Anambra Weekly

Aburime, Soludo's CPS, Receives Excellence Award In Strategic Communication, Public Service

By Niyi Lasisi

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Mr. Christian Aburime, has been bestowed with the Award of National Excellence in Strategic Communication and Public Service during the 10th National Leadership Integrity and Development Summit and Awards 2026.

The high-profile event, held at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja, was organized by the Center for Ethical Conduct Orientation and Empowerment (CECOE) in partnership with the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria.

Commemorating Nigeria's 66th anniversary, the gathering centered on the theme, "Making Nigeria Work, Through Trusted Leadership, Working institutions, Economic Growth, Sustainable Development and National Security."

Represented at the ceremony by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media Productions, Mr. Ejike Abana, the Chief Press Secretary dedicated the award to the Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo and good people of Anambra State.

The event featured panel discussions and keynote addresses from prominent leaders focusing on national progress, as Dr. Owah David, Executive Director of CECOE, opened discussions by addressing the core question of what is required to make Nigeria work, noting that the pursuit reflects the foundational passion of the nation's birth and emphasized that progress relies on deliberate action rather than mere wishes.

Dr. Rabiu Olowo, Chairman of the Occasion, stressed that the nation requires strong institutions alongside capable leadership that transcends individual character, adding that true development must incorporate sustainability and measurable improvements in citizens' lives, urging transparency and accountability to become daily lifestyles rather than isolated event-based practices.

Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, Chairman of the House Committee on Customs who Co-Chaired the event, spoke on the theme "Making Nigeria Work: Leadership, Institutions and Citizens; Our Collective Responsibility," asserting that national progress requires essential reforms and a fundamental shift in citizen attitudes.

Commending the President Tinubu-led administration reforms such as subsidy removal and the reallocation of funds into productive ventures, he highlighted that the country is steadily advancing toward manufacturing and increased foreign direct investment (FDI).

Soludo versus Obi: Beyond public records, the rest is politics

By Ebuka Onyekwelu, Ph.D

Since last week, I have received several calls and messages from strangers, friends, family, and colleagues about what they tagged “political war” between Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and former Governor, Mr. Peter Obi. They all reached out to know why things cannot be different. Their concerns with some exceptions can be summarized as follows: Why is Governor Soludo trying to pull Peter Obi down instead of focusing on Anambra State? Secondly, why is Soludo speaking against his brother? Does Soludo think Ndi Igbo will not pay him back by withdrawing their support if he wants to become President in the future? Finally, is there a way Soludo can stay out of Obi’s case? Those were their questions. The first thing one sees is that, by far, some people have deliberately put all the blame and responsibility for political alliance between NDC and APGA on Governor Soludo. There is no place or case where peacebuilding responsibility or alliance rests solely on an individual. Also, there is no face-off where one party takes all the blame. I therefore suspect that what some of these Mr. Obi's supporters want is a state of absolute compliance with their political choices by others. Unfortunately, that cannot happen because it is not the nature of politics.

To answer the first question: how about why can’t Mr. Peter Obi focus on his presidential campaign and leave Anambra State alone? Yes! That’s exactly the point. Governor Soludo or the Anambra State Government merely responded to the open challenge thrown at the Government by Obi. What the Government did was speak to the facts in response to the challenge by Mr. Peter Obi. The Government has a duty to put the records straight, especially when it is publicly challenged to do so. That said, the conversation has since moved swiftly beyond facts to politics, which is often clothed in unregulated emotions. This leads me directly to the second question. To answer that, there is no “brother” in politics. This should be clear to everyone, but especially those in Mr. Peter Obi’s camp. For instance, Mr. Peter Obi and Chief Victor Umeh are brothers from the same Anaocha LGA in Anambra State. Their communities of Agulu and Aguluzigbo are neighbours and share historical affinities. Yet, Chief Umeh joined forces with former Governor Willie Obiano from far away Aguleri to wage an intense political war against his brother, Mr. Peter Obi, for almost 8 years. There is nothing that can be said against someone that Chief Umeh did not say against Mr. Obi. But today, both are back on the same political vehicle, from the Labour Party in 2023 to the NDC ahead of 2027. If Peter Obi and Victor Umeh can be found on the same political page after more than 8 years apart, take it or leave it, but Mr. Peter Obi can become Soludo’s Presidential Campaign Adviser in the future. This is the nature of politics. It is also a lesson for those who have taken it too personally and have gone out of their way, throwing words carelessly.

On the concern that Ndi Igbo will not support Soludo because he did not support Peter Obi, this is not supported by recent political events. Mr. Peter Obi did not become the candidate of choice for many Ndi Igbo overnight. In fact, when Obi took over as governor of Anambra in 2006, Dr. Chris Ngige’s assertive persona intimidated Obi, and for a long time, he struggled. People wanted him to be like Ngige, who was more outgoing, less formal, and practical. Most people did not give Obi any benefit of the doubt. They kept attacking him and eventually gave him the sobriquet of “Ada Obi,” insisting he was unfit to govern Anambra State. There were so many protests against Obi’s government. Dr. Ngige was the people’s man. He commanded a level of cult followership that was unseen before then, and many regarded him as an Igbo Leader. But by the time Obi returned for his second term in office in 2010, Dr. Ngige began to fade, as some of his key supporters and mobilizers moved on. Today, Ngige is almost completely history, while the same Peter Obi who was thought of as unfit is now seen by the same people as a champion of governance. What changed? Therefore, the only thing that would have diminished Professor Soludo was if he lost the November 2025 governorship election. Nothing else can diminish him, and nothing can stop popular Southeast support at any time in the future. By the time the passion of politics fades around mid next year, some people speaking against Soludo will come to terms with the fact that he has done well. This will reinforce support for Soludo. This, too, is the nature of politics. Wike left his brother Rotimi and is supporting President Tinubu. Kwankwaso left his brother Atiku and is Obi's running mate. Makinde left his brother Tinubu to become his own presidential candidate.

To address the final concern, I will say that there is no way Governor Soludo will stay away from the 2027 Presidential Election as long as progressives are working together. To begin, such a request is a very ridiculous and, in fact, parochial demand. Every supporter of Peter Obi is playing politics, but others should be silent or support Obi. We all know what we are doing. Obi’s supporters are lashing out at others who are entitled to their own choice of preferred candidate, while retaining their own right to support their own candidate. It is all politics, and no one is more patriotic than another because of political choice. Such posturing by some of Obi’s supporters is simply political extremism packaged as public good. For starters, Governor Soludo is not someone who can be cajoled, intimidated, or blackmailed into silence. Nobody around Governor Soludo can be cajoled. Such a thing can never happen. The truth is that even Soludo has been far more generous to Peter Obi’s ambition since 2022. Soludo opened the Government House of Anambra State for Obi, and he declared, for the first time, his presidential ambition in the Government House. I don’t think any other person has given Peter Obi’s aspiration such recognition since 2022 to date. The bottom line is that anyone supporting Peter Obi but vilifying someone else for supporting their own candidate of choice is not only childish, but also shows a fundamental misunderstanding of politics. No, why must everybody leave Peter Obi alone? No one is above scrutiny, especially someone who has presented himself for public office.

SOLUDO PARDONS AKWA OKUKO TIWARA AKI, GRANTS IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROM CORRECTIONAL CENTRE

By Christian ABURIME

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has granted an executive pardon and immediate release to the popular native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, widely known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki.

​Nwangwu, who was previously remanded and subsequently sentenced following a court verdict over charges related to the promotion of quick wealth and fe**sh practices, regained his freedom after Governor Soludo exercised his prerogative of mercy.

​During a visit to the Nigeria Correctional Centre, Amawbia, the Governor announced the immediate clearance for his discharge. Addressing the facility, Governor Soludo explicitly delivered the directive for his release: ​"As I am leaving, you are leaving this facility as well. You are free with immediate effect."

​Governor Soludo signed the necessary papers on the spot, sealing his immediate release from custody.

​The pardon comes with the condition that Nwangwu transitions into a new role as an Ambassador for Youth Reformation, channeling his influence toward value reorientation and discouraging practices associated with unwholesome quick-wealth tendencies among the youth.

Governor Soludo had on the same day visited the Onitsha Correctional Centre where he interacted with some inmates and promised to discharge his perogative of mercy to some deserving after the recommendation of the committee set up to review the inmates cases

FORWARDED ACCORDINGLY:

There is something deeply embarrassing about what happened in Rivers State yesterday.

Not because Nyesom Wike and Rotimi Amaechi are political enemies. Nigerians are used to political enemies.

Not even because Wike chose to attend a political reception on the same day Amaechi was burying his mother. Politics in Nigeria has become so ruthless that even that may no longer surprise anyone.

What should concern us is what happens when a man becomes so consumed by political rivalry that he appears incapable of recognising that there are moments when politics must stop.

A mother was being buried.

Not a political opponent.

Not an election.

Not a campaign rally.

A mother.

Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi was being laid to rest at Ubima yesterday, and instead of allowing the solemnity of the occasion to stand on its own, Wike's reception was taking place at nearby Omagwa, while security restrictions were reported along the route connecting the two communities. The Rivers ADC has alleged that the arrangement was deliberately designed to frustrate access to the burial. That allegation should be properly investigated and established.

But even beyond the road controversy, Wike's conduct at the reception tells us something about the man and the politics he represents.

He reportedly used the occasion to remind everyone that Amaechi cannot defeat him in 2027.

Imagine that.

A man is burying his mother, and your overriding political message on that particular day is that you will defeat him at the polls.

This is where political competition becomes something uglier.

There must still be red lines in public life.

You can fight your opponent politically.

You can expose him.

You can defeat him at the polls.

You can disagree with him on everything.

But there should be places where even your enemy is entitled to dignity.

Death should be one of them.

This is why I find the argument that Wike is simply “powerful” somewhat misleading.

Wike is not powerful because the office of FCT Minister gives him some extraordinary political authority over his former governor.

His influence comes from the political protection and confidence he presently enjoys at the highest level of government, combined with how the President believes that he has helped him fight the opposition over the years.

Take away that political cover and much of what Nigerians presently perceive as Wike's extraordinary power changes immediately.

That is why the most important question is not whether Wike can intimidate Amaechi.

The question is whether anyone above Wike can tell him: enough.

Because when political power becomes so absolute that a public official begins to believe every boundary is negotiable, the problem is no longer merely Wike.

It becomes the political environment that permits such behaviour.

And this is where President Tinubu cannot wash his hands.

The President may have his political calculations. Wike may be useful to him. They may share interests and political objectives.

But there must be a point at which political usefulness gives way to institutional responsibility.

A minister cannot be allowed to behave as though his political battles are state business.

And nobody should be allowed to weaponise public authority against a political opponent, particularly at a moment of private grief.

I have disagreed with Amaechi politically in the past, just as I have disagreed with Wike on many things. None of that matters here.

If tomorrow Wike loses a parent, I would expect the same dignity to be accorded to him.

If Atiku Abubakar were to lose a parent, the same principle would apply.

If Peter Obi were to lose a parent, the same.

If Tinubu himself were mourning, the same.

Because there are some things bigger than politics.

Death is one of them.

And perhaps that is the most disturbing thing about yesterday.

It was not merely another episode in the Wike-Amaechi feud.

It was a reminder of what Nigerian politics becomes when men begin to mistake political power for the absence of limits.

Wike might have defeated Amaechi politically in the past.

He might have even been able to outmanoeuvre him.

But if political victory requires us to lose every instinct of decency along the way, then perhaps we should ask ourselves what exactly we are celebrating.

Politics should have opponents.

It should not have enemies whose grief we are prepared to desecrate.

Mr President, this is one place where you need to draw the line.

Political power must have limits.

Call Wike to order before it's too late .

Solomon Dalung Esq .

GOVERNOR SOLUDO PRESENTS CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION TO NSUGBE AND ADAZI-NNUKWU MONARCHS AS ANAMBRA MOVES TO OVERHAUL COMMUNITY GOVERNANCE

By Christian ABURIME

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR has declared that permanent peace is a non-negotiable prerequisite for grassroot development, charging newly recognized traditional rulers to act as impartial fathers to all members of their respective domains.

Speaking at the Light House, Awka during the presentation of certificates of recognition to the Traditional Ruler of Nsugbe and Adazi-Nnukwu, Igwe John Nzekwesili Nweke and Igwe Aethelbirth Muoka respectively, the Governor offered both congratulations and commiserations and acknowledged the challenges of leadership, noting that opposition to authority is a long-standing reality. He urged the monarchs to make every effort to ensure peace, emphasizing that they are now the fathers of all, embracing both supporters and critics alike.

Highlighting systemic issues in grassroots administration, Governor Soludo revealed that the state is working on a New Community Administration Law designed to birth structured community governance. He pointed out that communities are currently governed by voluntary town unions registered under the Corporate Affairs Commission, a system that has led to multiple rival factions and endless court cases regarding leadership and traditional rulership. Contrasting this with higher tiers of government, the Governor remarked that factions only exist in communities because they are run by voluntary associations.

Governor Soludo enjoined veteran traditional rulers to guide the new entrants as the state works to evolve a new society through a bottom-up approach that will put Anambra communities on the global map.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Barr. Ifeanyi Ezeaka, remarked that both traditional rulers went through due process of law at the selection level.

"These new leaders are the first to be presented in Mr Governor second tenure, following twelve traditional rulers recognized during his first term, transitioning from the communities through the local government authorities before receiving final state approval.

Speaking to the media, the two traditional rulers assured the public of harmonizing their people to enthrone peace in their respective communities.

The event was also witnessed by the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers' Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, alongside the Presidents-General of both communities.