APS Inaugurates Local Government Coordinators, Executives, Drums Support For Soludo

By Oguocha Chukwuebuka

The Anambra Patriots for Soludo (APS) have intensified their advocacy for the re-election of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the executive governor of Anambra State, by inaugurating local government coordinators and their executives from the twenty-one local governments in the state.

The inaugural event, held at Hilton Leisure Resort and Hotel Ltd., Awka, on Sunday, 9th February 2025, attracted dignitaries from the state government, royalty, and diverse personalities from different walks of life. Notable attendees included Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, special advisor to the governor on political matters, and His Royal Majesty, Igwe Sir Dr. Benneth Emeka (Oke Ebo Umueri), among others.

The event featured the introduction of APS pioneer members, breaking of kola nuts, recognition of local government intending coordinators and executives, and the inauguration of local government coordinators and their executives.

The Anambra Patriots for Soludo is a self-funded non-governmental organization solely dedicated to propagating Governor Soludo’s accomplishments and championing his re-election campaigns. This was reiterated by the chairman of APS, Chief Ejiamatu Damien Enekwechi, during his address at the event.

In his address, Chief Enekwechi highlighted that APS is different from other support groups, emphasizing that it is not after any benefits but committed to spreading Soludo’s good works to the grassroots. “Anambra Patriots for Soludo is the foremost support group among the 46 support groups for Soludo. It is not privately owned but rather collectively driven by well-to-do men capable of championing its cause no matter the cost,” he said. “Today, we have absorbed all the local government coordinators to ensure they are part of the decision-making process, which is how APS is designed to be run. Launched on the 17th of November, we have since demonstrated our distinctiveness among other support groups.”

“We support Soludo not for any special reason but because of his commendable work, which everyone recognizes. Collectively, we have agreed that Soludo will return for a second term, regardless of the cost,” Chief Ejiamatu added.

The convener of the group, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, GM, CEO of the State Bureau of Public Procurement, shared his transition from an apolitical stance to supporting Governor Soludo after hearing Soludo’s definition of a politician as one who fights for the common goal of his people. “If this is the definition of a politician, then I am a politician. Our sacrifice as a group is for the benefit of ndi Anambra,” he said.

Arc. Okey outlined the achievements of Governor Soludo, which have benefitted the people of Anambra State. “By virtue of my position in the state, apart from the governor, I am the only person who sees all that is happening in every sector in Anambra State. I see the policies the governor is rolling out daily for the good of all. We can give poor families in Anambra State the platform to rise out of poverty, particularly through education. Education is now free in Anambra from primary to senior secondary school. When Soludo said education allows the children of the poor to level up with the children of the rich, I understood it.”

“Any politician whose ideas do not align with Soludo’s definition should rethink because the people’s interest should matter to anyone who represents them. We are here to build patriots, which sets us apart from other support groups. A patriot believes in a cause and fights for it, and that is what we are doing. We want you to be patriots who will support the governor because he has proven to be the number one patriot to ndi Anambra.”

“The palm tree revolution, which involves distributing special breed palm trees to families in Anambra State, is another strategy to eradicate poverty. By estimate, if a family is fortunate to acquire ten palm trees, they can generate three million naira annually.”

“This and more is what the governor is doing to lift the people out of poverty. This is why, according to Governor Soludo, politics is about the common good of everyone. In the healthcare sector, we are renovating at least one PHC in every ward, and the equipment for these PHCs has arrived in Anambra and is superior to what can be found in private hospitals in Anambra,” Arc. Okey stated.

Arc. Okey, the APS convener, elaborated on Governor Soludo’s achievements in various sectors, which he cited as reasons why the Patriots are determined to ensure Soludo returns for a second term to complete his initiatives. He urged the newly inaugurated local government coordinators to join with a spirit of solidarity to achieve their group’s goals.

During the breaking of kola nut session, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Sir Benneth Emeka (Oke Ebo of Umueri), prayed for the well-being of members and supporters who wished for the governor and the state’s prosperity, along with the patriots and its pioneer members.

The event concluded with the official inauguration of the local government coordinators and their executives. Chairman APS, Chief Ejiamatu Damien Enekwechi, congratulated them and urged them to take the message to the grassroots. He thanked everyone for their attendance and assured them of a better Anambra with Soludo.