The Publicity Secretary of the Peoples’ Democratic Party in Anambra State, Uloka Chibuike, has criticised the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, saying that the governor has performed “poorly” since he was sworn in nearly two years ago.

Chibuike stated this in a statement made available to our correspondent on Wednesday, insisting that the governor cannot point to a single significant project that has been completed to alleviate the plight of the people of Anambra.

He said, “It has been nearly 24 months since the people of Anambra State turned out in large numbers to elect Soludo as the executive governor. His reputation as a professor, renowned economist, and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria gave him an edge over other candidates in the November 2021 election.

“With his promise-filled manifesto, the expectations were high. However, 24 months later, the suffering, pains, and struggles of the people of Anambra have only increased, leaving the state in comatoseness.

“As Soludo’s tenure reaches the two-year mark in a few months, his administration cannot point to a single significant project that has been completed to alleviate the plight of the people of Anambra. Instead, it has been a series of disappointments with no tangible progress to show.”

He added that since Soludo became governor, the roads in Anambra have become almost “impassable”, making it difficult for small-scale business owners and traders to access their places of business.

According to him, the few road projects that have been awarded to date, have been assigned to questionable contractors, resulting in more problems than solutions.

“It is high time for Soludo to consider resigning, as the state is suffering spiritually, emotionally, physically, and economically. His incompetence and unfulfilled promises have led to tragedies like those experienced by poor traders who can’t use the road to access their place of business.

“His administration has caused irreparable damage to the state, resulting in poverty and inflicting mental, emotional, and physical torture on the people. Since taking office, Soludo has organised multiple fundraising programmes among Anambra stakeholders and imposed oppressive taxes on small and medium-sized enterprises and businesses, leading to high revenue collection.

“However, these revenues have not translated into relief for the people or meaningful development. The administration has been characterised by propaganda, lies, and deceit. State funds remain unaccounted for, and the regime lacks a clear vision for their utilisation.

“Anambra State is facing a dire situation with non-existent motorable roads just weeks before Christmas. Security remains a significant concern, with the governor failing to address the issue in many local governments controlled by non-state actors.

“Under Soludo’s administration, leadership has deteriorated, and the people of Anambra are forced to celebrate important events outside their ancestral homes due to insecurity. Even traditional rulers are no longer able to celebrate Ofala festivals due to these challenges.

“With another Christmas approaching and numerous challenges ahead, it is unlikely that our people will be able to return home. In September, the administration awarded the contract for the Ugwunwasike Road, which leads to the biggest building material market in South East, if not West Africa. Despite the release of funds, the road’s condition has worsened, negatively impacting businesses and motorists.

“Despite the significant attention and publicity, the densely populated Okpoko remains neglected. Owerri Road, despite its heavy traffic and financial contributions to the state, poses a constant threat to citizens’ lives through accidents and diseases. Beyond failed Raods, Anambra under Soludo is the dirtiest state to live or do business in today,” the statement added.

But in a swift reaction on the telephone, the Press Secretary to Soludo, Christian Aburime, dismissed the claims, insisting that the governor has achieved so much in less than two years in office.

Aburime said, “Anyone who is in doubt should visit Anambra to see the massive transformation firsthand.

“The ranting of the opposition is just to distract Soludo, who has remained focused on delivering tangible dividends of democracy to the good people of Anambra.

“The Soludo government holds the record of being the first government in Anambra that is compassionate and empathetic towards the downtrodden in the state. It is a pro-people government.

“His achievements are still counting, among others, the 5,000 teachers already employed in the education sector. The 3,000 additional teachers about to be employed in public schools

“Free education/levies and all manner of charges abolished from primary to JSS1 in all public schools Free antenatal and delivery services in a government-owned hospital for pregnant women. More than 400 km of roads were under construction just within the first 18 months in office. Most nearing completion

“Massive electrification of the entire landscape of Anambra State of 25,000 solar-powered streetlights already in place, saving the state a whooping N600m diesel expenditure monthly.

“Empowerment of youth through the Solution 1Youth 2skills programme. 5,000 youths already trained in various vocations and professions to be equipped and given grants to start their business, among others.” (The PUNCH)

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