Anambra State Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, on Sunday, declared that he would have resigned as elected governor of the state, but the prayers of his wife, Nonye, and those of Ndi Anambra sustained him.
He said that before his assumption of office during his first term, there were initial doubts about how things would go, pointing out that he assured his wife that things would be okay and pledged to remain steadfast in all matters, including government and governance systems.
Soludo made the declaration while addressing guests, party leaders, support groups, clergy and Ndi Anambra during an interdenominational church service held at the International Convention Centre, Awka, to thank God for the successful conclusion of his first four-year term and for the planned inauguration of his second term, slated for Tuesday in the state.
According to the governor, “Initially, there were doubts; my wife doesn’t like politics, but I pleaded with her that things were going to be okay and that I would be steadfast. She kept on with prayers day and night, and she has been supportive. And the prayers of Ndi Anambra. You people have been very supportive.”
He said, “We have come to say thank you to God for the guidance. When I was contesting for the office as governor, I asked God to use me to bless this state… We have come here with gratitude to say, God, thank you for giving the uncommon courage.’
Soludo recalled that before seeking the support of the people of Anambra State, he prayed to God for wisdom to do what is right, irrespective of circumstances, expressing gratitude for divine mercy and grace in the past four years and seeking more for the coming second term.
He maintained, “Anambra State and Nigeria are in the hands of God, and He alone will see us through.”
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the federal government, security agencies, stakeholders, the international community, the private sector, religious bodies, members of the State House of Assembly, the judiciary, traditional rulers, town union leaders, traders and market women, youths, and support groups for their massive support, which yielded positive results throughout the first term.
While expressing optimism for an eventful second term, he told the gathering, “You have not seen anything yet,” implying that the next four years will be full of new innovations, strides in various sectors, and surprises.
Reflecting on the messages from the altar during the church service, the governor emphasised the sanctity of ecumenism, highlighting brotherhood and oneness across all segments of society, irrespective of origin.
“I love the message of this assembly, and it talked about ecumenism. Today, we are having this interdenominational service. Thank you for the common brotherhood we have seen here.”
“We cannot develop this nation or Anambra State by focusing on how people worship, but by the value they bring to the state,” he advised.
“In my administration, what I want is the capacity to deliver and to work irrespective of your denomination, state of origin, or tribe. You can see that we have a Head of Service from Abia State and countless appointees who are not from Anambra State.”
“Even the employment of over 8,115 teachers as well as medical personnel was done based on the value they bring to governance and not their origin or religion.”
“Last time, I broke fast with the Muslim community, and we were all there together.”
“God did not make a mistake in creating Anambra State and Nigeria. Come, let’s make Anambra a new Anambra. A new Anambra not dominated by Oke Ite (ritual pot) or cultism but dominated by enterprise”, he said.
“Today we are having the interdenominational service comprising the Catholic, Anglican, and Pentecostal communities. I had hosted the Pentecostal community at Government House before.”
“This forms the focal point of my administration. I was touched by this assemblage and the interdenominational choir,” he noted.
Charlie Nwamgbafor further disclosed that his government, within the period under review, had employed 8,115 teachers drawn from over 18 states of the federation, while some of the permanent secretaries are from four other states, and his press secretary, Christian Aburime, is from Edo State, among others.
“On Tuesday is the swearing-in; I will protect that office (oath of office and mandate). We ask for your support,” the governor pleaded.
Earlier, the Archbishop of the Awka Diocese of the Anglican Communion, His Grace Alexander Ibezim, in his homily, tasked leaders to imbibe the virtues of wisdom and integrity as King Solomon did, pointing out that leadership comes with many challenges and great responsibilities.
He said, “Leading any society requires wisdom; leading a state like Anambra State comes with greater responsibilities because it has distinguished leaders, business magnates, captains of industry, academia, and businesses with global networks. A state with so much influence has many challenges, and expectations are high; strong opinions and demands are enormous.”
“What King Solomon prayed to God for was wisdom and understanding to serve the people of God, and the theme of this service is Living With Wisdom and Integrity.”
“What the Governor is saying is: God, give me wisdom and knowledge to serve your people, and that is why we are all here in this service.”
“We give thanks to God who rules the affairs of men and leaders, and with wisdom as a leader, you would have integrity, which has been the guiding principle of the last four years of Governor Charles Soludo’s administration,” he stated.
The cleric recalled that Governor Soludo, during his first term in office, faced several challenges in order to give the state its current infrastructural and developmental facelift, as well as stability in the security of lives and property.
He reminded the congregation about the importance of integrity to protect leadership with uprightness and consistency between words and actions, adding that successful leadership acknowledges God.
While calling for joint action in government, he urged the governor not to despair but to continue striving to give governance a human face and not allow the state to split.
Bishop Ibezim offered special prayers for peace, unity, growth, and development of Anambra.
On his part, Most Rev. Dr Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, the Archbishop, Metropolitan, and Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), represented by Archbishop David Onuoha, said that the Anglican Communion felicitates with Soludo and his deputy governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, as they commence their second term in office.
Ndukuba lauded the four years of Soludo’s administration, saying that it is not only divine but also that the grace of God Almighty is upon his administration.
Also, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), described Anambra State as one of the greatest states in the country, with eminent men and women of integrity and great achievers.
He added that the Thanksgiving service marked the flagship of greater things to come to Anambra.
He, however, called on the governor to remain steadfast with God in the governance of the state.
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