By David Onwuchekwa
Six months away from the governorship election in Anambra State, the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Chief Dr George Muoghalu insists that Governor Charles Soludo should vacate the seat to allow a better leader to take over.
Chief Muoghalu who spoke to journalists at his Uruagu Nnewi home on Saturday said he is coming prepared to change the narrative and erase negative impression people have had about governance and politicians.
He said that what Governor Soludo thought he had achieved in education, security and other areas still have much to be desired following conspicuous gaps here and there, according to him.
Chief Muoghalu disclosed that when his manifesto is released to flag off campaign in the coming months that Anamabra people would know how prepared he is.
“A lot of things are left undone in Anambra State. When people say Soludo is doing this or that, I wonder where those things are happening. You mentioned Operation Udo Ga-Achi, a security outfit. Is it the same people killing those they are supposed to protect? The other time a woman was shut in Nnewi.
“When we talk about security, to what extent has the Governor taken care of the welfare of those security operatives? To what extent have you ensured adequate security when you neglect intelligence gathering, when you have not invested in technology to secure the State?
“I can draw an analogy about this much talked about security. In a room that is very dark, if you bring in candle light, that is light. If you bring in 40 watts electric bulb that is light, and if you bring in a floodlight, everywhere will be illuminated, there will be light everywhere.
“So, the matter is what level of illumination are you looking for. I’m not saying they are idle, I’m not saying they are not doing anything. But what I’m saying is that much more can obviously be done.
“Look at their investment in security vehicles which break down left, front and back. How many of those vehicles are equipped with communication gadgets to fight crime? Those security people are risking their lives serving us and to what extent are you taking care of their welfare?
“Do you know that if a police man dies today, the next day his family vacates the barracks. Why can’t you provide insurance coverage that can provide accommodation for his family for life? Why can’t you provide an insurance to cover his children’s education when he is not there because he died on duty doing what you cannot do. So, there is a lot to be done under security, “the LP guber flag bearer said.
Chief Muoghalu said people talked about free education Soludo provided at the lower rug of the ladder. He asked what happened to the upper rug (apparently referring to higher institutions).
He said nothing stops Soludo from extending free education to other levels of education since the resources are there.
“The resources are there. It is about management of the resources.
“An average Anamabra man is independent-minded. An average Anamabra man is ready to work hard. What is lacking is an enabling environment which must be created. But you can’t do these things in an unsecured environment.
“Federal Government has given the State power to invest in power infrastructure. We can do better in that regard.
“Government of Anambra State is using hammer and akaodo (pestle) to execute its policy in this modern world. Is that proper in this 21st century when technology is the order of the day?
“I will collect tax but I won’t use akaodo. You can create an enabling environment for people to willingly pay their taxes.
“The biggest challenge this government has is that people have lost confidence in it. People see government as fraud, and every politician as dishonest. I’m going to correct that impression.
“You can lead honestly, you can win back the confidence people have lost. And the moment you do it, they see government as their own. In such a situation you won’t find it difficult to ask people to pay tax, they won’t hesitate because they see their tax working for them.
“You have to bring in technology for intelligence gathering, equip the security operatives properly, give them adequate training from professionals across the country and better remuneration then expect better results, “he added.
Chief Muoghalu said that the same enabling environment could help create job opportunities since many investors would be attracted when security is fixed.
On the Presidential visit of Bola Tinubu and the insinuation that the President’s body language would boost Soludo’s chances in the coming election, Chief Muoghalu said: “Tinubu is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Soludo is the Governor of Anambra State.
“The President ‘s visit is allowed by law and for Soludo to invite the President is also allowed by law.
“For me, I don’t waste time reading body language. When we get to the bridge, we cross it. Election is just six months away. Anambra people will speak. Soludo will be assessed on his promises which includes turning Anamabra State to Dubai and Taiwan which the people are yet to see, “he concluded.
