to say that the enthusiastic Anambra elites are taking the pursuit of Anambra Smart City as a do or die affair. They have chosen to jettison all manner of sentiments to ensure that the next governor of Anambra State should be someone who have proven capacity to actualize this vision. Thus, Arch. Bons Nwaeze, a notable politician  and political analyst in the state admonished the congregation of attendees in the Anaocha Inauguration that Soludo Solution movement is beyond party consideration. He counseled SPF to take the struggle beyond party alienation noting that Professor Soludo has supporters across party lines.

Indeed, the generality of Ndi Anambra are seeing the Soludo Solution Movement as a noble cause necessary for the enthronement of the much awaited cosmopolitan Smart Anambra City. Little wonder a long list of political associations - pressure groups - non politicians from all parts of Anambra State are independently clamouring for the emergence of Professor Soludo as the next governor of Anambra State. The common interest is nothing order than the envisioned African Dubai-Taiwan City for Anambra.

Certainly, the elites constitute the highest concentration of the brightest, most travelled, most experienced, most endowed and most influential constituency of every society. Though the minority in population, they have the overwhelming capacity to determine the bearing of any political compass. With this self-realization and tempo of drive to the pursuit of choosing who rules Anambra, the reality of smart city for Anambra is at sight.
                 *. @Okey.ODEWAWAI.com*