₦airaland Forum

By Izunna Okafor, Awka


The Anambra State, Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has been commended for his plan and decision to legalize the existence and operations of the Anambra State Town Unions Council (ASTUC), formerly known as the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU).

Reacting to the development, the President-General of the Obosi Development Union, Worldwide, Chimezie Obi, who attested that the governor announced the decision on Saturday, March 29, 2025, during an official event, said it marked the fulfillment of a promise he (the Governor) made two years ago to the Association.

According to him, Governor Soludo stated that the move is aimed at granting legal recognition to the association, transforming it from a mere union incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) into a recognized organ of government. He further revealed that the proposed legislation would enable the council to function similarly to the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, with leadership positions being appointed by the state government.

Continuing, the Obosi PG quoted the Governor as saying that the new structure will ensure that the activities of the town unions in the state are guided by the provisions of the law, thereby strengthening community leadership and involvement in governance. He emphasized that the change in the association’s nomenclature from ASATU to ASTUC is a necessary step to properly align the organization’s roles with the government’s vision for grassroots administration.

According to him, the announcement by Governor Soludo came as a surprise to many, as it fulfilled a commitment made on December 8, 2022, during a meeting with ASATU leadership. He said the governor acknowledged that just incorporating the Association under CAC did not adequately reflect the state’s commitment to formalizing the union of President-Generals from the 179 communities in Anambra State.

Chief Obi commended Governor Soludo for his visionary leadership, describing the move as a historic stride that will strengthen community leadership across Anambra. He noted that the governor’s decision is reminiscent of the legacy left by the late Chief Chimezie Ikeazor SAN (Oboli Ndichie Obosi), a renowned legal luminary and former President-General of the Obosi Development Union.

Reflecting on the legacy of the late Chief Ikeazor, Obi noted that the statesman had similarly pioneered impactful initiatives during his lifetime. He recalled that on February 6, 1974, Chief Ikeazor led a group of Nigerian legal experts to establish the Legal Aid Association, which aimed to provide free legal services to indigent Nigerians. Two years later, he said, the then Military Administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo adopted this initiative as the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, institutionalizing Ikeazor’s vision.

Obi further remarked that Chief Ikeazor’s legacy lives on, as his visionary leadership continues to shape governance in Anambra State. He expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo for recognizing and sustaining the legacy of a man whose impact extended beyond his lifetime.




Obi also lauded the governor’s proactive governance style, highlighting Soludo’s capacity to analyze, plan, and execute transformative initiatives that benefit the grassroots. He expressed optimism that the upgrade of ASATU to ASTUC marks a new era in community governance and will foster greater collaboration between town unions and the state government.

The Obosi PG reiterated that the move is particularly significant as it comes 13 years after the death of Chief Ikeazor, who was the first National President of ASATU. He described the late chief as a trailblazer whose life continues to inspire leadership and community cohesion.

As the Anambra State House of Assembly prepares to deliberate on the proposed legislation, stakeholders across the state have expressed optimism that the formalization of ASTUC will enhance grassroots representation and provide a structured platform for community engagement within the state’s governance framework.

Aside Chief Obi's commendation, the governor’s initiative has also been widely praised as a positive step toward institutionalizing community leadership and fostering inclusive governance in Anambra State.














Soludo Moves to Legalize Anambra Town Unions Council, Honours Late Chief Ikeazor's Legacy


2. Gov. Soludo Upgrades ASATU to ASTUC, Fulfilling Two-Year-Old Promise


3. Anambra Town Unions to Become Government Organ as Soludo Pushes Legislative Backing


4. Late Chief Ikeazor’s Legacy Lives On as Soludo Reforms ASATU








*AGAIN, LATE CHIEF CHIMEZIE IKEAZOR SAN (OBOLI NDICHIE OBOSI) SETS PACE FROM THE GRAVEYARD*

On Saturday, 29 March 2025, two years and three months after his promise, Gov. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, in fulfilment of that promise made to Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) on 8 December, 2022, announced that he will ensure that a legislation is made by the Anambra State House of Assembly to legally recognise the association as an organ of government in the State.

This, to many, is yet to sink. But to the discerning, it is a prayer already answered. The Solution governor, in his corporate wisdom, stated that a mere association incorporated with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) of Nigeria is inadequate to capture the intentions of his administration towards the union of President-Generals of 179 Communities in Anambra State. Hence, he pronounced a change of the association's name from Anambra State Association of Town Unions, ASATU, to Anambra State Town Unions Council, ASTUC.

The structure, the Governor stated, will take the pattern of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council. The leadership will henceforth be by appointment of the State government. Their existence will, upon signing of the bill into law, be guided by the provisions of the law.

Gov. Chukwuma Charles Soludo's strides in Anambra State go beyond physical infrastructure and intentionally focused governance models, his wisdom, and a clear understanding of every venture he undertakes leaves one in awe of his personality. Unpredictably positive, Mr. Governor studies and knows so much, his candour disarms and leaves one wondering what positive next. Anambra is blessed to have a Governor so smart and people-oriented.

For the second time in our history, late Chief Chimezie Ikeazor SAN (Oboli Obosi) is setting a model for the government. On 6 February, 1974, Chief Chimezie Ikeazor led a group of other Nigerian legal luminaries at the time to establish the Legal Aid Association, whose aim was to provide free legal services to indigent Nigerians who could not afford legal services. Two years after the birth of the Association, the then Military administration of Gen. Obasanjo, by a Decree, adopted Legal Aid Association as Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.

As history was repeated by Gov. Chukwuma Charles Soludo on Saturday 29 March 2025, exactly 13 years after the death of Chief Chimezie Ikeazor SAN (Oboli Ndichie Obosi), former PG of Obosi Development Union ODU and first National President of Anambra State Association of Town Unions, now adopted by Anambra State Government as a Council of the State government, we celebrate a man who lived an exemplary life, an enigma who keep living long after his passing. May the soul of all good and kind men and women who left indelible imprints in the sands of time continue to rest in peace.

Chimezie Obi Esq.
President-General,
Obosi Development Union, Worldwide.

A

APC government nightmare

Jostoman:
APC government nightmare

Soludo will never win next election. Mark it somewhere

The proposed asatuc is one of the many reasons apga will continue to dominate the political horizon in Anambra. Why won't appointed members not work for apgas success?

Is Soludo working in Anamabra so ?

Ringstonermasks:
Soludo will never win next election. Mark it somewhere

Gbam!!! Online INEC chairman(Online Yakubu Mahmud)



Anamabra is bigger than APC and PDP ....a long story ...Political retired state for APGA