@35 : CLO demands accelerated developments in Anambra

…Applauds Soludo, past govs,

By Cyprian Ebele,Onitsha

The Anambra state branch of Civil Liberties Organization, CLO, has commended past governors of the state that include, first Civilian governor, late Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Chris Nwabueze Ngige, Chinwoke Mbadinuju, 

Also, Peter Obi, Willie Obiano and incumbent governor Chukwuma Soludo as the state marked 35 years of birth even as it demanded for accelerated development of the state.

Making the commendation, its chairman,  Vincent Ezekwueme said, “We felicitate with His Excellency, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the government and good people of Anambra State on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the creation of Anambra State by the then Military Head of state, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida GCFR, on 27th August, 1989.

In a press statement signed and  issued in Awka by Ezekwueme, (AMBP-UN Chairman), his secretary,  Chidi Mbah, and Damian Ogudike,(exco member), the organization expressed satisfaction with the extent of infrastructural development and demanded for more.

According to its release, thermed, “Anambra Rejoice”,  CLO stressed the need to reflect on the journey of the Light of the Nation, while charting a roadmap for greater progress.

CLO paid glowing tributes to the architects of modern Anambra, noting that the state’s progress has been built on the sacrifices, vision and patriotism of successive administrations.

It described Ezeife as the foundation-layer of the new Anambra, recalling that he introduced the “Think Home Philosophy” and prudent management of public funds that set the moral and economic tone for governance. 

“His weekly town hall meetings and direct engagement with citizens earned him the enduring appellation of “The People’s Governor.”

“We also commend. Ngige for his massive intervention on road construction and rehabilitation across the state. We acknowledge his legacy of prompt payment of salaries, pensions, gratuities and allowances to civil servants, which restored dignity to public service.

“CLO lauds Mr. Obi for drastically reducing the cost of governance and for strategic investments in healthcare, education, security and critical infrastructure. 

His administration touched every sector of the state economy through the Sustainable Development Goals framework, delivering inclusive growth and laying the foundation for Anambra’s modern institutions.

“His Excellency Chief Willie Obiano, the Security and Infrastructure Consolidator, CLO  recognizes the contributions of the immediate past administration in consolidating security architecture and infrastructural continuity.

*His Excellency Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the current reformer. CLO gives special commendation to the incumbent governor for sustaining and deepening the developmental strides of the state and for courageously tackling problems hitherto unattended to. 

“Key initiatives highlighted include: free and compulsory education  to SSS3 students, free antenatal and maternity services for pregnant women

, establishment of the Anambra State Anti-Touting Squad (SASA) to restore sanity, constitutionality and the rule of law

“A decisive campaign against Ezenwoke, Ezenwanyi, fake pastors and purveyors of get-rich-quick syndromes that deceive and exploit our youths

By these actions, Mr. Governor has engraved his name in the hearts of Ndi Anambra as a leader committed to value re-orientation and human capital development,” the statement read.

The organization appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  and the National Assembly to expedite action on the creation of additional states for the Southeast zone, in tandem with the recommendations of the 2014 National Constitutional Conference.

CLO argued that state creation remains a critical step towards equity, inclusiveness, and balanced development in Nigeria’s federal structure.

On security it called for Strengthening community policing and intelligence gathering, accelerated construction and rehabilitation of Federal and state roads and expanding access to quality,

Technology-driven learning and upgrading primary healthcare centers and specialist hospitals including youth empowerment through Jobs, skills and moral re-orientation to counter criminality.