ANAMBRA GUBER: Soludo Extends Olive Branch To Opposition Parties

ANAMBRA State Governor-elect, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo has said he would toe the path of peace and therefore extended a hand of fellowship to other contestants in the governorship election, asking them to come together for all to work for unity and progress of the state.

Soludo who won the election on the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), stated this during an interview with Arise News TV which he granted from his home town of Isuofia community in Aguata Local Government Area of the state, shortly after his victory acceptance speech.

A Former Governor of CBN and Professor of Economics, Soludo was declared winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the final collation of results.

The announcement by INEC was made after the supplementary polls held at Ihiala LGAs where APGA polled 8,283, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2,485, All Progressives Congress (APC) 343.

On the whole, Soludo polled 107,421 votes defeating his rivals, Dr Valentine Ozigbo of PDP who scored 53,102 votes, and Senator Andy Uba of APC who got 43,327 votes.

He said he has spoken with most of the contestants in the election and some of them have issued statements congratulating him. He disclosed that his government would be an inclusive one including those in the opposition, not just party members, and therefore welcome everyone to come on board and contribute to solving the problem of the state.

He said, “My hand of fellowship is out and I will reach out to them to come, with their own ideas…we are stronger together when we aggregate all the different ideas and perspectives of all the candidates who offered themselves in the election to serve the people; we can only be bigger.”

He further stated that his government would be focused on creating value for the people and would not be based on age or where one comes from, but who would deliver in an assignment to the people.

He noted that Anambra people don’t play politics of bitterness, saying they can fight hard and go to court but after election, they come together for the greater good of the state.

He also promised to focus on how to implement the things outlined in his manifesto during the election campaigns, adding that he has just entered into a social contract with the state, and would strive to deliver.

On women and youth representation in his government, the economic expert said both would be adequately represented, stressing that he goes for one who would deliver not minding whether it is a woman or man, youth or older person.

Soludo had in his acceptance speech, said he feels humbled being elected to serve as governor of the state and commended President Muhammadu Buhari, the judiciary, and security agencies for allowing a level-playing ground for all during the electoral contest. He also thanked the Governor of the State, Chief Willie Obiano, as well as leaders and members of APGA for their support during the election process.