Professor Charles Soludo, a former Central Bank Governor, has been sworn in as the new Anambra State governor.
He was sworn in at a modest event at the State Government House on Thursday. He took over from the immediate past Governor Willie Obiano.
Soludo and his deputy, Onyeka Ibezim, were administered the oath office together. They are expected to be in charge of the affairs of the state for the next four years, and possible for another four years if they do well and the people decide to vote them for a second term.
In his inaugural speech, Soludo told the people of the state how he will hit the ground running, assuring them that some key members of his government will be announced in a few hours.
He told them, “Today is my first day at work. I just reported for duty at 8:55 am to be precise and will work for at least eight hours today.
“We had more than a month since the election to celebrate our historic victory. Now is the time to work and there is no minute or kobo to waste in funfair. In a few minutes, I will announce some of the principal officers of my administration and commence with serious meetings of the Anambra Security Council followed by a meeting with the permanent secretaries and with my strategy, execution, and evaluation team.
“Within the next few weeks, the list of commissioners will be laid before the House of Assembly.”
Speaking further he said that God ordained the moment, and thanked stakeholders, his supporters, Federal Government agencies like the police, and the people of Anambra State for their roles in his election last November.
Soludo said, “Umu nnem Ndi Anambra, this is the moment. I applied for this job. My party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APG), shortlisted me, and you, Umu nnem Ndi Anambra, interviewed and employed me with Chief Dr Onyekachukwu Gilbert Ibezim as my deputy.
“God ordained this moment and we are grateful to Him and to you all for the privilege to serve you. Dr Ibezim and I will work very hard every day to make you proud.”
The new governor equally appreciated President Buhari for allowing the will of the Anambra people to prevail.
“Our eternal gratitude goes to President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) and the presidency for remaining democrats,” he said as he called for more support to deliver on his campaign promises.
The event was graced by top dignitaries in the state and beyond including the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Victor Oye and wife; Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Uchenna Okafor and wife; Sen. Victor Umeh and wife; Bianca Ojukwu, clergymen, traditional rulers among others.