By Ifeanyi Okonkwo
Anambra governor-elect Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo has assured Ndi-Anambra that he will leave the state better than he met it after he must have finished his tenure in office.
Soludo who spoke with newsmen in his homework Isiofia in Aguata local government area of Anambra state after he received his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Awka the state capital said.
“My mandate is to be the best I can be as the governor of Anambra state. I will collaborate with all progressive minds across the nation for us to build the Nigeria of our dreams and we need collaboration to do that. I will collaborate with governors of other states, the presidency, national assembly to continue to build a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
“Today is a joyful day not only for me but to all Anambra people and to all democrats in Nigeria and the whole world. The world has been celebrating these spectacular victory which is the most transparent, free and most credible election that INEC has ever organised.
“The incident of anybody rigging was totally out. This is a moment that God ordained and what is written is written. This is a divine journey that has just begin. I thank everyone that has been celebrating with us.
“I thank President Muhammadu Buhari, Former Presidents Good luck Jonathan, Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babagida, Atiku Abubakar, Soultan of Sokoto, both former and serving Senators, Governors, ministers and Clagies. Am humbled and I pray that by the special grace of God, we will live up to expectations.
“I appreciate all the candidates, from Val Ozigbo, Ifeanyi Uba, Obiora Okonkwo and others. I also appreciate Sen. Stela Oduah, Uche Ekwunife and the members of Anambra state house of assembly, the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Anambra led by Chris Ngige, Chris Azubuogu and Chuma Nzeribe.
“I want to believe that in the nearest future, my brother Senator Andy Uba will still call because I know reason will prevail. After election like these, people might take a while to come to terms. It comes as a shock especially when you are not expecting it. I know how it feels.
“When nervous calm down, he will reason it through that it’s better to be states man. Election is like sports, you can win, you can loose
“My alms are open. This is a victory for Anambra. It’s not Soludo’s Victory. We fight hard during election, but after the election, we embrace each other. That’s the Anambra way and and I know that my brother Andy is a through onye Anambra and he would do it the Anambra way.
“I did so February 7th 2010, in an election that then the governor of the state refused to vote for himself in protest but when he was declared winner, two hours later, I called a press conference and congratulated him despite the fact that I could have legitimately challenged the election.
“I just walked away. It’s an election and not a life or death thing. If the goal is service, then there’s no need for desperation”.
Soludo will assume office March 17 2022.
