By Uche Mbah
The distant first runner-up in the just concluded Anambra Governorship election, Valentine Ozigbo, has congratulated the Governor- elect, Professor Soludo on his victory.
Ozigbo is the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the election which Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, won by a wide margin.
In a press statement signed by him, Ozigbo confirmed he has just called and congratulated Soludo.
“I have just called Professor Chukwuma Soludo and congratulated him on being declared the winner of the Anambra State Governorship election 2021.
I wished him well and prayed for his success”, he said.
“Let me also use this opportunity to congratulate all the men and women who contested our dear State’s Governorship this year. You all have shown a determination to see that Anambra is better. It was an honour to run this race with you.”
He outlined his vision to unify Anambra, which he has had for two years, with other parts of Igbo nation.
“Pulled by the vision of a better and brighter Anambra, we set out on the quest for governorship, resolute on taking revolutionary steps to address the decay and decline in security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, the environment, and all other social systems meant to serve the people.
“As laid out in our “Ka Anambra Chawapu” Manifesto, we planned to transform Anambra into the most competitive sub-national economy in Nigeria by opening up public, social, and commercial spaces leveraging on the strength of our youth and women. Ultimately, to make Anambra the pride of Nigeria.
“Given where we started and where we are today, we consider ourselves winners. Our Ka Anambra Chawapu message has permeated the consciousness of Ndi Anambra, and the nation at large. It is the strongest message that has come out of Anambra 2021, and it continues to beat in the hearts of Ndi Igbo,” he said.
Continuing, he emphasized he will be holding Soludo accountable.
“Though we may not have the opportunity in the immediate to get it started, we will be holding the Government in power accountable to ensure that the welfare of the people is foremost in their actions at all times,”
Ozigbo, however, pointed out that the election was not flawless.
“The security agencies failed to provide a peaceful environment for campaigns to hold. On election day, they were absent from many polling centres leading to elections not holding, or held in situations that allowed for chaos and fraud.
“The National Electoral Commission presented untrained and poorly trained staff who could not operate the voting machines in many places. They failed woefully in providing logistical support for their staff and so elections started very late in many places and did not hold in many others.
“The use of Government funds and resources to corrupt, coerce and intimidate voters, PDP party agents, and Electoral officials was a major factor in determining the outcome of this election.
“All of these led to the disenfranchisement of the greater percentage of voters and staining the course of democracy. I will be dedicating time to champion the positive change we need to ensure that future elections are truly free and fair and that the will of the electorate prevails.
“Denominational politics was also a factor. We need to do a lot more to ensure that competence is never sacrificed on this altar, and that democracy is practised in line with its truest tenets.
“In all, I am more determined to working for a better future for our children by remaining in active politics and rebuilding our party to be more united and more robust for those who come after us,” he said.
The All Progressives Congress, APC candidate, Andy Uba, is yet to congratulate Soludo.
