A combined team of policemen and soldiers this afternoon repelled an attack by unknown gunmen at Odoata Primary School, Ihiala, where the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was scheduled to organize a campaign rally for the Soludo the APGA candidate for the November 6 Anambra Election.
Details later….
Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has commended the Senate for reversing itself on electronic transmission of results, saying it was a huge victory for the nation’s democracy.
Ekweremadu said the Senate’s action justified his assurances to Nigerians in July that all hope was not lost for electronic transmission of 2023 election results despite the initial setback.
In a statement by his media aide, Uche Anichukwu, Ekweremadu said: “I want to specially commend the Senate for setting aside narrow partisan interests to correct the mistake of July 15, 2021 by reversing itself on the issue of electronic transmission of election results.
“This clause, though not originally part of the Bill, was introduced by the Joint National Assembly Committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission, which I am part of, to save the nation the troubles of ballot box snatching, electoral violence, and manipulations that happen between the polling booth and collation centres.
“Although I was representing Nigeria at an international parliamentary session in Montenegro and therefore unavoidably absent during the passage of the Bill in July, I had assured Nigerians that we would work with the progressives across party lines to dialogue with our colleagues and other critical stakeholders to ensure that electronic transmission of results was restored in the Bill.
“It is, therefore, heart-warming that my confidence in the capacity of my colleagues to dialogue and rise above narrow partisan interest on this matter was not misplaced.
“I must also commend the Civil Society Organisations and Nigerians for standing up for what is right for the nation and our democracy”.
It is recalled that Ekweremadu had in a statement by his media aide on July 17, 2021 assured Nigerians that the “results of the 2023 elections will ultimately be electronically transmitted because it is the best way to go”
This is why sit at home is gaining street acceptance. Watch and share to go viral
The Department of State Services has flown veteran actor, Chiwetalu Agu, to Abuja as part of investigations for promoting Biafra and allegedly inciting members of the public.
Agu was first arrested by the Nigerian Army on October 7, 2021, around Upper Iweka in Onitsha, Anambra State, for wearing a Biafra outfit while distributing bread and other items to the poor.
The army had accused him of soliciting support for the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra which has been accused of several acts of terrorism. He was subsequently handed over to the DSS for investigation and prosecution.
However, a relative of the Nollywood actor told The PUNCH that they had been denied access to him.
The relative, who wished to remain anonymous because of the sensitivity of the case, said Agu was first moved from Anambra to Enugu and then to Abuja.
He said attempts to see him in Abuja were rebuffed by the DSS.
We spent two days trying to ascertain his whereabouts. We were later informed that he was moved to Enugu and then Abuja.
We heard that the idea is to move him away from the South-East. We have made efforts to see him, but the DSS has not granted us access. Even the lawyers have not been allowed to reach him,” the relative said.
Attempts to get a response from DSS spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunaya, proved abortive as he rejected calls; while a text message had not yet been responded to as of the time of filing this report.
Agu, who has starred in several movies, including ‘Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story’, which is now showing on Netflix, has been a known supporter of the Biafra struggle.
He has also been critical of the regime of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), for allegedly marginalising the Igbo.
(Punch)
After weeks of public outcry, the Senate has reversed its earlier stance on the power of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to carry out electronic transmission of election results.
The red chamber has re-amended the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 202I, to allow the electoral umpire determine the procedure for the transmission of election results.
This was just as the upper chamber of the National Assembly also asked political parties to determine the modality for holding primaries for aspirants to all elective positions.
The chamber added that some fundamental issues which required fresh legislative action were observed by the Senator Kabiru Gaya-led Committee in the legislation.
Accordingly, the Senate in a motion for re-committal, re-amended certain aspects of the Bill contained in clauses 43, 52, 63 and 87, respectively.
The chamber also amended clause 87 to allow political parties to determine the modality for holding primaries for aspirants to all elective positions.
(Journalist101)
Uba sued over secondary school certificate
• APC candidate accused of submitting SSSC certificate when such did not exist in 1974
11th October 2021
Barely one week after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the final list of candidates for the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State, the standard bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Andy Ubah, has been dragged to court over the school certificate he allegedly submitted for the election.
Also sued are the APC, the INEC and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
In a suit no FHC/ABJ/CS/1211/2021, filled on October 8, 2021 at Federal High Court, Abuja, a political party participating in the election alleged that the Form EC9 submitted by the APC (1st respondent) and Uba (2nd respondent) to INEC (3rd respondent) was full of false information.
According to the political party, in its affidavit in support of Originating Summons, the Senior School Certificate Examination May/June 1974 Statement of Result purportedly issued by Union Secondary School, Awkunanaw, Enugu, Enugu State under the Enugu State School System and allegedly bearing the name of Uba Emmanuel Nnamdi with Candidate Number 05465/089 is false.
It said that in 1974 when Uba left secondary school, the WAEC (4th respondent) did not conduct Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), but “only commenced the conduct of Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) sometimes in 1988 under the 6-3-3-4 System of Education adopted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The political said WAEC conducted General Certificate of Education (GCE) in May/June 1974 and even up to 1978, which is at variance with the Senior School Certificate Examination May/June 1974 Statement of Result purportedly issued by Union Secondary School, Awkunanaw, Enugu, Enugu State under the Enugu State School System” and allegedly submitted by Ubah.
It also said the claims in the certificate, allegedly submitted by Uba, that the examination was conducted under the Enugu State school system in 1974 was also false as Enugu State was only created in 1991.
“Enugu State was not yet created in 1974 when the 2nd Respondent (Uba) left secondary school but was created in August 1991,” the political said, while also submitting that “the purported Senior School Certificate Examination May/June 1974 Statement of Result purportedly issued by Union Secondary School Awkunanaw, Enugu, Enugu State under the Enugu State School System” and allegedly submitted by Uba to INEC in Form EC9 as qualifying him to contest the 2021 Anambra State gubernatorial election is false.
It therefore wants the court, in its originating summons brought pursuant to Section 182(1)(j) of the 1999 constitution (as amended) and Section 3195) & (6) of the amended Electoral Act, 2011, to determine whether WAEC (4th respondent) or any other examination body conducted Senior School Certificate Examination in May/June 1974 at Union Secondary School, Awkunanaw, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria for Uba with Examination Number 05465/089.
The political party also wants the court to determine “whether the 4th Respondent (WAEC) through Union Secondary School, Awkunanaw, Enugu, Enugu State under the Enugu State School System validly issued a Senior School Certificate Examination May/June 1974 to Uba Emmanuel Nnamdi with Candidate Number 05465/089.”
It therefore seeks a declaration that the Senior School Certificate Examination, May/June 1974 Statement of Result allegedly issued by WAEC “through Union Secondary School, Awkunanaw, Enugu, Enugu State to Uba Emmanuel Nnamdi with candidate number 05465/089 submitted by the 1st and 2nd Respondents to the 3rd Respondent for the 2021 Anambra State gubernatorial election is false.
“A declaration that the West African Examination Council (WAEC) did not conduct Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) in May/June 1974 but conducted the General Certificate of Education (GCE) in May/June 1974.”
The political party also want a declaration that the 1st and 2nd Respondent’s act of allegedly “submitting to the 3rd Respondent, a Senior School Certificate Examination, May/June 1974 Statement of Result purportedly issued by the 4th Respondent through Union Secondary School, Awkunanaw, Enugu, Enugu State to Uba Emmanuel Nnamdi with candidate number 05465/089 constitutes giving false information to the 3rd Respondent and a breach of Section 182(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended as well as Section 31(6) of the Electoral Act as amended.”
It therefore asked the court for an order disqualifying Uba from contesting the 2021 Anambra State gubernatorial election for allegedly giving false information to INEC.
Also, the political party wants the court to give an order for the delisting of APC in the ballot party for the November 6, 2021 governorship election.
THE SOLUDO SOLUTION: A CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE PEOPLE’S MANIFESTO TOWARDS DEEPENING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN ANAMBRA STATE
By:
– Professor Chukwuemeka Eze Onukaogu
– Dr Nelson Obinna Omenugha
Soludo in a Nutshell: The Iconic Technocrat.
In every age and clime God has always raised someone to liberate a people and lead them into their Promised Land where their destiny is fulfilled. Abraham, Moses and, of course, Jesus Christ, the God-man whose physical appearance on earth some two thousand years ago, drastically and dramatically changed human growth and development, are just a few examples. Today in our country and state God has raised an iconic technocrat, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, to lead us into good governance that is not only people-oriented but also one that would eliminate the burden of our merely existing as human beings. Besides, his government would also make our people to optimally and maximally have fulfilled lives in all their aspirations and endeavours.
Chukwuma Soludo who has offered to serve Ndi Anambra as its Chief Servant is a very passionate village boy with very humble beginnings. He has travelled extensively around the world, living in Ethiopia, the US and the UK. Besides, he has visited major cities in all the continents of this world. Given his experience, Soludo wants at this point in his life to give back in full to us his community, Anambra State. He wants to devote all his God-given talents, experience, global and national networks to making Anambra State much better than he met it. He is determined to devote every minute of his life to work and mobilize all critical stake holders to make Ndi Anambra proud. He is indeed determined to hit the ground running if elected as the Chief servant. As the Chairman of Anambra Vision 2070, he has meticulously thought through the challenges and disruptive changes needed to secure the future. He is therefore determined, if given the opportunity of being the Chief Servant of the state to vigorously and rigorously implement the foundational phase of Vision 2070. Given his awareness of the nostalgia of our past in the First Republic where our founding fathers built Eastern Nigeria as the fastest growing economy in the world, Soludo not only wants to uphold their examples but also to move Anambra forward as the classic developmental state where wealth creation / poverty reduction is buoyed up by hard work, excellence in education, competition, integrity and service driven public service. Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, as the Chief Servant, has what it takes to make a positive and developmental mark in the all round robust growth of Anambra State.
Soludo: The Making of an Icon.
The emergence of Soludo as an icon for development and human transformation was not an accident. It was as a result of sound educational upbringing in which he spent and was spent in order to benefit optimally and maximally from the various levels of education that he passed through. From his WASC 1980 (obtained with Distinction), to B.Sc. Economic 1984 (First Class Honours – UNN) to his M.Sc. 1987 and Ph.D. Economics / Monetary Economics (UNN), 1989, he won many distinguishing accolades. Of course he was always primus inter pares among his peers. His Post Doctoral training and research were done in Ivy institutions in the UK and US. For instance, he was a Visiting Scholar; Brooklyn Institution Washington DC, 1991 – 1992; IMF 1994, Institute of Statistics and Center for Study of African Economies, University of Oxford, Smuts Research School, University of Cambridge, University of Warwick (1997). Apart from the short and long term research he undertook as a visiting scholar to sharpen his analytical capacity, Soludo also attended Post Doctoral programmes in first rate educational institutions in the US, Asia and Europe. His scholarship has been so highly esteemed by the universities within and outside Nigeria that he was awarded D.Sc. (Honoris Causa) in many reputable universities.
Apart from publishing extensively in learned and professional journals all over the world, Soludo was commissioned by many organizations all over the world to publish chapters and position papers that have promoted knowledge in his revered profession. It is not over stretching to contend that literally all known professional and international organizations like the IMF, World Bank, DFID to mention a few sought for his service. He has represented Africa in many UN sponsored studies on the upliftment of Africa from its present squalor. As a faithful Christian, he has played leading positions in the Roman Catholic Church in Anambra state. His astonishing contribution regarding the upliftment of humanity is abridged in his Election Manifesto where he fully states his vision and mission for Anambra if elected as the Chief Servant of the State. In view of his enormous contributions to the development of our country he received numerous mouth watering and prestigious awards from Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Musa Yar’Adua in 2004 and 2009 respectively. His national and international experiences, contributions to human capacity development and national and international networking have very soundly and beyond any doubt empowered him to feel the pulse of Ndi Anambra and to know precisely what to do, how to do it and when to do it – now – so that Anambra would be primus inter pares as the model for development not only in Nigeria but also in Africa and the rest of the world. That Anambra would become the fastest developing economy in the world is a task that must be done. This is a vision of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo. It is a mission he most sincerely wants to actualize for Ndi Anambra.
Soludo: Vision and Mission for Anambra State:
Soludo’s mission and vision for Anambra state as its Chief Servant is encapsulated in the following goals for the people where he wants them to:
• Live happily
• Learn happily
• Work happily
• Invest happily
• Enjoy happily
In order to achieve the above objectives the technocrat, Soludo, wants to transform Anambra state into an industrial hub for the nation and all of Africa. As an industrial hub, enough employment would be generated for the products of Anambra state schools, colleges and tertiary institutions and for the many artisans and craft persons who abound in the state. Top among his agenda is the transformation of Anambra state from a predominantly informal commercial state to a formal productive and competitive economy underpinned by rapid industrialization, agriculture, commerce, entertainment / leisure and the creative industry, technology and innovation, solid minerals and oil and gas. Besides, he intends to leverage the entrepreneurial and community spirit of Ndi Anambra to create a more industrialized economy. This will be enabled by constant power supply, guaranteed security, efficient transport infrastructure, aggressive investment drive and technology funded through innovative partnerships. The aim is to create the atmosphere in which everyone in Anambra state will live happily.
Soludo postulates a social agenda in which education, health, youth, women and vulnerable groups and human capital would be prioritized. They constituted the foundation of Anambra and former Eastern Region’s economy and social transformation in the First Republic as well as the basis for the present performance despite having some of the smallest government expenditure in Nigeria. Since human capital is the only renewable resource, every effort will be put in place to ensure that the human capital will be optimally and maximally developed. Therefore, Soludo’s plan has a huge detailed chapter on the functional education required for a transition to a post oil Nigeria and the 4th industrial revolution. Everything will therefore be done to develop the competence of teachers in the state and restore teaching as a profession of pride. Rigorous quality assessment in both public and private schools would be provided. In order to have a sound education base, the education agenda will provide a competitive Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) for all children under five years and to achieve 100% enrolment. The ultimate goal is that enough and the best of human and material resources would be provided so that every Anambra student, no matter what level of the school system would learn happily.
Health Care:
Soludo plans to provide access to quality and affordable healthcare to all residents of Anambra state. In collaboration with Ndi Anambra in the Diaspora, International Health Care Centers of Excellence will be provided. He plans to develop a strategic policy framework and implementation plan for health which provides effective oversight coalition building, appropriate legislation, regulations, incentives and accountability. Thus the provision of a world class healthcare management system through the adoption of globally proven community-driven strategies is sine qua non.
Youth and Women Empowerment:
Provisions will be made for Youth and Women Empowerment. For instance, he plans to continue and expand the appointment and involvement of young men and women in governance. He hopes to establish business incubation hubs equipped with high level technology, expertise, in partnership with relevant parties (academia, entrepreneurial development organizations and big technical companies) to transform ideas into burgeoning start ups. Programmes will be created at encouraging existing businesses (especially traders) to understand and leverage technology and e-commerce as tools for business expansion. Digitization and the replication of the Silicon Valley in Anambra state is inevitable and sine qua non
There is no doubt that Anambra’s future is in the hands of women. Women contribute 87% of secondary school teachers and 92% of primary school teachers in Anambra’s public schools. Thus Women Empowerment is not a token; it should be the mainstream at all levels of society. Therefore, deliberate steps would be taken to end all forms of discrimination based on gender. The Ministry of Social Welfare, Women and Children Affairs will be strengthened to give its four departments (Children, Women Affairs, Social Welfare and Rehabilitation) the required boost to do their jobs efficiently.
Vulnerable Groups:
As a Chief Servant of Anambra State, Soludo plans to put in place measures to identify talents early and ensure their participation in domestic and international games to enhance them to become professionals. He will also approve special education for Persons with Disability (PWD) to ensure the completion of their education to any school level they deserve and take deliberate steps to ensure their participation at all levels of decision making, governance and economic activity.
Good Governance, Rule of Law and Value System:
The Chief Servant of the state will live by example. He and his team plan to deploy a service delivery charter as a contract between citizens and public servants. The charter will clearly define what services citizens can expect and within what time frame. The ultimate goal on the whole is that Anambra State will become number one regarding the rule of law, property right and ease of doing business. The goal of government will be to mobilize Ndi Anambra using all government and civil society institutions to mainstream the true value of Ndi Anambra. Integrity, hard work, industry, competition of purpose with compassion and morals would be promoted and rewarded.
Environment:
Apart from addressing environmental challenges, he plans to work with the Federal Government and the DFIs to find solutions to the enormous environmental challenges that plague the state. His administration will strive to make Anambra state the most livable smart megacity in Nigeria. This, of course, requires planning and enforcement of minimum best practices and standards, ease of transport, communication, recreational facilities, public conveniences, etc.
Funding the Government:
As a matter of fact, funding the audacious agenda which Soludo has postulated can be very challenging, especially, in these trying economic times. Given his core competence as a development / monetary / micro economist and a seasoned international banker, Soludo has taken steps to ensure that enough funds are available to prosecute the agenda. As a matter of fact, the plan has been fully costed. It will be financed through a mix of direct government funding, private sector investment and concession project financing, PPP, grants from DFIs, counterpart financing from FGN and DFIs, and exploiting innovative financing mechanisms offered by the FGN such as the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, Infrastructure Funds, etc. Maximizing Anambra access to various FGN investments under the concurrent list will provide supplementary investment financing with sound clear rating for the state government. There will thus be easier access to the capital market. His government will only borrow from projects that will pay back and contribute to the state economic transformation.
Conclusion:
Today Nigerians enjoy internet banking. Besides, Nigerian banks rank among the most formidable banks in Africa and the world. These are the aftermath of Professor Chukwuma Soludo’s tenure as the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria. He was able to reposition Nigerian ailing economy and derelict banking to one of the most robust and viable economies in Africa as well as the most effective and efficient banking outlays in the continent. Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo if elected as the Chief Servant of Anambra State will not only lift Anambra State to a much higher ground but will also make Anambra State the Cinderella, the iconic model of a successful, vibrant and fastest growing and development-oriented economy in the world. One of his greatest desires is to revolutionalize digitization in Anambra state economy and without delay replicate the Silicon Valley in the state.
Prof Onukaogu is a Retired Professor of English Language, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife and Past Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Awka and INEC Enugu.
Dr Omenugha is a social entrepreneur and lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka.
Exciting times are indeed here as Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), gubernatorial candidate consolidates firmly on his electioneering campaign as he journeyed towards Agu Awka 2022 in style and glitz
Cee Cee Soludo has remained firm, solid and unshaken as he continues to reach out to the grassroots. At the last count, he remains the only candidate to have campaigned in six local government areas, bonding with the people and delivery messages of action, while others are yet to flag-off their campaign rally.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance party has shown beyond all reasonable doubts, that it is the party fully on ground in Anambra State. The party has continued to receive massive grassroots support all over the 21 LGAs and the 326 wards in the state.
As the Soludo campaign train moves from one local government to another in electrifying fashion, the people are coming out in their thousands to support and identify with the man that is about to revolutionize the state
His campaign message has been crisp, direct and infectious. The people believe him. And they are poised to deliver their votes for him come November 6, 2021. Even, school children are not left out.
Cee Cee Soludo got the shock of his life when Secondary School students from the top floor windows of their classroom at Onitsha South momentarily put their studies on hold to cheer and hail Soludo on arriving the entrance of the Onitsha South local government
It was a great emotional experience for Cee Cee Soludo as he couldn’t just help but to acknowledge cheers from these young children who had honoured him with such amazing love and affection
This experience, no doubt, would have meant so much for Soludo. For a man who loves and cherishes children, this would further spur him on to do more in the areas of giving qualitative education to every child in Anambra State. Though, he has already promised that Anambra will be the “digital tribe” in Nigeria and very child born in the state will key into the digital age so that they can compete favourable in the emerging digital world
On campaign ground, Soludo messages are not mere campaign rhetorics, but well couched messages anchored on what is feasible and achievable.
Every of his campaign message has been carefully thought through. Problems and challenges are identified and solutions are proffered. His messages are delivered in clear, unambiguous words. And the people see through his honesty and determination to effect dramatic changes in their lives. As he speaks to them, they cheer and yell in return: Odenigbo! Dike-Udo! Solution!
In his campaign message, Soludo has told Ndi Anambra that he will create 130,000 private sector led jobs annually and 1000 youth millionaires yearly as well. He assured that it will be job! job! job! for the people. He added no youth of Anambra extraction will have any incentive to seek greener pastures in Lagos or Abuja anymore, as Anambra will be developed as a prosperous homeland where the world will come to work, live, invest, learn and enjoy!
Governor Willie Obiano, the dynamic working governor of Anambra State has also attested to Cee Cee Soludo’s unassailable intergrity. And he has equally assured the people that every word Soludo has spoken will be fulfilled.
Indeed, Ndi Anambra has been extremely lucky with an Obiano as Governor and could even be luckier with a Soludo as a successor!
Let every Ndi Anambra come out enmasse and vote overwhelming for the Soludo/Ibezim ticket come November 6, 2021. This is the only viable option for a greater and prosperous Anambra State !
The temper of the contest for Anambra November 6, 2021 gubernatorial poll took new turns the moment Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo emerged as the candidate of the All Progressives’ Grand Alliance, APGA. The subsequent conspiracies to undermine his candidature culminated in cloudy impetus on the courts of the land. Unfortunately, the manoeuvers ended up bruising the esteemed demeanor of the judiciary. But for the crucial intervention by relevant judicial authorities, the hallowed institution would have suffered further ridicule from coarse politicians. The concerted desperation to stop Soludo howsoever by an assemblage of disguised foot soldiers and wanton acts of violence amplifies his catalytic prime presence as APGA’s flag bearer and the candidate to beat in Anambra 2021 election.
Victory in elections in Anambra State has never really been known to come cheap. From the State House of Assembly to the gubernatorial elections, Anambra gets rattled (if not quaky) during electioneering. Anambra 2021 poll presents a crop of persons who, to various degrees, are sworn to tweaking whatever there could be to assume Anambra gubernatorial seat in March 2022. The Anambra electorate, amply armed with a clear sense of the state’s electoral experiences and the pedigrees of the present frontline actors, choose not to be unduly distracted by either the braggadocios of ‘centre-party’ or the evident vast deployment of huge sums arrogantly flaunted as juicy baits for sabotaging the peoples’ popular cause.
Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s candidature in this election elicits strong passion of acceptance from a large population of Ndi-Anambra who are enthusiastic about the envisioned mileage his administration promises to make in advancement of the state. They predicate their expectation of premium performance on Soludo’s unblemished records as a global academic and a core development economist whose international acclaim comfortably bestrides the global academia and the practical world of grooming economies of developing nations and sustaining the growth rate of advanced economies across the globe. Anambra has not been this privileged before. Ndi-Anambra converge in the common understanding that with Soludo, the most glorious time of Anambra’s march to civilization is afoot. Little wonder Governor Obiano, in justifying his unwavering preference for Soludo as his successor, presents him as one who would do a lot better than any governor Anambra has ever had.
Truly, APGA has never been more disposed to asserting its electoral supremacy than now that Soludo flies its gubernatorial flag. The sublime spirits of the likes of Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Prince Arthur Eze and many more across party lines who lent support for APGA’s emergence as the voice of Ndigbo resonate today in the choice of Soludo. Truly, Soludo best fits the bill as Anambra’s governor at this most trying period in the history of Nigeria when shambolic national economy results in the social crises that increasingly diminish the sanctity of life amongst Nigerians
Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s inimitable academic records and brilliant job experiences as a renowned Economics scholar have seen him lecture in renowned institutions across the globe and consult for high profile international organizations like the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID), the World Bank, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), etc. He is fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and fellow of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), just as he is member of the Initiative for Policy Dialogue (IPD). Soludo was the Chief Economic Adviser to President Obasanjo and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Planning Commission of Nigeria. He was the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and currently serves in President Muhamadu Buhari’s 8-man Economic Advisory Council (EAC). Soludo has been variously decorated as a Great Reformer by the Financial Times, London; Global Banker, London (2006); Global and African Best Central Bank Governor for three consecutive years of 2005, 2006 and 2007, Financial Times, London. He equally enjoys the recognition of Red Cross for his outstanding contributions to the development of the society (2018). The APGA candidate for the November 6, 2021 poll, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, is all of these and more.
A story was told of how late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the eternal leader of APGA, was once invited to give the keynote address at an event at the Nigerian War College, during the regime of General Sani Abacha. As he was handed the microphone at the occasion, he dutifully observed the audience, noting the mixture of consternation, anxiety and excitement in their composition. In a carefully measured tone he said, ‘I understand that there have been questions and doubts about the appropriateness of my assigned role in the day’s function.’ Then taking a stern look around, as if in confirmation of his superior bearing, he bellowed, ‘If not Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who here present is better qualified for this sacred assignment?’ And in an undulating voice with mellowed timbre that bore his eternal imprimatur he addressed the topmost military officers present thusly: ‘If you were not lucky to have been instructed by me, I instructed your instructors. So why not Ikemba!’ The message sank: pedigrees and points of distinction established.
This goes to reinstate the Igbo ageless wise saying that one does not go contesting superiority in height with someone who is obviously over a head and shoulder taller than one. ‘Oda abu araro esibe ogologo!’ Truth be told; while not posting a blanket dismissal of other candidates in the November 6 election, whoever amongst them that comes a distant second behind Soludo in the poll would publicly celebrate such achievement, reminding his other colleagues that Soludo was never to be beaten and APGA, way ahead of their parties.
Okechukwu Anarado writes from Adazi-Nnukwu
