Soludo’s Record Defended Amid Criticism Over Alleged Rivalry with Peter Obi

Soludo’s Record Defended Amid Criticism Over Alleged Rivalry with Peter Obi

By Christian Aburime

The administration of Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has dismissed recent criticisms suggesting a political rivalry between the governor and former governor Peter Obi as baseless and politically motivated.

The response follows a recent article by journalist Steve Osuji, titled “Soludo-Obi Rivalry: Scurrying about under Obi's Shadow!”, which alleged that Governor Soludo is envious of Obi’s influence and is engaged in actions meant to undermine him.

Describing the claims as "malicious and unfounded," Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to the Governor, said the article was an attempt to distract from Soludo's performance and sow unnecessary division. He argued that Soludo, a respected economist and former Central Bank Governor, is focused on governance, not political squabbles.

“There is no record of Governor Soludo making disparaging remarks about Mr. Peter Obi in recent times,” Aburime stated. “The insinuation of envy or rivalry is not only speculative but disrespectful to both leaders, who have taken distinct paths in their public service careers.”

On policy and development, the governor’s office highlighted a series of achievements across infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and economic empowerment. These include the construction and rehabilitation of over 754 kilometers of roads—with 462 km completed—projects like the Ekwulobia Flyover, and the transformation of slums such as Okpoko.

Other initiatives mentioned include the “One Youth, Two Skills” programme which has trained 5,000 youths, the hiring of over 8,000 teachers, provision of free education, upgrades to public health facilities, and implementation of waste management reforms aimed at urban renewal in cities like Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi.

On the matter of public security, the administration referenced the enactment of the Homeland Security Law, the revitalisation of the Anambra Vigilante Services, and the Governor's "Agunechemba" initiative, credited with reducing crime in the state.

Aburime argued that such strides contradict claims made in Osuji's piece about Anambra becoming "more wretched" under Soludo’s leadership. He said the public response to the governor’s scorecard, presented recently in town hall meetings in Awka, Lagos, and Abuja, was overwhelmingly positive.

He also challenged Osuji's credibility and journalistic ethics, suggesting that the write-up was a “sponsored hatchet job.”

“Governor Soludo remains focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. His record and the support of the people will speak for him in the next election,” the statement concluded.

Aburime called on Anambra citizens to ignore what he described as “distracting narratives” and remain committed to the ongoing transformation in the state under Soludo’s leadership.