OUR QUEST FOR A PROSPEROUS HOMELAND AND THE MENACE OF SIT AT HOME : SUPPORTING PROF. SOLUDO’S CALL
BY EZEKAFOR MMADUABUCHI
2021 will remain a remarkable year in the history of Anambra state. It is not necessarily because it was the year of her gubernatorial election, but mainly because of the antecedents that proceeded the election day properly. Months to the election day, the most secure state; Anambra became a theatre of war, a devastating scene of continuous sporadic gunshots, confusing killings and fearful assassinations, kidnappings and violent threats. We should not also forget the displays of judicial prowess and connections resulting in courts cases and various conflicting and confusing court orders from Awka to Asaba, Enugu, Owerri, Jigawa, Kano and Abuja. All by various political actors and by “unknown gunmen.” The situation made many scampers for safety, some took their campaign to Asaba, Lagos and Abuja. Less we forget, we remember those who thought they had the manoeuvrings, the Owerri and Abuja Connections, the billions to buy the money-seeking politicians to conquer Anambra. All these happenings were not just a plot to stop Charley Nwagbafor, but a threat to Ndi-Anambra’s quest for a prosperous homeland as being championed by Prof. Chukwuma Soludo the then APGA Gubernatorial candidate as stated in his contract with Ndi-Anambra: THE PEOPLE’S MANIFESTO.
“With humility and gratitude to God, I offer myself as a vehicle for selfless servantleadership to Ndi Anambra in our quest to build a liveable and prosperous smart megacity. IT IS A VISION OF A HOMELAND THAT IS THE PREFERRED DESTINATION IN WHICH TO LIVE, INVEST, LEARN, WORK, RELAX AND ENJOY. It is an Anambra that aspires to be the best in every positive way, not only in Nigeria/ Africa but in the world. …At this stage in my life and with excellent health, I believe it is now time for me to give back in full to my immediate community—Anambra State-by devoting all my God-given talents, education, exposure and experience, national and global networks-to contribute to leaving my state better than I met it.” – Prof. Chukwuma Soludo
For obvious reasons, Ndi-Anambra stood their ground in support of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo fighting to ensure that our collective quest for PROSPEROUS HOMELAND is truncated by the “business as usual” politicians who were desperate to take Anambra backward. Ndi-Anambra were vigilant patriotic warriors who fought for the soul and future of our dear state. Against the expectations of many the election was a peaceful, free and fair election that meets international standards and made Ndigbo proud. We Ndi Anambra pulled through these challenges and Prof. Chukwuma Soludo the man that embodied OUR COLLECTIVE QUEST FOR PROSPEROUS HOMELAND emerged winner by winning 19 out of the 21 local governments, becoming the first governor to have won the highest local government in their first term in office.
The actual journey to realizing OUR VISION OF A HOMELAND THAT IS THE PREFERRED DESTINATION IN WHICH TO LIVE, INVEST, LEARN, WORK, RELAX AND ENJOY, not just only in Nigeria/ Africa but in the world, took off barely a week ago. In his address on March 17th, 2022, Governor Chukwuma Soludo called on the people of Anambra and Southeast to help make the region a liveable and prosperous place where everyone will live, invest, Learn, work relax and enjoy.
Among the various challenges that threaten OUR COLLECTIVE QUEST FOR PROSPEROUS HOMELAND is THE MENACE OF SIT AT HOME with the insecurity, breakdown of law and order often associated with the SIT AT HOME. AS the leader chosen by Ndi-Anambra, Soludo has the mandate to lead us out of this quagmire. And indeed we cannot destroy our homeland for any reason. Destroying our homeland cannot be the solution to the freedom, justice, equity and fairness we seek. As a true leader of his people, Soludo has reached out to all groups to come for the love of Alaigbo let us reason together. Destroying AlaIgbo or Anambra cannot be the solution. As our governor Prof Chukwuma Soludo said “we can’t build this homeland by turning the sword against each other. Ndi Anambra love their homeland but the recent upsurge in criminality poses a great threat… There is no conflict that dialogue, in good faith, cannot resolve. Our government is determined to urgently restore peace and security in Anambra, and we will seek the active cooperation and collaboration of all stakeholders.
To IPOB/ESN, the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), as well as the disparate armed groups in the forests, IT IS TIME TO INTERROGATE BOTH THE PURPOSE AND MEANS OF YOUR CAMPAIGN. To the politicians playing politics with the insecurity, you are riding a tiger. The current trajectory is a road to desolation. Let us get around the table and talk. Let the elite in the closet come out, and let’s debate our future and forge a consensus.”
All true lovers of our homeland, let all true sons and daughters of Alaigbo home and abroad, let all Igbo patriots support our governor’s moves to restore peace, security, law and order for the actualization of our quest for a prosperous homeland. Indeed, “IT IS TIME TO INTERROGATE BOTH THE PURPOSE AND MEANS OF YOUR CAMPAIGN.” For the release of the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s will be negotiated and approached with diplomacy. – Prof Chukwuma Soludo
