Opinion
By Paul Nwosu
Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s stance on our national politics has been unwavering and resolute. And the position appears to have been informed by the kind of hybrid politics practiced by great Anambra politicians of old.
Soludo’s views has been consistent with the political ideals postulated and lived by the likes of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Akweke Nwafor-Orizu, Chuba Okadigbo and so on. Aware that democracy is a game of numbers, these men reached out to their fellow compatriots from other regions of the country to broaden their political base in order to be able to actualise their dreams and agenda for the country. And there is no gainsaying the fact that they were largely successful with their brand of politics.
It wasn’t quite a surprise to many when Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, started to throw open his door to receive candidates, irrespective of party affiliation. According to him, the Igbo are itinerant people who cannot afford to be an intolerant tribe (ojemba enweilo).
Since he assumed office, Governor Soludo has received candidates from different political parties. But in according them warm receptions he does not mince words in telling them that he is a proud member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). And while he wishes them good luck, he is also quick to inform his guests that APGA has already girded its loins to vie for every inch of all the elective offices.
The most recent visit was that of the Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso. He paid a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia.
Governor Soludo, once again, bared his mind. He made a clear sense of the reason behind his receiving of various candidates for various elective positions from various political parties.
Governor Soludo commended Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso for his tenacity and belief in Nigeria, as well as his exemplary public service.
The Governor who believes that public service is the greatest philanthropy anyone can indulge had always called on people who have any service to render, to step forward and do so.
According to Professor Soludo, everyone should be allowed and given the freedom to canvass for votes, while people as well should be allowed to exercise their franchise without undue pressure and intimidation of any sort.
Governor Soludo is already projecting beyond the election. To him, the hardwork lies ahead of the election.
Governor Soludo said: “The hard work is beyond the election. At the end, whoever wins, we need to bring out people of like-minds for the transformation of this country. Nigeria has huge potentials that can be maximized to build a better future for our children.”
Speaking on the occasion, Alhaji Kwankwaso revealed that the visit was out of courtesy for the Governor who he believes has greatly excelled in all chosen fields of endeavour.
“We’ve been able to take our structure round the federation,” said Kwankwaso, adding, “we’ve been able to get very able candidates in all the states. Successive leaderships have failed the nation and unless something is done, only God knows what will happen. We’ve heard good stories about the good work you’ve done. I believe in your capabilities and we will continue to look at ways of working with you.”
He concluded thus: “We are presenting ourselves to reverse the negative trend of insecurity, economic crises and other challenges.”
***Paul Nwosu is the Anambra State commissioner for information.
KN
Tags: Charles Chukwuma Soludo Chuba Okadigbo Paul Nwosu
