Opinion
By Victor Chigor
IT is needless and unnecessary defending the indefensible. No matter how we twist it, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Governor of Anambra State, is only giving flimsy excuse that is not tenable for underperformance and incapacitation to fulfil his campaign promises. Yes, we agree that education propels development, but it is sheepish and preposterous to have him claim that the literacy level of Anambra State is the militating factor why he has not turned the state to the Dubai-Taiwan of Africa as he promised while campaigning for the exalted position two years ago.
If you peruse the educational level in Anambra State. it is then wrong to argue that with right policies and politicking that the state can’t transform Anambra to a semblance of Dubai.
I pity Soludo for demeaning Anambra state in his usual modus operandi.
Anambra State has a literacy rate of 92.11%, ranking it among the top six most educated states in Nigeria. This is impressive, considering the state’s rich history and cultural significance. In comparison, Lagos State has a slightly higher literacy rate of 96.30%.
Here’s a breakdown of the top 5 most educated states in Nigeria:
– Imo State: 96.43% literacy rate
– Lagos State: 96.30% literacy rate
– Ekiti State: 95.79% literacy rate
– Rivers State: 95.76% literacy rate
– Abia State: 94.24% literacy rate
Anambra State’s education sector is notable, with 29 tertiary institutions. The state’s capital, Awka, is also known for its academic excellence. Historically, Anambra has been a hub for learning, with the ancient Kingdom of Nri being a significant civilization centre.
Taiwan literacy level
Taiwan’s literacy rate has been impressive, with a current rate of 98.87%. However, I couldn’t find specific information on the literacy level before Taiwan’s development.
Historically, Taiwan’s education system was influenced by various rulers, including the Dutch East India Company, the Ming Chinese loyalists under Koxinga, Qing China, and Japan. During the Japanese period, elementary school students attended classes, and Christianity was taught under Dutch rule.
After World War II, the Republic of China took control of the island, and the education system was transformed to assimilate the Taiwanese population. By 1968, public education became compulsory from primary school through junior high school.
Today, Taiwan’s education system is highly regarded, with 95% of junior high school students continuing on to senior high or vocational school. The country’s emphasis on education has contributed to its economic development and high university entrance rate.
ON INSECURITY
One must first and foremost, consider our Federal allocation, IGR and what the selfsame governor takes home monthly as Security Vote, though not accounted for, and accurate amount can’t be stated here.
I witnessed the massacre at Ifite Awka, which followed closely after the dastardly act of cowards at Nibo. Is that not enough reason to call for resignation of a governor in normal clime. The same governor, who in unbecoming manner through misspeak, maladministration and government, once again has offended our collective sensibilities through thoughtless claims of prioritizing education.
Is Mr Soludo not overwhelmed? Has he performed better than any past governor in area of security, economic, social, political development etc. Is Anambra in the time past this unsafe? Has he any Catholics. I can’t go on and on with staccato of queries, but will in next piece provide effective solutions.
INDICES OF DEVELOPMENT AND FACTORS THAT DRIVE IT
Anambra is totally equipped with humongous human and material resources as well as literacy level to drive development and growth except that there is paucity of ideas, right leadership and political will. Soludo, if he has advisers, is not being advised rightly or is always recalcitrant and hardly acts on advices. Peruse below what we get monthly and yet the government is trying daily to gaslight and hoodwink the discerning populace of our dear state. Who did we offend, the gods or God? Anambra State’s financial information is quite detailed.
Federal Allocation:
The federal allocation for Anambra State varies monthly. According to the Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC, the state received N31,853,663,375.37 and N37,745,435,639.64 as federal allocation in two different months. For more precise and up-to-date information, I recommend checking the official FAAC website.
Internally Generated Revenue, IGR:
Anambra State’s IGR has been increasing over the years. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the most recent figures. However, the state’s total revenue, including IGR, increased from N114 billion . If you need the latest IGR figures, I suggest visiting the Anambra State Government’s official website.
Security Vote:
The amount allocated for security votes is typically not publicly disclosed due to sensitivity. Therefore, I couldn’t find information on how much Professor Soludo receives monthly for security votes.
I can’t state exactly what he takes as Security Vote because it is always shrouded in secrecy, but nobody could convince me that Soludo, if capable, hasn’t enough to make Anambra safe investment destination and economic hub.
Let us divest ourselves of sentiment and stop defending the indefensible as we entertain the hope of a snake developing four legs overnight. Soludo is a failure, and I can’t mince words in saying it here. Our political currency, emotion, leanings and bents must be pocketed to evaluate holistically the activities of a man who has taken our dear state to nadir and her economy to cliff drop.
Victor Tito Tochukwu Chigor, a poet and mass communicator, write from Anambra State.
26th October, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: GOV. Chukwuma Soludo
