Paradise News

Tag: Charles Soludo

  • GUO driver allegedly attacked by thugs attach to Soludo’s aide in Anambra

    GUO driver allegedly attacked by thugs attach to Soludo’s aide in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    Some persons described as political thugs, who are attached to an aide of the Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo (name withheld), on Friday assaulted a commercial driver for overtaking the aide’s convoy.

    The Paradise News gathered that the incident happened in Awka, while the governor’s aide, who has been described as controversial and troublesome, was driving past the expressway.

    An Awka resident, Mr Chibuike Uloka, who claimed to have witnessed the incident, and even in possession of video recording of the incident lamented that thuggery has become official, under Soludo’s administration, despite his continuous claims of extinguishing it in Awka.

    He said: “When you hear Professor Charles Soludo speak in his baritone voice, “Agbero ga ana,” consider that an irony and, in fact, an assurance of the Governor’s regime importing more touts into Anambra State to continue their abuse and intimidation of citizens.

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    “With an estimated 50,000 touts, Anambra State today has become the headquarters of touts in the country, surpassing even Lagos State. It’s also the state with the highest disregard for citizens’ rights despite being governed by a professor.

    “Today, an ordinary driver working with GUO Transport Company was attacked with a machete and nearly lynched by Soludo’s touts.

    “The GUO driver’s offense was simply overtaking the emperor and mini-dictator named on a Federal expressway.

    “He instructed the Soludo-armed touts working in his office and protected by the police and Civil Defense officers to block the GUO vehicle and assault the driver, as can be seen in the video. The Driver is currently in the hospital battling for his life and survival.”

    Uloka said such incidents were becoming rampant, adding that a similar incident happened recently at Ngozika Estate in Awka, where another government official ordered the police and touts following him to abuse and intimidate road users simply for sharing the road with him.

  • APGA attack Obiora Okonkwo for scoring Soludo low, says he’s attention seeker

    APGA attack Obiora Okonkwo for scoring Soludo low, says he’s attention seeker

    By Ovat Abeng

    The National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr Ejimofor Opara has attacked Prof Obiora Okonkwo for scoring Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo low on projects in the State.

    The Paradise News gathered that Prof. Okonkwo had while speaking to journalists said that there is very little development on ground, to guarantee a second term for Soludo, come 2025 governorship election.

    “Assessing the state government’s performance, Okonkwo who is also the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines,, noted that poverty and sadness have pervaded Anambra State owing to the performance of the state government so far.

    “Warning that the mood of Anambra people could be out of control if nothing is done to change the narrative, Okonkwo said Soludo has not translated his promises during the electioneering into reality.

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    He said the expectation was that Soludo, as a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), would evolve policies that would change the fortunes of the people.

    Okonkwo said: “I’ve not seen anything exciting on the side of Soludo that will warrant people to root for his second term.

    “My rating of Soludo is not that of great score. I have known Soludo for a long time and he is my good friend. I have every reason to conclude from what I have seen that Soludo has not lived up to expectation.

    “He promised to turn Anambra to Dubai, Taiwan and New York. We have not seen that. For someone who has been a CBN governor, his performance is below the benchmark. It is surprising that someone who has attained that height would go about the generation of revenues through excessive taxes.

    “In this modern age and time, it is of great concern. The situation is so bad and many people are losing excitement in going home this Christmas. The insecurity in Anambra is also bad, he stated.

    Replying further to this, the APGA scribe who is also a media aide to governor Soludo, described Okonkwo as being desperate to become governor of Anambra, saying; “His proclivity for always contesting every election gives him out as a “desperate politician”.”

    In long reply, Opara said: “Beyond his private airline business, whose impact on our regional or national business outlook is only tangential, there is nothing of substance ascribable to Mr Obiora.

    “To clear his deliberate ignorance, Obiora needs to be reminded that Anambra is not a State where “big men” like him wait for government intervention. He should borrow a leaf from the late Tonimas from Neni, Bobisko from Adazi and Ejison from Oraukwu. These are men who have deployed personal resources for public good.

    “Coming to lash on Soludo just to present himself as the avatar as a prelude for another bound-to-fail electoral outing shows that he is a man who is self-distracted.”

    He continued: “As at today, his kinsmen from Ogidi are still thanking Governor Soludo for Honouring their eminent Son, the late Prof Chinua Achebe, even if Soludo has achieved nothing, this very feat calls for appreciation from Mr Obiora, not talking about his delusional blindness towards Soludo’s manifest infrastructural revolution

    “The Mmili John flooding issue in Ogidi that has continued to disturb motorist on that road has not been without attention. Even as I speak to you, a total redesign of that road is underway and the Soludo Administration has shown visible commitment to salvaging the situation. Mr Obiora should know this.

    “Talking about whether or not Soludo deserves a second term is certainly not a concern to us right now, either as a Government or a political party. Talking about political Party, where does Mr Obiora belong? The last I checked he was in the ZLP after he was instrumental to tearing the PDP into carcass.

    “Soludo’s second tenure will be determined strictly on the merit of his achievements some of which include very historic feats such as the recruitment of 5,000 teachers just within 5months in office; the flagoff of over 400km of roads at various levels of completion; recruitment of 300 health workers to end the era of hospitals without doctors; declaration of free antenatal and free delivery for Anambra women; declaration of a totally free and qualitative education for public primary and Junior secondary schools in the State plus the recruitment of 3,000 more teachers solely for public schools; the one youth two skills program that will be empowering over 5,000 Anambra youths with funding and equipment after few months of training; the restoration of security in 8 local governments hitherto occupied by criminals; the revamping of three General hospitals one in each of the 3 senatorial zones; the introduction of telemedicine in rural communities with a successful pilot at Awkuzu in Oyi local government.

    “Mr Obiora should also avail himself of the recent data from the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics on Anambra’s rating on the ease of doing business and the the attraction of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs).

    “These things are clear to the blind, and if Mr Obiora can’t see them, then he should visit his eye doctor or cure himself of this compulsive disorder that has impinged on his ability to see good things,” Opara said.

  • Soludo celebrates his secondary school teacher at 90

    Soludo celebrates his secondary school teacher at 90

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo has celebrated his Class five teacher, Hon. Chief Titus Nnanna Ezenwaka who just clocked 90- years old.

    The Governor attended a mass celebrated in his honour by the Bishop of Ekwulọbịa, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpalaeke, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Uga, Aguata Local Government Area of the State, on Sunday.

    Governor Soludo expressed his admiration for Chief Ezenwaka, who was his “Government teacher” back in Class 5 at Uga Boys Secondary School Uga.

    He eulogized his teaching skills, describing him as an excellent and impactful teacher who had left a lasting impression on him and many other students.

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    “T.N, as you are fondly called, we have come to celebrate you at a ripe age of 90. You have trained lots of people, including myself and Cardinal Okpaleke. Your former students are making waves all over the world”, the Governor stressed.

    The Governor celebrated him as an outstanding teacher who dedicated his life to educating the younger generations, adding that his selflessness and commitment to the education of students have earned his admiration and respect among his students.

    Chief Ezenwaka’s 90th birthday was a moment of celebration and reflection as his former students, including Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpalaeke, showed up in large numbers to honour him and mark his legacy as an outstanding teacher.

    Students from various schools in Uga also conveyed their appreciation to Governor Soludo for his unwavering support for education.

    They expressed gratitude for his efforts in improving teaching and learning and providing opportunities for their academic growth, and honoured him as “Ochendo Awka”.

    In his brief appreciation, Chief Ezenwaka, urged the young generation to always be contended and managed whatever thing or position they find themselves in.

    The first son of the celebrant, Engr. Osita Titus Ezenwaka, who also spoke on behalf of other siblings during the event, noted that his father inherited the longevity from his mother who passed on at the age of 120 years.

    The Paradise News gathered that the celebrant was the Chairman of Nigeria Red Cross, Uga Unit between 1970 and 1973 and First Vice President, of Uga Improvement Union. He also co-authored the book that chronicled the history of Uga town from the earliest times to the punitive expedition of 1916. In 1979, he was elected into the Old Anambra State House of Assembly representing Aguata South Central Constituency. During his time at the Assembly, he chaired the House Committee on Industry and Technology and sponsored the bill that led to the establishment of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Centre in the eastern region.

    The event was attended by prominent figures, including the Member representing Aguata Federal Constituency, Engr. Dominic Okafor, the Member Representing Aguata One 1 State Constituency, Hon. Anayo Okpaleke, Chief Umennadi Anthony, Chief Anthony Okeke, Pioneer students of Uga Boys Secondary School among others.

  • Failed leadership: Soludo is to Anambra what Buhari was to Nigeria

    Failed leadership: Soludo is to Anambra what Buhari was to Nigeria

    By Uloka Chibuike

    It’s now obvious that, in search of a solution, Anambra met with a problem in Charles Soludo.

    Just like Buhari, Charles Soludo, a loud professor, had been speaking for a decade about his desire to transform Anambra State into Dubia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. However, today, Anambra, under Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has returned to the dark era.

    Half of Anambra’s local government areas are under the command and control of non-state actors, which Soludo has long abandoned. The roads leading to other areas are collapsing fast, and there is no interest in maintaining them.

    No community in Anambra State can point to one completed project by Charles Soludo in his 19 months in office. He seems more interested in enriching his family, while Dubia-Taiwan and Hong-Kong are vague and nebulous.

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    Following the fight and resignation of former Finance Commissioner Ifeatu Onejeme over who would control the state’s finances between him and Soludo’s in-law, who is the de facto governor, Soludo appointed his nephew, Okafor Moses, as the new commissioner for finance. This decision went against his own public statement that he would not appoint a commissioner from his Aguata, talk more of his own community, and kindred. (Perhaps if it had been Tinubu, Soludo supporters would have ripped him apart, but for a Soludo, it’s not nepotism.)

    Again, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Soludo’s daughter Adaora gets sixty million naira (60,000,000) every year for her lackluster fashion expo. This does not contribute any economic value to the state; instead, it is a channel through which money is shipped overseas and siphoned.

    For the last 19 months, many have been looking for the solution that Soludo promised, but all they have seen are problems and Soludo family interest.

    Charles Soludo’s knee is on the neck of ndị Anambra; we can’t breathe.

    Uloka Chibuike is a Public Policy Analyst based in Awka, Anambra State Capital.

  • Soludo swear in new finance commissioner

    Soludo swear in new finance commissioner

     

    By Ovat Abeng

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, has sworn-in Mr. Izuchukwu Okafor as the new Commissioner for Finance.

    Governor Soludo performed the function at the State Executive Chamber, Government House, Awka, on Wednesday.

    The Governor asked him to prioritize the objectives of fiscal discipline, revenue expansion, investment attraction, accountability and transparency, and reminded him that his actions in the role will not only affect the present, but the also the future.

    He tasked him on being committed to delivering on the objectives and leaving a positive legacy for the state.

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    Swearing-in proper and official induction into the Executive Council formed the highpoint of the brief ceremony.

    Recall that last week, following the Governor’s nomination, the Anambra State House of Assembly confirmed Mr. Izuchukwu Okafor as Commissioner-designate for Finance.

    Mr. Okafor is a seasoned financial expert with many years of experience in the banking and finance industry.

    He has worked with some of the most prestigious financial institutions in the country and has also held key positions in the state government including as former Senior Special Assistant to Governor Soludo on Finance and Audit since July, 2022.

    Mr. Okafor was also a Deputy Manager of Financial Operations and Audit, at Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from July 2020 to June 2022.

    The Paradise News gathered that Mr. Okafor took over from Mr Ifeatu Onejeme, whom according to information within the Government house resigned the position on personal and family reasons.

  • Soludo kicks-off Anambra community shield football competition

    Soludo kicks-off Anambra community shield football competition

    By Ovat Abeng

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, has kicked-off the Solution Community Shield Football Championship in the state.

    The Governor performed the ceremony at the Awka Township Stadium on Sunday, flanked by his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim.

    The championship kicked off with a flag-off ceremony, drawing a large crowd of fans from the 21 local government areas of the state.

    The large crowd of spectators were treated to an array of music and dance performances, with local artists showcasing their talents to the delight of the crowd.

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    179 teams will battle it out for the coveted title.

    Speaking shortly before the kick-off, the Governor expressed optimism that the healthy competition will get the youths busy and help to foster inter-community unity and progress.

    He recalled that his administration already flagged-off the sports economy in the state, saying that football is part of efforts to guarantee a healthy nation.

    The National President, Anambra State Association of Town Unions, ASATU, Barr. Titus Akpudo said that the community football championship promises to be an exciting tournament with a lot of memorable moments, assuring that fans and supporters can expect to witness some thrilling encounters and see some of the community’s most talented young footballers in action.

    He noted that the ASATU is ready to execute the Governor’s directives, expressing optimism that from participants, members of the “Solution Football Team”, will be selected.

    In their seperate interview with Newsmen, the State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftancy and Community Development, Hon Tony Collins Nwabunewanne, the State President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Emeka Odudeme and the Transition Committee Chairman of Idemili South LGA, Mrs Amaka Obi, applauded the initiative which they said will entrench peace and progress in Anambra Communities.

    The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Deputy Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Okoye, Chairman Anambra State Sports Development Commission, Mr Patrick Onyedum, representatives of Nigeria Football Federation, among others.

    It featured official kick-off by the Governor, march past by participating Local Government areas as well as a kick-off match between Awka and Ogidi communities.

  • Soludo presents cheque worth N1.524 billion to Anambra mission schools

    Soludo presents cheque worth N1.524 billion to Anambra mission schools

    By Ovat Abeng

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has presented cheques worth N1.524 billion to mission schools in the state.

    He said it is government support to improve quality of education and infrastructure.

    Governor Soludo presented the cheques to owners/operators of Anambra Mission Schools during a meeting held at Government Lodge, Amawbia, on Friday.

    A total of 762 Anambra Mission Schools received N2,000,000 each from the government of Anambra State.

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    Eight (8) schools returned to Salvation Army Schools received a total sum of N16,000,000.

    Two hundred and seventy-five (275) schools returned to Anambra Anglican Mission Public Schools received a total sum of N550,000,000, while four hundred and fifty-nine (459) schools returned to Anambra Catholic Mission Public Schools received a total sum of N918,000,000.

    Twenty (20) schools initially owned by Anambra Pentecostal Schools received a total sum of N40,000,000.

    In a remark, the governor said that the education sector is one large sector, for which his administration has a large agenda.

    He applauded owners of mission schools for their active participation in the health sector, of which most hospitals belong and decried the state of public sector components in the area of education and health.

    Governor Soludo noted that both sectors are fundamentally slacking backwards and that part of his agenda is to restore them, which is part of the primary duty of government anywhere in the world.

    The governor recalled that when he assumed office, no general hospitals had doctors.

    He however, assured that all general hospitals will be equipped with solar power so that ndi Anambra can have access to a qualitative healthcare system and educational system, especially the poorest of the poor.

    The Governor disclosed that hundreds of quack hospitals are in operation and reiterated his commitment to clean up the sector and make it work.

    “In the area of education, this is why we are here and what we are trying to achieve on education is also the same we want to achieve in the public health sector,” Governor Soludo said.

    He expressed displeasure that the society is creating two sets of citizens; the children of the poor abandoned in public schools and the children of the rich/average who can afford missions or private schools.

    He maintained his vision is to develop human capital in the state that will be productive at home and exportable abroad as well as to refurbish and recreate schools that will be smart, digital inclined. He also disclosed his plans to commence Leadership Science and Technology Schools.

    “We shall be encouraging ndi Anambra to adopt schools in their communities but even if you can’t, you can at least buy a pencil for a child. You will be amazed at what difference you can make. Club of Patrons will be formed in these public schools. We want communities to take ownership of these schools,” he said.

    Governor Soludo appreciated operators of Mission schools for their efforts over the years and what they will continue to do, describing them as almost being a substitute for the government.

    In a vote of thanks, the Chairman of PFN, Anambra State Chapter, Bishop Moses Ezedebego on behalf of all Anambra Mission Schools said that the Governor has demonstrated leadership, showing that all religious denominations can work together as a family.

    Bishop Ezedebego stressed that the Governor has wiped the tears of uncountable millions of poor ndi Anambra and his deeds today will remain indelible in the annals of the State history.