Former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof Charles Soludo was on Thursday sworn in as the fifth governor of Anambra State.
Soludo who succeeded Mr. Willie Obiano was sworn in alongside his deputy, Mr. Onyeka Ibezim.
In his inaugural speech, the governor promised to hit the ground running, saying some key members of his government will be announced in a few hours.
“Today is my first day at work. I just reported for duty at 8:55 am to be precise and will work for at least eight hours today.
“We had more than a month since the election to celebrate our historic victory. Now is the time to work and there is no minute or kobo to waste in funfair.
“In a few minutes, I will announce some of the principal officers of my administration and commence with serious meetings of the Anambra security council followed by a meeting with the permanent secretaries and with my strategy, execution, and evaluation team.”
“Within the next few weeks, the list of commissioners will be laid before the House of Assembly,” he said.
The governor expressed appreciation to stakeholders, his supporters, federal government agencies like the police, and the people of Anambra State for their roles in his election in November 2021.
“This is the moment. I applied for this job. My party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APG), shortlisted me, and you, Umu nnem Ndi Anambra, interviewed and employed me with Chief Dr Onyekachukwu Gilbert Ibezim as my deputy.
“God ordained this moment and we are grateful to Him and to you all for the privilege to serve you. Dr Ibezim and I will work very hard every day to make you proud,” he added.
The event was graced by top dignitaries in the state and beyond including the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Victor Oye and wife; Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Uchenna Okafor and wife; Sen. Victor Umeh and wife; Bianca Ojukwu, clergymen, traditional rulers among others.
In a rather ugly development, Obiano’s wife, Ebelechukwu, caused a stir at Soludo’s the swearing-in when she fought Bianca, widow of late Ikemba Nnewi, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu
It was learnt that Obiano’s wife arrived at the venue of the inauguration after Soludo and his deputy, Ibezim had been after sworn in by the Chief Judge, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu
According to reports dignitaries including the former governor were already seated when Ebelechkwu stepped in and moved to the front row where Bianca was seated and rained her slaps.
The action drew the attention of security agents and some personalities who pulled Mrs. Obiano off the hold of Bianca who was visibly shocked at the action.
Obiano’s wife was later taken away and shortly afterwards, her husband left the venue since the incident happened after the new governor had been sworn in.
