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Raymond Ozoji, Awka
Comrade Chuma Harris Odili, an astute observer of political developments in Anambra state, has emphasized the urgent need for the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to give the former Central Bank Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, a chance to prove his mettle more as the next governor of the state.
Odili advised that APGA should not play into the hands of those he described as marauding opposition elements by not giving the former CBN governor a chance to fly the party’s flag in the November 6 governorship election but instead, ensure that the party does not plunge itself into avoidable mistakes.
Odili, who made his observations known in a press statement he made available to journalists in Awka, maintained that Soludo was the best amongst all the dramatis personae jostling to take over from Governor Willie Obiano.
He said, “If Soludo is not chosen as the guber candidate of APGA, what next ?”
According to him, “It is the people of Anambra State, the registered voters that will determine whether APGA-led government has performed or they want a regime change. Anambra people are highly sophisticated and they displayed that in the 2017 governorship elections.
“They voted massively for the APGA during the gubernatorial elections, and in 2019 State Assembly elections. But, this time, I can tell you that it is going to be more of the person and the capacity of that person to govern that the people will vote for, rather than the party. APGA should present the right person to the people of Anambra and leave them to take their decision which is their constitutional right.
“APGA-led government has performed more than any other political party that ever ruled the state, and the present government has done even greater things. The issue of performance of any government relates to human index, that is, how are the people of Anambra faring.
“Go to markets, motor parks; talk to the civil servants and to the masses of our people. You can ask questions randomly whether their lives are better in the last seven years. Truth be told, Chief Willie Obiano’s administration has fared well.
“The APGA-led government in Anambra has been on steadily progressive rise, and remarkable achievement has been charted in almost all the sectors; therefore, concerted efforts should be made to sustain and consolidate on the socio-economic gains recorded by the past and present leaders of the party. Most especially, aviodable mistakes should not be made by the APGA in chosing the right candidate to succeed the incumbent Gov. Willie Obiano.
“The critical stakeholders of APGA, and leaders should not consent or be cajoled into presenting a “bad market” or “aka na asa uchu” based on social media over hyping of a particular aspirant; or bluntly subscribing to the whims and caprices of some latter day political godfathers, those promising to share the goody bags. The APGA leaders should avoid playing into the hands of marauding, rampaging and rapacious opposition.
“Soludo remains the most marketable candidate. Unequivocally, a brand name with a unique selling point. One whose antecedent speaks volume; the Nigerian state who had once entrusted her treasury in his care, never got disapppinted.
“The apex bank manager’s deliberate policy restored sanity in the Nigeria’s banking industry. Prof Soludo, vigorously, championed a positive change Nigerians can see, feel and touch in the banking sector. He is an outstanding brand always on high demand by succsssive governments; even the federal government is tapping from his pool and vast knowledge.
“Prof Soludo is a world famous prudent manager of public funds. A celebrated household name in Anambra, with grassroot appeal. The beacon of hope, the shining star from the South Eastern Nigeria.”
