Opinion
By Paul Nwosu
“An itinerant people cannot afford to an intolerant tribe.” This statement has been Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s regular refrain on how the Igbo nation should structure their politics in a diverse country like ours.
It is obvious that our people are in every part of the country, pursuing their different businesses in relatively peaceful atmosphere. It only stands to reason that we cannot afford to be bigoted and sectional in our dealings with other people, especially our host communities.
Our political forerunners realized this and that was why they attained the lofty heights they did in our national politics. Nigeria’s first president and commander-in-chief, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, is depicted in a currently trending viral post on the internet making his October 1 Independence Day speech by calling all other Nigerian leaders such as Alhaji Ahmadu Bello (Sardauna of Sokoto), Chief Obafemi Awolowo etc. to join hands with all other diverse ethnic nationalities of Nigeria to build a united nation. This is the lofty example for our modern-day political leaders to follow.
Governor Soludo is justly celebrated all over Nigeria as a non-discriminatory leader. His philosophy is all-inclusive and all accommodating. This philosophy is reflected in his administration’s policies and programmes, and also his personal life. For him, healthy competition among all the people is what makes the society triumph in progress.
When Mr. Governor employed 5000 teachers, he went for the very best not minding where they’re from. As far as he’s concerned, once the teachers are capable of giving quality teaching, they can come from anywhere. The important matter was for the teachers to excel through competitive tests across board.
This sterling attitude was again demonstrated when Governor Soludo hired the first batch of 350 doctors and healthcare personnel. None of them was asked for his or her state of origin. According to Governor Soludo, a sick person does not ask for his/her doctor’s state of origin.
It is thus noteworthy that when the second vacancy advert for healthcare workers was put out stating that only Anambra State indigenes are eligible, government immediately directed the author of the vacancy advert to publicly apologize and revise the advert accordingly. That is the pan-Nigerian Anambra Way, as objectively delivered by the Soludo administration.
The potential trainees for the “One Youth, Two Skills” were drawn from all parts of the land without asking where they are from. The trained 5000 youths will soon be given financial grants by the government to start up.
It’s the same with the Free Education policy in public Nursery, Primary and Junior Secondary schools. Every child resident in the state is equally entitled. The same goes for the free antenatal and child delivery services.
It is also on record that some of Governor Soludo’s domestic staff, close aides and political appointees are not from Anambra State. That is nwa Mgbafor for you!
As the saying goes, one good turn deserve another. Those who enjoy these benefits should play their own part by meeting their civic obligations. Paying their taxes is one of them. Being a good citizen by shunning every manner of criminality is another.
It is through the prompt payment of taxes that all residents of Anambra State can hold the government accountable. As Governor Soludo does not discriminate in his accommodation of natives and residents alike, it is incumbent on all to pay taxes and avoid criminality so that Mr. Governor’s plan of a liveable and prosperous Anambra State can come to fruition.
The good life demanded as the dividend of democracy can be delivered by the government once all residents of Anambra State do not default in their civic responsibilities. There is no escaping the fact that it is the tax collected from the people that builds roads, schools, and hospitals.
A well-thought-through tax regime serves the society with security, electricity, potable water, and clean environment. The resident who does not pay taxes cannot in good conscience demand for these services from the government.
It is a matter of candid responsibility that the government of Anambra State under the watch of Governor Soludo has given the firm promise that all the tax revenues entrusted to the administration will be completely accounted for. It is little wonder then that every government project in Anambra State now bears the legend: “Your Tax Is Working For You.”
It is expected that Anambra people sojourning in other lands would equally acquit themselves well in performing their due civic responsibilities in their host states.
***”Paul Nwosu is the commissioner for Information, Anambra State
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-October 16, 2023 @ 15:38 GMT |
Tags: Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo Paul Nwosu
