Anambra State Government Responds to Claims of Governor Soludo Envying Peter Obi
The Anambra State Government has dismissed claims that Governor Chukwuma Soludo envies former governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. This was contained in an opinion piece authored by the State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, on Monday.
Background to the Claims
Mefor insisted that both men operate on entirely different levels of political and professional accomplishment. He accused Obi of provoking political tensions in the state while seeking sympathy whenever Soludo responds. According to Mefor, Soludo has no reason to envy Obi, citing the governor’s national and international track record, including his tenure as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Comparison of Achievements
Mefor argued that Soludo has justly been recognized as the best Central Bank Governor in Africa and beyond. He also holds a higher national honour: Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), compared to Obi’s CON. The Commissioner stated that those pushing the narrative of rivalry were deliberately ignoring the facts, saying “those who say Soludo envies Peter Obi should know that they are not in the same league.”
Allegations of a Civilian Coup Plot
The statement also alleged that Obi and members of the Labour Party attempted to use their momentum from the 2023 presidential election to take control of the Anambra State House of Assembly “and subsequently unseat Soludo.” Mefor described the move as “a civilian coup plot gone awry,” accusing Obi of tactically supporting the Labour Party’s governorship candidate during the just-concluded election.
Previous Goodwill and Warnings
Despite the accusations, the government insisted Soludo had previously demonstrated goodwill toward Obi. For instance, Soludo allowed Peter Obi to use the Anambra State Government House to announce his presidential ambition and even offered the APGA platform for Obi’s political aspirations. Mefor argued that the former governor repaid the gesture with political “shenanigans,” claiming Obi’s camp had consistently attempted to undermine Soludo’s administration. The Commissioner issued a stern warning to Obi to avoid further political provocations, suggesting that the former governor risks triggering a full-scale comparison that may not favour him.
Conclusion
The statement comes days after Soludo secured a landslide victory in the November 8 governorship election, where he was declared the winner in all 21 local government areas. The Anambra State Government’s response aims to set the record straight on the alleged rivalry between Soludo and Obi, emphasizing their different levels of accomplishment and warning against further political provocations. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how both parties will navigate their relationship and the implications for the state’s political landscape.
