By Gabriel Chy Alonta
Former gubernatorial aspirant, Mr. Valentine Chineto Ozigbo, has criticized Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, for what he perceives as an underperformance during his first two years in office.
Ozigbo who made these remarks on Saturday, March 23, 2024, during a media chat in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, announced his intention to run for the 2025 gubernatorial election in Anambra, aiming to restore hope to the people.
Expressing his belief that he would have approached governance differently and more effectively had he won the November 2021 gubernatorial election, Ozigbo faulted the present governor’s strategy and autocratic leadership style, emphasizing the need for a governor who listens and implements superior recommendations.
According to him, “Governor Soludo has not performed optimally and has failed to connect with the people he governs. After two years, it is imperative for me, as a citizen, to hold him accountable.
“I believe I can do better. We must not allow our aspirations to fade, especially after the events of the 2023 election. We must collectively strive to change the narrative.”
Addressing the issue of zoning in the state, the former President and Chief Executive Officer of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp) pledged to adhere to the zoning arrangement and serve only one term in office.
“Zoning is important, but it must be complemented by competence. We should not choose a candidate solely based on their zone, nor should we settle for the best when we can have someone better.
“I respect the principle of zoning, and I advocate for a single term of four years. As demonstrated by Alex Otti’s work in Abia, four years is sufficient to achieve significant progress.
“I commit to honouring the zoning principle and am open to entering into an agreement to serve just one term. Additionally, I echo the sentiments of Mr. Peter Obi, a highly respected politician in Africa, who advocates for a single term for the southern candidate who emerges,” he stated.
Expressing concern over the state’s insecurity, Ozigbo urged the people of Anambra to view the 2025 election as a turning point for future elections in Nigeria.
He called for unity among party members, acknowledging the challenges of contesting against an incumbent.
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