By Tony Okafor
As Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s first term as Governor of Anambra State draws to a close on March 16, 2026, one defining feature of his tenure has been his fraught relationship with journalists in the state.
At one point, the chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Anambra publicly declared that “Soludo hates Anambra journalists,” a remark that highlighted the tension between the governor and the local press.
Paradoxically, however, Soludo is, in many ways, a journalist’s delight. His personality, intellectual depth, and candour often provide multiple angles for compelling news stories.
Despite this, his first term has been marked by a noticeable lack of structured media engagement. This stands in contrast to practices in neighbouring states such as Abia, where the governor regularly holds monthly press conferences.
The absence of such engagement deprives citizens of the transparency, accountability, and insight that regular interaction between government and the media can foster.
Routine press briefings help build trust, reduce misinformation, and humanise governance. They also allow leaders to clarify policies and address public concerns directly.
Responsibility for this communication gap may partly lie with the governor’s media handlers, whose approach appears to have limited direct interaction between the governor and journalists.
As Soludo prepares to embark on a second term, he would do well to reconsider this approach.
Ultimately, the governor is the chief accounting officer of the state, and the responsibility for explaining government actions rests squarely with him, not with his aides.
A more open and harmonious relationship with the press could help resolve lingering public questions on issues such as the alleged N100 million transfer to the son of a former Inspector-General of Police, a matter that remains largely unexplained in the public domain.
In some states, governors maintain direct WhatsApp communication channels with journalists, sharing information and updates without layers of bureaucratic filtering.
Soludo could similarly leverage his naturally newsworthy persona to promote greater transparency and strengthen citizen engagement.
A second term offers a valuable opportunity to cultivate a healthier partnership with the press—one that would ultimately benefit governance and deepen democratic accountability in Anambra State.
Hoc cogita — think about it.
