BY TONY OKAFOR
As Governor Chukwuma Soludo marks his third year in office, Anambra State residents are left wondering if his administration has truly delivered on its promises.
While Soludo’s supporters tout his achievements, critics argue that his record is marred by unfulfilled expectations and rising concerns.
On the one hand, Soludo’s infrastructure drive has been impressive. Over 500 kilometers of new roads are being built, including the flagship Amawbia/Nise/Agulu/Nanka/Uga dualisation project.
This bold initiative has the potential to unlock economic growth and improve living standards.
However, the governor’s administration has been woefully inadequate in addressing the state’s pressing security concerns until recently.
The notorious Ndi Aka Odo, operating under the Special Anambra Anti-Touting Squad (SASA), have instilled fear in residents due to their brutal actions.
The agency, initially established to combat crime like touting, has ironically become a source of terror for the very people it is meant to protect.
The governor’s approach to governance has been criticized for being overly focused on grand projects while neglecting the mundane but essential needs of ordinary citizens.
For instance, the proposed construction of a 5-star hotel, when Golden Tulip Hotel Agulu is a competent alternative, is a luxury the state can ill afford when basic amenities like healthcare and education are still in short supply.
The high taxation imposed on residents and businesses is another major concern.
With the state’s economy still reeling from the effects of the sit-at-home order, the last thing citizens need is another burden on their already strained finances.
Despite these challenges, there are glimmers of hope.
The construction of Solution FunCity and the New Government House and Governor’s Lodge are flagship legacy projects that showcase Soludo’s vision and commitment to development.
The initiatives of Agunechemba and Udo Ga-achi also offer hope in the state’s quest for security and stability.
As Soludo marks his third year in office, he must take a long, hard look at his administration’s record and ask himself: what more can he do to deliver on his promises? Is he truly on the right path to achieving his promised Dubai-Taiwan vision for Ndi Anambra?
The answer lies not in lofty rhetoric but in the simple, everyday actions that demonstrate a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people.
To truly deliver on his promises, Soludo must listen to the concerns of his critics and work tirelessly to address the pressing challenges facing Anambra State.
Only then can he truly claim to have delivered on his promises and cement his legacy as a professor governor.
