Soludo Charges Newly Sworn-in LG Mayors, Deputies on Service, Accountability

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has charged the newly elected chairmen and deputy chairmen of the state’s 21 local government areas to embrace service, accountability and strict adherence to the law as they assume office.

Soludo gave the charge on Saturday during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected local government leaders at the Light House, Awka.

Addressing the officials, the governor reminded them that their tenure marked the beginning of a demanding responsibility, stressing that every moment in office must be devoted to serving the people.

“Congratulations and my commiserations to all of you as well. I know that when you were applying for the job, you had all manner of aspirations, promises and expectations,” Soludo said.

“Welcome to the world of reality. The clock starts ticking today. The work has already begun. As you begin your journey, it is a call to serve.”

The governor urged the newly sworn-in officials to take their oath of office seriously and review it regularly, suggesting that they could display copies of the oath in their offices as a constant reminder of their responsibilities to the people.

He said the administration’s governing philosophy was anchored on the principle of collective responsibility, highlighting the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) motto, “Be your brother’s and sister’s keeper.”

According to him, the strength of any system depends on its ability to carry everyone along, noting that no community should be left behind in the development process.

Soludo also reflected on APGA’s long-standing dominance in Anambra politics, noting that the party’s sustained political presence over the past two decades had created an environment where some of its candidates emerged virtually unopposed.

He reminded the new local government leaders that their opportunity to serve was made possible by those who came before them.

“Others kept the ladder strong for you to climb. It is now your responsibility to leave that ladder even stronger for those coming after you,” he said.

On governance, the governor charged the chairmen and their deputies to operate within established laws, rules and administrative procedures. While encouraging them to introduce innovative ideas, he cautioned that such initiatives must remain within the boundaries of the law.

He also called for measures to make the local government system more financially sustainable, noting that recent legal provisions provide opportunities for councils to pool resources for the effective management of common financial obligations.

The governor further directed the new officials to study the handover notes left by their predecessors and carefully assess the assets and liabilities inherited by their respective councils.

He acknowledged the challenges confronting the local government system but urged the officials to approach their responsibilities with discipline, accountability and a strong commitment to public service.

The swearing-in followed the official declaration of the local government election results on August 30, 2026, and was conducted in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The ceremony was attended by senior state government officials, including the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Ezeaka.

The oath of office was administered by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Tochukwu Nweke. The Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, and other dignitaries were also present.