By Tony Okafor, Awka
A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Paul Chukwuma, has clarified that Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, played no role in the ministerial appointment of Her Excellency, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu, or the appointment of Mark Okoye as the Managing Director/CEO of the Southeast Development Commission.
Chukwuma, who addressed journalists on Saturday at his Umueri country home in Anambra East Local Government Area, described Bianca Ojukwu as a national figure and widow of the late Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, whose popularity rivals that of Soludo.
He praised Okoye as a cerebral young individual who merited his appointment.
The APC aspirant emphasized the distinction between political appointments and elections, noting that while appointments are based on individual merit, elections prioritize the interest of the party.
Chukwuma expressed confidence that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu will support the APC fully in the upcoming governorship election, aiming to oust the Soludo APGA government in Anambra.
Chukwuma also criticized Soludo’s management of the state’s security vote, noting that residents of Anambra State live in fear.
According to Chukwuma, the primary objective of government is the protection of life and property, yet Anambra State is becoming increasingly insecure.
“We live in an environment of fear. Every day, people are kidnapped, killed, and maimed. The freedom we are used to is being diminished,” he lamented.
He wondered what the governor does with his security funds.
He appealed to the state government to take responsibility for the security of its citizens, emphasizing that tackling insecurity should be the government’s top priority.
As the Christmas season approaches, Chukwuma urged the governor to ensure the safety of Ndi Anambra returning home for the holidays.
He warned that the current state of insecurity is unacceptable and appealed to the state government to take decisive action to address the issue.
Chukwuma also expressed concerns that there is no evidence that Soludo is supporting the security agencies.
“We have not seen vehicles given to the police. Nothing is being done, and all we get are empty promises and big grammar. It’s a shame,” he said.
This criticism is not isolated, as other stakeholders, including the Anambra APC, have also called on the governor to beef up security in the state.
