https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fucBb62sy0

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has called for speedy trial of inmates in the nation's Correctional Facilities

Governor Soludo made this call when he visited the Awka Correctional Centre to mark his 62nd birthday with the inmates. The Governor also used the occasion to announce plans to grant prerogative of mercy to three inmates in the Nigerian Correctional Service within the jurisdiction of the Awka Custodial Center, next week.

According to the Governor, who disclosed that the review is still ongoing, the pardon, he said is an offshoot of the review which ended in May. He stressed that another review will be concluded to pardon those who truly deserve it after spending a reasonable period of time in the Correctional Centre.

Governor Soludo also said that the Executive and Judiciary arms of Government are already synergizing to make for speedy trial by exploiting the option of virtual sessions, so that those awaiting trial could easily be served justice.

While pointing out that it is heartbreaking for people to await trial for many years in custody, without conviction, the Governor reiterated that justice delayed is justice denied.

He promised to fix the roof of the Center's health clinic, provide a central solar power and cable television subscription, while the review of conditions of inmates continues.

The Governor disclosed to the inmates of his administration's plan to build a liveable and prosperous smart mega city, asking them to join hands with him in whatever way they can, to make the state and society at large, a better place to live, work and enjoy.

The Controller of Correctional Centre, Anambra State Command, Mr. Pat Chukwuemeka eulogized Governor Soludo as a man who honours his words whenever he makes promises.

The Controller reiterated that notwithstanding the fact that Governor Soludo came at a difficult time when the polity was troubled, he has made outstanding successes within the very short period
He pledged to keep supporting his administration's policies for the overall development of the state.

Food items were distributed to the inmates during the visit which also witnessed the presence of the Governor's wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo, among other dignitaries.

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has tasked the International community, particularly the United Nations system on active participatory roles to assist the country and Anambra State.

Governor Soludo was speaking when the United Nations delegation led by the Resident and Humanitarian Cordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Marthias Schmale, paid him a courtesy visit at the Governor's Lodge, Amawbia.

According to the Governor, the visit is significant in the history of the state, pointing out that for many years, the United Nations was without an office in the South East, until his administration came on board.

Speaking on his administration's huge and ambitious agenda for Anambra in the areas of security, law and order, economic transformation, human capital, governance, rule of law and value system and the environment, Professor Soludo emphasized that his government wants to benchmark with the rest of the world in transforming Anambra State into a liveable and prosperous homeland.

While saying that more than half of the indigenous population of Ndi Anambra live outside the state, the Governor announced that his administration will soon inaugurate the Anambra Education council, to further engender qualitative and accessible education, as well as establishing the Strategy Execution and Evaluation, 'SEE' Office.

In his response, Mr. Schmale said their visit was to familiarise with the South East and erase the perception that they are only interested in the North East. He emphasised that though they may not be able to make input in terms of financial assistance, but could assist in areas of technical assistance

He explained that one of their targets is to identify where things are working, learn on it and make sure other countries capitalize on it.

Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Chief of Protocol and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Glamour Nwoye, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake among other senior government officials were present at the event.

Agriculture
Successfully launched new Agro-economic transformation along the Oil-palm and coconut value chains, with the target of planning one million trees per annum. Over 30 Communities, institutions and investors have been profiled to plant over 2.5 Million seedlings, in partnership with the State government. This is designed to re-start from where Dr. M.I. Okpara stopped and to maximize our potentials in these highly profitable agro value chains – to create jobs, wealth and revenue to government.

Created 14 task teams to aggressively drive the agro-transformation agenda of this new government at all levels

The reactivation of the Ministry of Agriculture E-platform for data gathering, hosting and dissemination, to enable R&, tech-driven monitoring and evaluation

Restoration of the image of Anambra State as a responsible, trustworthy recipient of development programmes by World Bank, African Development Bank, UN, JAPAN, FGN etc by paying Counterpart funding

Adoption and Declaration of Regenerative Agricultural Systems as a state policy.
 
Transport
Embarking on the decongestion/removal of obstructions along our major roads (Amansea to Head Bridge, Upper Iweka to Amorka & Awka to Ekwulobia, etc), market encroachments/trading activities on the roads & sustenance of free flow of traffic. To achieve this, we have completed the cycle of Public Service Announcement and Town Hall meetings with Transport Unions/Associations.
Identification/Assessment of public parks in the State.

Central Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Teams at Zonal levels have been constituted.

Culture, Entertainment & Tourism

Hosted a high-profile research team from the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture for the possible enlistment of the Ogbunike Cave at the UNICEF World Heritage Site.

Three designs from notable Architectural firms have been shortlisted for further consideration for the building of a world class Entertainment and Leisure Park, at Agulu Lake. The designs will be presented to the Executive Council.

Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) has given approval for the deployment of Anambra Tourism System Statistics, a globally approved strategy which will provide automated/digital monitoring and regulation of the Tourism and Hotel Industry among other sectors. This will boost and standardize Hospitality, Hotel and other related businesses.

Lands
The Evaluation and Service Delivery Committee is a new innovation introduced under the present administration. The Committee is charged with the responsibility to, among other things; ensure expeditious action and quick service delivery in every documentation process within the time frame stated in the Ministry’s Timeline for Execution of tasks. The Committee also ensures strict compliance with the time limit assigned to every department/unit in the Timeline for efficiency and quick service delivery.

Land Disputes Resolution Committee has been set up to review land disputes

Issued public notice directing holders of Certificate of Occupancy issued on or before the 31st day of December, 2018 to pay up their outstanding ground rents. The Ministry also intends to announce the proposed revocation of the Right of Occupancy of those who fail to pay within a particular time.

The implementation of Geographic Information Service (GIS) to enhance effective land administration and increase revenue has been approved by Anambra State Executive Council.

The launching of Land Transparency Initiative and Setting up Partnership Forum with Private Sector Investors and Operators in Land and Property Sectors is ongoing.

Begun to engage with host communities on acquisition of 1000 – 2000 acres of land for the building of the World Class Entertainment Resort akin to Disney World.

A trial run on Implementing Fast Track Mortgage Transaction Acceleration Programme, in the Ministry of land has commenced.

The Anambra State Land Reform Committee has been constituted. The Committee is to review the procedures, parameters and purposes for land acquisition, allocation and revocation.

Technology—ICT
Anambra Digital Tribe; Initiative ready for launch and activities will commence within the next 90 days.

Standardization of Internet Assets; the process of hosting all MDAs under the same domain has begun. All Government assets will gradually be migrated to the Internet domain name anambrastate.gov.ng as we finalize our Cloud Strategy.

The Anambra Cloud; a public cloud service just finalized. It will consolidate the numerous cloud providers being used by MDAs today.  

State Digital Assets SOPs; Released the Digital asset SOP based on the naming convention approved by Mr Governor, which is currently being adopted by all MDAs.

Last-Mile High-speed fiber optic internet provision; In line with the Manifesto of providing high speed broadband, the State is in final negotiations with a PPP partner which would ensure a dig-once policy and the laying of fiber-optic cable in ducts. This project will attract thousands of direct and indirect jobs, as well as help launch Anambra fully into the global economy.

Public WiFi Proof of Concept; the concept and proposal for a public Wi-Fi for the state is being finalized and upon deployment would ensure that select Public areas would be powered with Wifi.

NITDA’s Planned Innovation Centre; the National Information Technology Development Agency ( NITDA) has expressed interest in launching an Innovation Centre in Awka - the First of its kind in the South Eastern Part of the Country.  Land will be allocated for the project shortly.

Baseline Study of e-government in Anambra State; the ICT Agency undertook the study, which showed the state of e-government infrastructure in the state.  This will serve as a basis for the development of our Civil service into a Digital workforce.

GovTech preliminary strategy; The state participated in a World Bank subnational Government GovTech Maturity Index survey and based on the preliminary results of this survey and the baseline study, the state  has designed a first draft gov-tech strategy which advises the government on the relevant infrastructure to put in place, for a transition to e-government.

The Social Agenda

Education
Completed Phase 2 of screening of over 40,000 candidates who applied for teaching job in the primary and secondary schools. The next phase of interviews for the last 6,000 candidates will soon commence.
Reviewing the state of our tertiary institutions with view to aligning them to global best practices and responsive to needs of the State and Nigeria..
Launched “operation bring back our school/Adopt a School Programme” to support Government effort in improving our Educational system.
Students successfully completed their WAEC exams despite the insecurity challenges

Health
Ground breaking ceremony of Coordinated Wholesale Center, Oba has been achieved. The project was jinxed for six years. When completed, it will be the largest drug distribution hub in West Africa.

Introduced and activated drug revolving fund in the State hospitals.

Achieved a rapid response to measles outbreak in 13 LGAs. Currently the outbreak has been contained in 12 LGAs out of the initial 13

Fixing of the State ambulances to aid emergency responses with a toll free number boldly displayed

Massive recruitment of health workers in our General hospitals

Activation of Endoscopy unit at General Hospital, Onitsha.

Activation of dental units in General hospitals, Enugwu-Ukwu, Umueri and  Ekwulobia.

Optimization of laboratory department of general hospital Agulu and general hospital Nnobi with haematology analyzers.

Introduction of Anambra State hospital Inspection team.

Zero Malaria Initiative: In collaboration with the Malaria Consortium flagged off the distribution of 3.8 million Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN).

In collaboration with the State government, the Global Fund is building a new Oxygen plant at Onitsha.

Women and Social Welfare

The Ministry has rescued a total of 13 Children from agents of human trafficking.

The Ministry has been able to establish for the first time, a situation room for Sexual Gender Based Violence and Data collection in the State.

D: Governance, Rule of Law and Value System

Governance
Transition from the former administration has been superbly managed without rifts and rancour and the new administration is geared toward moving the state to our destined heights.

Rearranged and realigned the MDA’s to be more precise and functional, and created two new ministries (Ministry of Homeland Affairs and Ministry of Petroleum & Mineral Resources) to meet the immediate needs of Ndi Anambra.

New administration is mainstreaming the culture of efficient service delivery; fiscal prudence and transparent financial management. Emphasis is on value for money in every expenditure as per our contract with Ndi Anambra. A new Code of Conduct, among others, forbids public office holders from making public donations.  An example of the orientation towards prudence and value for money is that the new Administration has re-negotiated the contracts for Facility Management (cleaning services for government offices) down from N137 million per month to N11 million per month, with a savings of N126 million per month or N1.512 billion per annum. With the savings in one month, we have fixed the dreaded Amansea road with its nightmarish logjam, the washout portion of federal road at Onitsha, and still have change to intervene in one other terrible spot. That’s the new normal for our administration: cutting waste and delivering service to the people!

Maintained the policy of the past administration on “Community Choose Your Project” in which communities receive grants from the State government to execute a project or projects of priority to the community. Our administration has launched a new phase and increased the grant from N20 million to N25 million per community.

Launched a policy that no retiree from the State civil Service will be owed gratuity under our administration and have paid retirees from March to date. We have also begun, albeit gradually, to pay gratuity to pensioners who retired since 2018 and there is hope and joy in the land. We have also approved the same policy for local governments.

New administration is determined to ensure that local government funds are deployed to address developmental issues at the grassroots.

Budget & Economic Planning
Submitted the 2022 revised budget to the State House of Assembly tailored to meet our ambitious infrastructural and other capital development, especially roads.

Updating the social register which is a social protection net for the poor and elderly in our state.  It was last updated in 2017.

UNDP/UN System is back to Anambra and an office space has been given to them with other logistics support to enhance their functionality.

Ongoing engagement to implement the Ease of Doing Business programme in Anambra with support from the Office of the Vice President

Ongoing Development of Economic and Social Database with the Statistical Office

Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS)
Completely digitalized our revenue collection to remove leakages and widen the bracket to meet our set targets (ANSIDD has been replaced with ASIN which ensures a dynamic Biometric Data collation structure).

New Digital structure would ensure long term and user friendly channels and we have commenced pilot schemes on the use of POS , USSD, Web and App channels and the payments into Banks and Bank ordered agents which ensures that those within the informal sector especially, can make payments seamlessly.

Commenced wide scale engagements with the various markets and Transport Unions to ensure that the leakages are plugged.

Local Government, Chieftaincy and community Affairs
PwC reviewed the operations of the local government and submitted report for government action

Resolved 15 community disputes which include re-instating 4 President General through the rule of law;  resolved 11 community crises and successfully conducted 15 Town Union Elections

As part of Government’s resolve to put an end to lingering leadership crisis in our communities, the ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs  has continued to engage with key stakeholders in the communities with a view to resolving the crises

Government has also ensured that communities are allowed to elect their own leaders thereby reducing the appointment of caretaker committees

E: Environment: Towards a Clean, Green and Planned sustainable communities, markets and cities

Environment
Embarked upon the clearing/cleaning of mountainous waste dumps in Onitsha, Okpoko, Awka, Nkpor, etc which had impeded flow of traffic, undermined commercial activities and constituted health hazard.

De-silted over one kilometre of drainage preventing the impending flood that faced the residents of Okpoko and environs.

Revised and launched a framework for the collection and evacuation of solid waste within our state, and selected waste management contractors for the 31 zones specified in the State.

Launched the tree planting campaign designed to make Anambra the greenest State in the country.

Conclusion
Umunne m, Ndi Anambra!
We still have a very long way to go. It is not time to celebrate anything. We are just warming up. In March 2023, we shall present you with the first annual report. For now, we are keeping awake to ensure your safety and lay the foundation for your prosperity. We are working hard and the Monday Sit at Home will soon be history.  Our children will have their full week of studies and our businesses will be on full charge again.

The road ahead will be bumpy and every citizen has a duty to contribute to building a livable and prosperous homeland in the context of dwindling resources. You will be called upon to bear some sacrifices. To my supporters and party members, it would mean that the State can longer afford many political appointments. A nimble but effective government will be required. Ndi Anambra at home and abroad are called upon to pay their taxes to Anambra State government. We can’t build those roads to your local governments and communities with bare hands. Our Covenant with you is that your tax money must work for you.  For those who made a living by collecting revenue on behalf of government through various “revenue windows”, we regret that those can no longer work as the government is determined to collect every kobo due to it through digital processes. Yes, oil money is out but we must survive and prosper. For those in government, it means that the State can’t afford any waste of any sort. Only expenditures that are absolutely imperative will be undertaken in our quest to ensure that every penny is devoted to give maximum value to Ndi Anambra. With the spirit of sacrifice and patriotism by all, Anambra will surely win.

Let me again specially thank and appreciate all our citizens and stakeholders for their massive solidarity and support--- the clergy, traditional rulers, town unions, youths and women organizations, market unions, transporters, CSOs and professional groups, captains of industry, members of the media, etc. We appreciate the communities embarking on various development programmes without waiting for government. We thank those investors who, in spite of the insecurity, are still betting on Anambra. You will surely reap the huge benefits. I must not fail to thank in a special way the security agencies as well as our vigilante, and all the donors and supporters who have contributed to the war against criminality in Anambra. May the God of Anambra bless you all. We remember all the victims of the crass criminality and pray that God will grant their souls eternal rest. They died but we must not let them die in vain.  In particular, let me thank the members of the international community for their solidarity, goodwill and support. We will soon receive many of you in our State, and we will later have the opportunity to document and appreciate your various contributions. Anambra is ready, as a case study, to showcase your exemplary contributions to our country and humanity.

On my part, I continue to pledge my commitment of absolute dedication and exemplary service to you. As I adorn our locally made Akwete dress and wear the Anambra made shoes, eat Anambra foods and enjoy her drinks as well as drive the Anambra made cars, I signal my readiness as the chief promoter and marketer of everything produced in Anambra. In time, we will take the made in Anambra to Africa and the world. God did not make a mistake to make us Ndi Anambra. Let’s take back our state and make her livable and prosperous. Of course, we are Ndi Anambra, and we can! Let’s get back to work!

God bless Anambra!

God bless Nigeria!!

Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR
Governor, Anambra State

First 100 Days in Office: State of the State Briefing to Ndi Anambra by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR: June 25, 2022

Umunne m Ndi Anambra!

We have just clocked our first 100 days in office since you employed me and Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim to serve you as Governor and Deputy Governor respectively.  I am not a fan of the fad about the first 100 days. I prefer to give you comprehensive annual reports and I look forward to the first one in March 2023. However, as a responsive government and as part of our periodic citizens’ engagement, we are providing this briefing on this short term milestone. We will also periodically brief and engage you as our employers, through interactive phone-in radio programmes.

As promised, we hit the ground running from the first minute after swearing-in; working for 8 hours and 45 minutes on that day, starting with a three and a half hours meeting on security. Since then, I go to the office every day and literally working 24/7 to make you proud. To be sure, the last 100 days have been bumpy and challenging as expected, with insecurity and a red treasury being the most portent, as clearly identified in our inaugural address. Since February 2022, the contribution of oil revenue from NNPC to the federation account has been zero and many states have difficulty paying salaries. Thus, with declining revenue in the context of insecurity and a mountain of debt (including over N20 billion in arrears of gratuity to pensioners since 2018) vis-à-vis the sky-high expectations from you (my employers), some fundamental disruptive changes are inevitable. I remind everyone who has tried to commiserate with me that I consciously applied for this job, and there will be no excuses. We thank you, Umunne m, for your continued solidarity and support. Together, Anambra will win!

We have spent the last 100 hundred days addressing some key foundational issues: appointed, swore-in and organized a retreat for a new cabinet within five weeks; launched the campaign to mobilize our people to take back our state from criminals and head-on systematic and comprehensive attack on insecurity to restore law and order;  revised 2022 budget and provided unprecedented allocation of 64% for capital/infrastructural development as well as priority for youth development; declared a state of emergency on roads and traffic and preparing to flag-off the construction of over 220 kilometres of roads as the rains subside; getting touts out of our roads and markets;  redefining the purpose and character of government focused upon service delivery as well as prudent and transparent fiscal management; ending the phenomenon of schools without teachers and hospitals without doctors by embarking on an ambitious, open and competitive process to recruit thousands of teachers as well as doctors, pharmacists and nurses for our hospitals;  cleaning up the mountains of waste on our roads; working to ensure that entry into and exit from Anambra especially at Amansea and bridge-head Onitsha become pleasurable experience; signaling our urban renewal agenda with illustrative ambitious agenda for cleaning and modernizing Okpoko and Onitsha metropolis as well as other urban centres which will take greater vigor after the rainy season; laying the foundation for our everything technology and technology everywhere agenda; restructuring and digitizing our Internal Revenue Service;  designing and approving a regime for a GIS and digitization of our land registry; launching a policy of never owing gratuity to new retirees and gradually paying down the backlog for the State civil service and approving same for local governments; etc.

In sum, let me assure you that so far, so bumpy but so good! Most people attest that the grave insecurity is being significantly contained, and we are unrelenting.  All eyes are on the ball and we are determined to ensure that despite the daunting challenges, our State will remain on course to a livable and prosperous smart homeland. We remain focused on implementing the Soludo Solution—The People’s Manifesto, with its five driving pillars: Security, Law and Order; Economic Transformation Agenda; Social Agenda; Governance, Rule of Law and Value System; and Environment—towards a clean, green and planned sustainable communities, markets and cities. Below, we summarize some of the initiatives we have begun within the first 100 days under these pillars as follows.

Security, Law and Order

Created a new Ministry of Homeland Affairs (for homeland security) to signal the emergency and utmost priority on homeland security.

Embarked upon massive consultation, mobilization and sensitization of the citizens and critical stakeholders--- including security agencies, the clergy, traditional rulers, town unions, youths, civil society organizations, businessmen and women, agitation groups, etc. We worked with South East Bishops to organize prayers; offered amnesty/carrot to repentant outlaws; etc. The people are united in fighting against the lucrative criminal enterprise and its idolatrous energizer which held the entire South senatorial zone plus Ogbaru local government hostage. The criminals masquerading as agitators have been exposed, and the nexus between crime, idolatry and hard drugs has become evident. The narrative is changing and the people are seizing the conversation and initiative.

Declared zero tolerance for criminality and drug abuse, and declared war on all criminals in Anambra State. No forest, bush or house can accommodate criminals in Anambra and government is determined to do sustained battle with them. It took some years for criminality to take deep root in parts of the State and we have a longer-term perspective on sustainable solutions.

Cohesive operational team with the State Security Council, and enhanced operational capabilities. We remain grateful to the various security agencies for the massive support and professionalism

Created Anambra State Vigilante Central Strike Force to complement the security forces to keep our forests and homeland free of the criminals.

Put several mechanical arsenal and vehicles to work

A lot of programmes are underway through the Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Youth Development, the ICT Agency and other government institutions under the youth empowerment and preventive security approach.

Establishment and inauguration of the Truth, Justice and Peace Committee to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the agitation and violence in Anambra/South East; seek a restorative justice approach for truth-telling or real facts; for the healing of the victims of the violence, accounting for responsibility and accountability of the actors, conditional mercy for the repentant perpetrators, restitution for certain losses and rehabilitation of the perpetrators, for the overall aim of restoration of peace and justice as well as the promotion of development in the State/region.

Declared zero tolerance for touting (Agbero) which has endeared the government to transport owners, operators and stake holders. More programmes and projects will be unveiled in due course particularly to retrain and empower the former touts.

Citizen participation has been emboldened. We have created an avenue for connecting with the people by the provision of seven phone lines for citizens to reach the security managers of the state. There is a flood of actionable intelligence and the security forces are prompt with response.

The 6 p.m. to 6 a.m curfew on motorcycles (okada), tricycles (keke), and shuttle buses in 8 Local Government areas is a short term security measure that will be lifted in no distant time.

Work is ongoing to restructure and strengthen the community security architecture and deployment of technology in security.

Declared emergency on traffic management and the Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) is being strengthened to deliver.

Economic Transformation Agenda

Works and Infrastructure
A new framework for a combination of Direct Labour Model and Outsourcing (contracting) model in the provision of roads/infrastructure as well as concessioning, public private partnership, public- community partnership, as well as rural community infrastructure development model are being worked out.

Direct Labour Intervention has been successfully deployed to rebuild the washout section of Onitsha - Enugu Federal Highway opposite Chisco Park at Onitsha as well as the Amansea section of the Enugu – Onitsha Federal High way (entry section of Anambra), at a highly cost effective rate.

Engineering design and procurement process completed and contractors soon to move to site to deal with two dangerous portions of two federal high ways which experience massive flooding each year, drowning unsuspecting commuters. These are the Ekwulobia- Nnobi federal road (Igboukwu/Isuofia boundary) and the Ogbunike - Ogidi section of the Enugu – Onitsha Road (old road).

De-silting of 1km of the Obodoukwu road, Okpoko to Idemili River end of the Sakamori storm water discharge. The exercise is still on-going and will soon move on to the Fegge/Nwangene end of the discharge drain.

Hydrological studies and hydraulic designs of storm water discharge channels as well as engineering designs almost completed for over 220 Kilometres of roads scattered all over Anambra state and these roads will all be flagged off for construction before the dry season commences. 

Power and Water Resources
In the light of the Administration’s goal to attain universal electricity access for Ndi Anambra, the government reconstituted and reinvigorated the Anambra State Power Committee, which also has the EEDC as a member. The Committee recently finished a Retreat and is finalizing details of the plans and programmes (including the legal/regulatory framework) to align all the stakeholders in the electricity market in Anambra and ensure optimal performance and delivery of government’s target.

Rehabilitation of the water facilities at the Jerome Udorji Secretariat for civil servants. The Secretariat has not had water running in the offices for over eight years.

Completion of the Urban Water generation at Amuko-Uruagu, Nnewi.

Achievement of Open Defecation Free (ODF) status for Aguata LGA. This is the second local government, after Anambra East LGA to achieve such a status.

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR has expressed readiness of the state government to partner the World Health Organization, WHO in providing quality and affordable healthcare to Ndi Anambra.

The Governor made the disclosure when he received in audience, the WHO representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Mulombo who embarked on the visit with members of his team at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia

According to Professor Soludo, his administration is committed to having a healthy and productive population, pointing out that WHO has a pivotal role to play in that regard.

Governor Soludo who stressed that his administration had begun to deliver a bit of the agenda as contained in his manifesto, pleaded with the visiting WHO representative to add Anambra in its huge agenda and assistance to states.

The Governor made special mention of the efforts of WHO in eradication of tropical diseases which has adversely affected the African populace.

While appreciating them for their intervention during the recent outbreak of Measles in the state, he assured that under his watch, actions based on interventions from WHO, will be backed with results, pointing out that his administration will deploy the use of data in measuring such results.

Dr. Mulombo said that Professor Soludo’s background prior to and during his days as Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria is worthy of emulation.

He promised to partner Anambra State government in any way possible, but asked the state government to direct attention to primary healthcare development, stating that they will leverage on Professor Soludo’s goodwill to access other state Governors, so that the walk can be channeled towards the same direction.

Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, and the State Health Commissioner, Dr Afam Obidike were among others present during the visit.

Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has ordered for a fresh Teacher’s recruitment exam in Anambra State.

According to the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma Ude, ” Mr. Governor has graciously nullified the Saturday 4th of June preliminary Teacher’s Recruitment Examination. He granted a CBT based examination, all expenses covered by the Government.
Please get ready.”

Recall the Anambra Teachers Recruitment exam which held last Saturday experienced a lot technical hitches and as a result, lot of applicants couldn’t access the portal

Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo; CFR, has received with shock and deep sadness the news of the gruesome murder of Hon. Okechukwu Okoye, member representing Aguata II Constituency at the State House of Assembly and his aide, Cyril Chiegboka. Both Hon Okoye and Cyril Chiegboka were kidnapped on the road by the heartless and barbaric murderers on 15th May.

Gov Soludo condoles with his kinsmen of Isuofia, noting that it is probably the same criminal gang that attacked him and killed three policemen at Isuofia two years ago that are once again on the prowl.  But they can never cow down Isuofia and Anambra state.

Governor Soludo, still in shock over the barbaric acts against his two kinsmen, vowed that the perpetrators as well as all criminals operating in Anambra must be decisively brought to book.

Governor Soludo has consequently placed a N10 million reward for anyone or group that will avail valuable information that will lead to the immediate arrest of the perpetrators of this dastardly act. Anambra will soon be a hell for these criminals, Gov Soludo assured.

Governor Soludo wishes to reassure Ndi Anambra of government’s resolve and renewed determination with the security agencies to go all out against the criminals and ensure they are brought to justice.  “Anambra will win against the forces of darkness”, Gov Soludo assured, urging Ndi Anambra to brace up for the all out war against the criminals.

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has assured the people of Anambra State of enhanced security and peace in the state with the support and partnership of Community leaders

He reiterated that his administration is working on reviving and re-organising the State Vigilante and intelligence gathering with the community participation to boost security

He advised the people to refrain from the culture of silence and report criminal elements within their community to security agencies

He emphasised that his administration remains committed to policies and projects that will drive the socio-economic development, creation of job opportunities that will prosper the people of Anambra State

Governor Soludo spoke at the Town Hall meeting with all traditional rulers, Presidents-General and Community Youth Leaders at the Dora Akunyili Women's Development Center, Awka

He stressed that Onitsha will be resurrected so that shopping in that part of the state will become a pleasurable experience as it was in years past

He called on the people to patronize made in Anambra products especially shoes and clothing, adding that his administration will declare a state of emergency on infrastructure especially on road construction

He said the agenda is huge and the administration is determined to deliver

Earlier, the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim made a presentation of the clean up exercise embarked upon by the government in Onitsha and its environ. The presentation showed "before and after" pictures of the successful exercise

The Commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters, Mr Collins Nwabunwanne said the engagement in Onitsha by government will be sustained for a cleaner and healthy environment

On their part, the Commissioners of  Homeland Affairs, Mr Chikodi Anara and Rtd AVM Ben Chiobi, SA on Security both emphasised on the need for the people to support and cooperate with the security agencies, adding that government mission is to take back Anambra and restore it to its full glory

Soludo Set Up Truth, Justice and Peace Committee Towards Restoration of Peace and Tranquillity in Anambra State

Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Anambra State Governor has officially set the truth, justice and peace committee as part of the steps the government is adopting towards building and restoring peace and tranquillity to Anambra State.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu officially made this known when he addressed a press conference at Government House, Awka, on Wednesday,  April 6, 2022

Below is the full text of the Press briefing

TRUTH, JUSTICE AND PEACE COMMITTEE

1.0 Preamble:

Nigeria is facing a historic security challenge, with the character and breadth of the conflicts differing in several parts of the country. In the Southeast of Nigeria, there is a mixture of separatist agitations with crass criminality. Despite the efforts by law enforcement agencies and enormous human and financial resources expended in the bid to contain the conflicts, including the banning/criminalizing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the insurgency (kidnapping, arson, brutal murder of innocent persons, etc) continues to escalate with humongous toll in lives, livelihoods and properties lost daily.

Following the arrest and detention of the leader of IPOB, the organization had, on August 9, 2021 issued a Sit-at-Home order every Monday throughout the Southeast. The brutal enforcement of the order has caused numerous deaths and incalculable damage to the economy of the Southeast. Despite the repeated announcements by IPOB leadership of the cancellation of the Monday Sit-at-Home order, there is continued vicious enforcement by disparate criminal gangs. Currently, every criminal gang claims to be freedom fighters.  In addition to the Monday Sit at Home and its colossal costs, the region is daily experiencing unrelenting doses of kidnapping, killing of innocent persons, banditry, arson, etc. It is estimated that so far more than 150 police and other security personnel as well as an unknown number of innocent persons and criminals have been killed in the raging conflict.Anambra is a key state in the Southeast and Nigeria and has suffered heavily from the unrelenting conflict.

With the cross-border nature of the crisis, no sustainable solution in one state can happen without a comprehensive understanding of the regional and national dimensions. For example, recent arrests of some of the criminals showed that 85% of them are indigenes of one Southeast state and the remaining 15% from another Southeast state. Not one of them was an indigene of Anambra state. Anambra state, and indeed, the Southeast have huge potentials to leapfrog into an axis of prosperity. But the current crisis poses a near existential challenge which must be tackled with every means possible.

A sickness accurately diagnosed is halfway to its cure. So far, there have been ad-hoc discussions about, and reactions to, the raging conflict. There has been no systematic platform or framework to engage the various stakeholders with a view to understanding the causes and dynamics of the conflict. Thousands (mostly innocent persons) have died, injured or dispossessed but these have been largely treated as mere statistics.

How did we get here, and where do we go from here? It is our view that the current situation goes beyond a law enforcement problem. To get to the root of the problem and craft a comprehensive and credible roadmap to the future, we have decided to constitute a “TRUTH, JUSTICE AND PEACE COMMITTEE”.

2.0 The Purpose/Terms of Reference of the Committee:

The purpose of the Committee on Truth, Justice, and Peace is to seek a restorative justice approach for truth-telling or real facts, for the healing of the victims of the violence, accounting for responsibility and accountability of the actors, conditional mercy for the repentant perpetrators, restitution for certain losses and rehabilitation of the perpetrators, for the overall aim of restoration of peace and justice as well as the promotion of development in the State, and the region/Nigeria.

Given the cross-border nature of the conflict, the focus goes beyond Anambra, and possibly covers the entire Southeast.

Specifically, the Terms of Reference for the Committee are:

1) To identify the remote and immediate causes of the agitations, restiveness, violence, and armed struggle in the South East since 1999.

2) Document victims/circumstances of death, brutality and incarceration.

3) Identify stakeholders and groups who have played critical roles in the agitations and conflicts, their roles, capabilities and demands.

4) Address any other issue(s) that may be germane to unravelling the extent of the crisis and charting the roadmap for the future.

5) Make recommendations for sustainable peace and security in Anambra state/Southeast.

The Committee shall have a direct reporting line to the Governor or his designee, and will be provided with administrative support. The Committee shall be free to draw up the methodology to accomplish its assignment.

3.0 Time Frame:

The Committee shall conclude its work no later than 6 months from its inauguration, with its preliminary report due no later than 2 months after the sunset and the final report after 2 months of receiving feedback on the preliminary report from the government. The Committee shall be inaugurated on a date to be communicated to its members.

4:0  Membership:

The members of the Committee are as follows:

1) Professor Chidi Odinkalu--- Chairman

2) HE Amb. Bianca Ojukwu --- Member/Secretary

3) Dr. Joe NwaorguDr. Udenta Udenta – Member

4) Dr. Uju Agomoh --- Member

5) Rev. Fr (Msgnr) Jerome Madueke

6) Canon Dr. Okechukwu C. Obi-Okoye

7) Mr. Charles Oputa (Charly Boy)

Dr. John Otu

9) Mr. Ngozi Odumuko

10) Ms Onyeka Onwenu

11)Dr. Joe Abah

12) Mr. Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu

13) Mr. Sam Egwuatu

14) Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu

Signed:

Prof. Solo Osita Chukwulobelu
Secretary to the State Government, Anambra State.

5th April, 2022