By Tony Okafor
As Governor Chukwuma Soludo prepares to unveil his new cabinet from March 17, many observers in Anambra are already sensing a strong feeling of déjà vu.
Early speculation and political chatter suggest that the new line-up could include friends, former allies, associates from the CBN, schoolmates, and long-standing political connections.
If these reports prove accurate, it could indicate continuity of familiar networks rather than a radical reshaping of governance.
While loyalty and trust are important in any administration, overreliance on familiar circles risks limiting the diversity of ideas and perspectives that a state like Anambra desperately needs.
Governor Soludo’s tenure began with promises of transformative governance, inclusive leadership, and innovative policy approaches, including taking exams for political appointments and selecting capable hands from a databank.
Yet, even before the cabinet is announced, there is concern that familiar patterns may persist — the same political alliances and old associations that have characterized past administrations.
This raises the question: will the new cabinet deliver the change citizens were promised, or are we witnessing a repeat of old dynamics?
Anambra State has a wealth of talent across all sectors — technocrats, academics, professionals, and civic leaders from every part of the state.
A truly forward-looking cabinet would reflect this range, signaling that governance is about competence, service, and broad representation, rather than just established relationships.
As the new cabinet announcement approaches, citizens are watching closely.
Even if the cabinet includes familiar faces, the test will be whether governance outcomes reflect innovation and accountability, rather than repeating past patterns.
Until then, the sense of déjà vu remains unavoidable.
