By Christian ABURIME

In governance, there are the run-of-the-mill politicians, and there are progressive leaders. The former often make electoral promises that citizens take with a pinch of salt, as such promises may never be fulfilled. Yet, the latter belong to a class of progressive minds who make promises and fulfil them, believing that true leadership is about integrity and accountability.

The progressive, trustworthy class of leaders is undoubtedly where the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, belongs.

Governor Soludo is a leader who walks the talk. During his campaign and before he became the governor, he already made a promise to hold local government elections in a state where such elections had not been conducted in a long time. Yet, impatient opposition politicians went to town making baseless allegations that the governor did not want to hold the LG elections. Dealing with institutional issues and legal frameworks which needed to be put in place first, before the conduct of the elections, the governor had already fixed December this year for the election before the recent Supreme Court judgment mandating LG elections with immediate urgency across the country to give effect to the LG autonomy ruling.

Here we are, and the LG elections will be held in Anambra State this Saturday, September 28, 2024. Governor Soludo’s speech at the recent APGA Mega Rally clearly confirms his commitment to progressive leadership, particularly by promptly complying with the Supreme Court ruling as a law-abiding leader. His address at the APGA rally goes further to highlight his achievements as an APGA governor and also reflects his deep-rooted belief in grassroots governance and empathy for the underprivileged and uncompromising democratic values.

In his speech, Governor Soludo specifically emphasized that this upcoming elections mark a “promise made, promise kept,” reflecting his determination to restore democratic processes at the local level after years of stagnation. The last local government elections in Anambra were held in 2014, and as the Soludo administration is set to conduct elections on September 28, 2024, he is demonstrating a progressive approach to governance and accountability.

Beyond the politics of the elections, Governor Soludo’s belief in local government administration as a vehicle for grassroots development has already been evident throughout his tenure. He articulated that local governance is crucial for fostering community engagement and addressing the specific needs of Anambra residents. By prioritising local elections, he reaffirms his identity as a grassroots leader, committed to ensuring that the voices of ordinary citizens are heard and represented in governance. His administration has also introduced innovative structures to enhance local governance, such as community involvement in decision-making processes, thereby empowering citizens at the grassroots level.

A remarkable attribute of Governor Soludo’s leadership is his continuing empathetic disposition towards the downtrodden and marginalized in society. He has consistently advocated for policies that uplift the poor, including free education initiatives and healthcare programmes benefiting thousands of women and children in the state. His administration’s focus on human capital development, training youth for digital jobs, clearly shows a responsive approach aimed at creating opportunities for all Anambra citizens, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This commitment to inclusivity aligns with his vision of leaving no one behind in Anambra’s development narrative.

As a proven democrat, Governor Soludo’s emphasis on democratic principles is another cornerstone of his leadership style. He has reiterated his conviction in free and fair elections, assuring citizens that their votes will count. His call for active participation in the electoral process reflects a genuine commitment to democratic values. By encouraging citizens to engage in grassroots politics and emphasizing transparency in governance, the governor proves himself as a true democrat who values the opinions and choices of his constituents.

Beyond these progressive attributes, Governor Soludo’s vision for Anambra encompasses extensive infrastructural development and economic transformation. His administration has made a significant impact in road construction and technological advancement, aiming to position Anambra as a hub for innovation and economic growth. The ambitious projects like the Silicon Valley-model initiative illustrate his forward-thinking approach aimed at harnessing technology for state development.

Thus, as Ndi Anambra go to the poll this Saturday, they can cast their votes for APGA candidates again across the LG areas and wards, having the assurance that APGA is the party of the people and Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo remains a leader they can trust through his commitment to grassroots governance, empathy towards marginalised communities, dedication to democratic principles, and visionary initiatives aimed at transforming Anambra State.