…Promises to implement his manifesto
PROFESSOR Chukwuma Soludo and his deputy, Doctor Onyekachi Ibezim have officially been sworn in as the sixth democratically elected governor and deputy governor of Anambra State for a four-year tenure.
The new governor and his deputy were sworn in at a ceremony held at Government House, Awka.
Professor Soludo and Doctor Ibezim, accompanied by their wives, took the oath of office administered by the Anambra State Chief Judge, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu.
The event was a very low key one as requested by Professor Soludo as it was devoid of the usual fanfare that accompanies such auspicious event.
After the official swearing-in, Governor Chukwuma Soludo inspected the guard of honour and consequently made his inaugural speech to the people of the state.
The new governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo thanked the people of the state for the privilege given to him and his deputy, assuring that they would discharge their duty with upmost sincerity.
Professor Soludo used the occasion to pay respect to the gallant officers who lost their lives during a meeting with him in Isuofia, in the course of electioneering, pledging to continue to support their families.
He described his predecessor as a great visionary leader who served the state meritoriously, including the party and the good people of the state.
The governor commended the federal government, the security agencies, INEC, among others for exhibiting transparency in the conduct of the state governorship election, last November, which produced him.
While calling on warring parties to lay down their arms and partner the state government, Professor Soludo said that he won’t waste the state funds with fanfares.
The new governor of Anambra State noted that his administration would collaborate with the federal government and other state governments for the progress of the state to better the lots of the people and move the state forward.
He also stressed that his administration would focus more on quality health care, education, power, provision of jobs for youths among others, maintaining that his administration would patronise only made in Anambra products.
He assured that he would conduct local government election, resuscitate the State Independent Electoral Commission as well as collaborate with the Ministry of Justice for better justice delivery.
Professor Soludo said that a code of conduct would be issued for all political appointees in the area.
Also, Doctor Onyekachi Ibezim promised to discharge his duty diligently, saying that he would not allow his personal interest over ride the state affairs.
Meanwhile an inter-denominational prayer was held after which Governor Soludo immediately set out to work.
In order to ensure maximum safety of lives and property during the event, the Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Police Force said that adequate measures were in place.
The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, and Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, the Most Reverend
Valerian Okeke in his opening prayer, asked for the success of the present administration and peace in the state.
