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By Madu Obi The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has initiated a peace dialogue with key stakeholders and leaders of thought in the crisis torn Nimo Community, Njikoka local government area of the state The meeting, which was held at the premises of St Vincent Primary School, inIfite-Ani Nimo brought together the local government chairman, traditional leader, town union executives, youth representatives, women leaders and security partners from Nimo. According to the Commissioner, the dialogue was aimed at addressing lingering communal disputes, fostering mutual understanding, and reinforcing the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order through peaceful engagement. CP Orutugu reaffirmed the command’s dedication to promoting dialogue as a veritable tool for conflict resolution, emphasizing that security and peace can only thrive when communities actively collaborate with the Police and other security agencies. He further urged Nimo community leaders to embrace reconciliation, shun acts capable of breaching public peace, and continue to support the Police in sustaining the relative tranquility Anambra State enjoys. Some of the stakeholders who spoke during the peace meeting, commended the Police Commissioner for his proactive initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that would foster peace, unity and progress in the community. At the end of the meeting, all parties agreeing to uphold continuous dialogue and collaboration towards achieving enduring peace in Nimo and the entire Njikoka local government area.

By Madu Obi The Executive Director, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocate Center, RULAAC, Mr Okechukwu Nwanguma, has lamented that promises made to Nigerians after the infamous EndSARS protests have remained unfulfilled five years after the incident. In a statement he made to mark five years of the protests that claimed many lives, Nwanguma observed that Police reform has failed Nigeria. He recalled that although government disbanded SARS, it almost immediately set up the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit as its replacement which, to Nigerians, was an old wine in a new bottle. According to him, the Nigeria Police, which he described as a colonial legacy, was never designed to serve the people. He said: "Five years later, the promises that followed the protests lie unfulfilled. The same patterns of brutality, extortion, and impunity persist. Police reform, loudly proclaimed in 2020, has failed yet again. To understand why, we must look beyond slogans to the structural and political roots of Nigeria’s policing crisis. The judicial panels of inquiry established after #EndSARS heard horrifying testimonies of torture, extortion, unlawful detention, and extrajudicial killings. Some state panels made recommendations for compensation and prosecution. Very few have been implemented. Families of victims still await justice, while perpetrators continue to wear the uniform of the state - sometimes even promoted. This sustained failure to investigate, punish, and remedy abuses violates Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights law and reinforces public mistrust. It signals that the state values impunity over justice. Five years after #EndSARS, the conditions that triggered the protests remain unchanged. Insecurity has deepened across the country. Kidnapping, banditry, and extrajudicial killings flourish. Citizens do not trust the police, and the police do not trust citizens - a breakdown that undermines the very essence of public safety. Young Nigerians, the same demographic that drove the #EndSARS movement, continue to be profiled, harassed, and extorted. Being young, tech-savvy, or well-dressed remains grounds for unlawful arrest or intimidation. The system has learned nothing." Nwanguma noted that the Police, which was created by colonial authorities, functioned as an instrument of coercion as it was meant to enforce order, not justice; and to protect the state, not citizens. "That legacy endures. Despite talk of reform, the policing philosophy remains authoritarian, rather than democratic", he said. He said further: "The passage of the Police Act 2020 appeared, at first, to signal a new beginning. It replaced the colonial-era Police Act of 1943, enshrining principles of accountability, human rights, and community partnership. It prohibited torture, guaranteed access to legal representation, and mandated due process. It also promised stable leadership and transparent funding. On paper, it was a watershed, but in practice, it has been largely ignored. Nigeria’s failure to reform the police is not for lack of ideas or laws. Since 2006, more than a dozen presidential committees have proposed comprehensive reforms. Each time, the pattern repeats: public hearings, elaborate reports, white papers, lofty promises - and silence. The Police Council, constitutionally empowered to guide policy and leadership appointments, rarely meets. Presidents continue to appoint Inspectors-General based on loyalty rather than merit, undermining professionalism." Nwanguma noted that EndSARS was not just a protest, adding that it was a mirror held up to the Nigerian state. "It exposed the failure of governance, the erosion of trust, and the cost of neglecting accountability. It also revealed the courage, creativity, and solidarity of Nigerian youth - qualities the nation must nurture, not crush. As we mark five years since #EndSARS, RULAAC remembers the victims - those who were killed, wounded, and traumatized. We honor their courage and reaffirm our commitment to the cause for which they stood: justice, accountability, and a humane policing system. "The struggle for police reform is far from over. Until Nigeria dismantles the colonial DNA of repression and builds a truly democratic police service founded on rights, empathy, and partnership with the people, the spirit of #EndSARS will continue to live", he concluded

By Madu Obi Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo continues his final campaign push ahead of the November 8 governorship election, with a promise that extortion must end in the state. Speaking at a mega endorsement rally organized by drivers and transport unions at the Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium, Onitsha, the governor warned against intimidating motorists and other road users under any guise. The rally was attended by thousands of drivers, tricycle operators, and transport stakeholders across the 21 local government areas of the state. Expressing delight that his administration is gradually sanitizing the state’s transport system, the governor observed that orderliness has returned at the various motor parks. Before Soludo assumed office in 2022, Anambra State, particularly the commercial city of Onitsha, was notorious for the activities of touts and thugs who operated freely in motor parks and markets, extorting drivers and traders in the name of levies, which were never accounted for. The situation was such that many people dreaded passing through Anambra State, with the attendant negative consequences on the image of the state. To restore sanity, Soludo instituted reforms that have almost flushed out the touts, thereby making the cities safe for drivers and their passengers. Emphasizing on the government’s commitment to law and order, Soludo also warned officials of state agencies against illegal levies and cash collections. “Don’t pay cash to anybody in the name of paying revenue to government. All payments must be through the official government digital platforms. Anyone collecting cash is acting illegally, and we will not condone it", the governor warned. He also urged drivers arrested by the Anambra Traffic Management Agency (ATMA) to make payments only through the state’s digital system. Soludo further announced plans to establish a new task force to clamp down on illegal revenue collectors still operating in parts of the state. “There are still areas where touts harass transporters. We will go after them. Any government official or tout found extorting drivers will be dealt with decisively,” he said. While thanking the drivers for their endorsement, Soludo described them as critical stakeholders and the lifeline of Anambra’s economy. He said that his administration has fixed many roads so that drivers would no longer visit mechanics frequently to repair their vehicles. "You are partners in the progress of Anambra. The roads we are building are to make your work easier and our economy stronger,” the governor added. He further urged motorists to respect traffic rules, noting that traffic violations often lead to fatalities. “Traffic offences are serious. Anyone disobeying traffic laws should be checked, because disobedience can lead to death. We don’t want deaths on our roads,” he said. In her remarks, the state Commissioner for Transport, Mrs. Patricia Igwebuike, described the rally as “a show of gratitude from the transport sector to the Solution Government.” “The transport sector is the biggest beneficiary of Governor Soludo’s administration as over 1,000 kilometres of roads have been constructed, and our drivers no longer spend as much on vehicle repairs,” she said. The Managing Director of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, OCHA, Brigade and Coordinator of the Solution Marshals/Transport, Mr. Celestine Anere, described drivers and the transport marshals as “the foot soldiers of the Solution Government,” who are ready to ensure Soludo’s re-election through lawful means. Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Anambra Drivers Forum, Comrade Osita Obi, described Soludo’s leadership as “visionary and people-centered,” crediting him for restoring dignity and sanity to the transport system. “Before Soludo emerged as governor, our parks were battlegrounds of extortion and harassment. Drivers suffered while touts thrived. But today, through his courage and reforms, the narrative has changed,” Obi said. He highlighted the success of the state’s unified digital ticketing system and the Smart Transportation Management Scheme, which, he said, had reduced corruption and improved traffic flow across major cities. “It is for this reason that we stand firmly behind Soludo—the people’s governor, the friend of drivers, and the reformer of our transport system," Obi stressed. Other speakers, including representatives of tricycle operators and commercial drivers’ unions, pledged to mobilize their members across the state to deliver victory for Soludo in the coming poll. One of the Keke union leaders disclosed that the group has over 6,000 registered members who would vote for the governor. “Before now, bad roads made us spend heavily on repairs. But under Soludo, our maintenance costs have dropped. We will all vote for him—he has changed the story,” he said.

Gov Soludo with the people of Awka North during the campaign in the area By Madu Obi The Awka North Local Government Area has endorsed Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration for a second term of four years, saying he is the person that made it possible for the area to be enjoying good roads. During the governor's visit to the local government, the people boosted his campaign with ₦150 million. The endorsement was announced during a rally held at Amansea, which attracted a large crowd of supporters. The event featured the presence of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, alongside key stakeholders, community leaders, and representatives from various support groups dedicated to advancing Governor Soludo's vision for Anambra State. Governor Soludo, while addressing the crowd, expressed his gratitude for the endorsement. “This endorsement reflects the trust and confidence the people of Awka North have in our administration. Together, we will build a prosperous future for ndị Anambra. There are three local government areas that have kept my vision of becoming Governor alive and they are Awka North, Anambra West, and Ogbaru," he said. Recall that before Soludo reconstructed the Amansea - Awba Idemili road, residents of Awka North had to pass through other local government areas to reach their communities. However, with the completion of the 10.9-kilometer road to Achala, the headquarters of the local government, that is no longer the case. As a result of these improvements, the people, who are mainly farmers, now find it easy to transport their produce to the cities without difficulties. Similarly, prices of land in the area have appreciated significantly, such that many residents in Awka Capital Territory now go to Awka North to purchase land. The Governor however advised that because Amansea serves as the gateway into Anambra State, the people must shun vices such as cultism so as to maintain a safe community. "We are committed to further developments in the state and in this area. Just be patient and watch what comes next. Awka North is truly blessed by God. We must work together to fulfil its destiny", the governor assured them. During the rally, the Mayor of Awka North, Mr. Thankgod Anagor, stated; "Governor Soludo has completed an impressive 55.5 kilometers of roads in Awka North. For this and more, we are forever indebted to him." He emphasized their united support for Governor Soludo's administration to keep succeeding, adding, "We aim to reinforce the initiatives that have already begun transforming Anambra into a model of development." While Mr. Johnmark Ikwunne, the member representing Awka North Local Government constituency in the House of Assembly, highlighted several important infrastructure projects related to youth development, education, and health, the President General of Urum, Sir Felix Ifebumma, who spoke on behalf of the ten communities in the area, conveyed their strong solidarity with the Governor. The people expressed the area's unwavering support for Governor Soludo in these words: “Today, we stand united in our commitment to support a leader who has demonstrated a remarkable dedication to the progress of our state.à" As the political campaign heats up ahead of the elections, the endorsement from Awka North L.G.A signals a pivotal moment for Governor Soludo and his administration, bolstering hopes for continued progress and development in Anambra State.

By Madu Obi The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of one of Nigeria’s most revered Christian leaders, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, who passed away on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80. Governor Soludo described the death of the legendary preacher, renowned evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, as a monumental loss to Nigeria, and the entire body of Christ worldwide. The statement released by the governor's Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime read: "Rev. Ukpai is a true father of faith, a spiritual giant, and a fearless gospel crusader whose life was a testimony to the power of faith, devotion, and uncompromising service to God and humanity. Rev. Dr. Ukpai was not just a preacher; he was a pivotal institution in Christian evangelism, national uprightness, and the Nigerian Pentecostal movement. For decades, his powerful voice echoed across continents, bringing salvation, healing, and hope to millions of people. The story of modern Christianity in Nigeria and across Africa cannot be complete without the indelible impact of Rev. Ukpai, through his crusades, theological teachings, and the establishment of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association dedicated to winning souls for Christ. I extend my sincere condolences to the immediate family of the late evangelist, the entire Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, and the Christian community in Nigeria. I pray that God would grant his soul eternal rest and give his family the solace to bear the monumental loss".

By Madu Obi Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has said that government, private sector and community partnership is critical for driving development. Speaking during the inauguration of the newly renovated St. Jude's Secondary School, Ihiala, Soludo also emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive vision for educational reforms in Nigeria. Highlighting the significance of collaboration,, the governor noted that human capital is the best investment, arguing that partnership drives development forward. He expressed his administration's commitment to the Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) policy, aimed at revitalizing the state's educational landscape, and commended the involvement of Keystone Bank in the project. According to him, a broader understanding of education as a foundational element for societal progress is the way to go and urged other organizations to emulate Keystone Bank's leadership and commitment to public schools and laying the groundwork for more comprehensive support for educational initiatives across the nation. Governor Soludo called on public-spirited individuals and organizations to "prioritize education and health," reinforcing that collective effort is essential for fostering a more equitable and just society. Commending Soludo's efforts to enhance quality of education in the state, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh noted that he has been instrumental in creating a state with the lowest number of out-of-school children in Nigeria. She noted the "unprecedented accomplishments achieved within three years of Soludo's leadership" and affirmed that the project fully supports his PPCP initiative. Chairman of the Board of Directors at Keystone Bank, Lady Ada Chukwudozie, described the project as a seed of hope, inspired by Governor Soludo's vision for education in Anambra State. Also, the Managing Director of Keystone Bank, Mr. Imam Hassan explained that the initiative was carried out under the Keystone Bank Education Support Initiative, acknowledging the challenge of selecting a school amid the governor's extensive efforts across various institutions. He added that the projects executed in the school include upgrade of the administration block, the school hall, ten classrooms, among other facilities, aimed at complementing the governor's work. "Public-Private-Community Partnerships serve the public good," Hassan stated, encouraging all to make good use of the new facilities.

By Madu Obi The youth wing of the Anambra State Town Unions’ Council, has vowed to mobilize Anambra youths to vote on November 8 to ensure the reelection of Professor Chukwuma Soludo in the election. Speaking during the inauguration of the group in Awka, its leader, Comrade Ken Okoli, assured that they will effectively support, campaign and deliver massive votes for Professor Soludo because of his wonderful performance since assuming office. Okoli said: "The youths are mobilizing to vote massively for Soludo because he had distinguished himself in every sector of development, especially in the area of youth empowerment within the nearly four years of his administration. We want youth empowerment to continue, and that is why his mandate should continue. Our group is grassroots oriented and so, can be seen and felt in every nook and cranny of the state. We have a plan, and that is to ensure that in every polling unit, there must be massive winning for Mr Governor as we will monitor the electoral processes. We don’t want the youths to be playing football or entertaining themselves at beer joints on election day; rather, they should come out to vote. While those that have voters cards should come out to vote, those that do not have should monitor the process and make sure that every single vote counts”. Also speaking, the youth-Mayor of Orumba South local government area, Maduabuchi Oforbike said their determination to return Governor Soludo is in the best interest of Anambra State and her citizens. “Looking at the infrastructural development and transformation going on around the state, one does not need a soothsayer to tell him or her that Soludo deserves continuity. One good turn deserves another, and in my community, we have a 4.3 kilometre road going on, which will be commissioned in the next few weeks. I want to inform my fellow youths that if not broken, there is no need to fix it. So far, so good. Our governor is doing well, and we don’t have any reason to say no. Our responsibility is to pay him back with massive votes. The votes we are giving him is to thank him and to tell him that he is doing well. That is our little way of giving him support. I therefore urge the youths in different communities to come out and vote for APGA so that Mr Governor can continue his good work” , he said.

Obi of Onitsha: Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe By Madu Obi The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe has gone into seclusion to prepare himself spiritually ahead of the final phase of this year's Ofala festival. During the seclusion, the Monarch is expected to com­mune with the spirits and become clean to enhance the fortunes of his people, This year's Ofala, with the theme, ‘Njiko na Ntachi’ (Unity and Perseverance), will come to a climax this weekend and the seclusion is part of the traditional cer­emonies that precede the celebration. A statement signed by Ozonmma Tony Nezieanya, a member of Media Lead, strate­gic marketing communication subcommittee, said the sacred rituals are a vital part of Onitsha’s rich cultural heritage, adding that the spiritual re­treat of the monarch is also meant to shield him from public view within the period. The grand celebration of Ofa­la Festival 2025 will be highlight­ed by Iru Ofala which comes on October 17. It is a day of majesty and splendor, reserved for the monarch and his chiefs. This will be followed by Azu Ofala on October 18; which is a day for the people, when age grades troop out in colourful displays to pay homage to the monarch. “We are excited to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Onit­sha through the Ofala festival. This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of unity and perseverance in our community,” the Chairman, Ofala Strategic Marketing and Com­munications Subcommittee, Nnaemeka Maduegbuna said.

By Madu Obi The wife of the governor of Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo has described girls as change makers, saying that sincere actions on peculiar issues affecting them must be a priority of policy makers. In a message to mark this year's International Day for the Girl Child, Mrs Soludo said that questions usually arise about the depth of efforts being made to reach out to the real concerns of the girl child in the families and communities. "We may have done so well in answering some of the critical questions, but as far as we still have statistics showing a portion of lack, then we haven't really done enough. Girls are treasures. To be a girl child is to be born unique, intelligent, rare, and beautiful. Girls are change makers, best managers, and better leaders. Any society that wants to grow must first acknowledge the uniqueness of the girl child and do all that it can to protect and guard them, " Mrs Soludo said. According to her, "in our families, work and worship places, schools, and communities, we must also do the best we can to establish the best environment for every girl to succeed in." She stated that as an administration that thrives on inclusivity, the state government has taken extraordinary steps to build a healthy society for every gender to live and excel in. "Our plan starts from the period of conception through the free antenatal care and delivery services, which are currently on in Anambra State, to empowering dreams, through our truly free education policy in all public schools in the state. We have also revamped our health sector and opened up easy access to affordable and quality health care delivery. For every child in Anambra State, we understand and take responsibility for their dreams. For every girl child in our dear state, we do even more because to be a girl is to be super special", she added. While wishing girls a happy International Day of the Girl Child celebration, she reminded them that they are special.

Gov. Soludo addressing the academic community in Awka By Madu Obi Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has emphasized the need for those in academics to expand their roles beyond traditional teaching. The governor, who spoke during a gathering of Higher Education Stakeholders Forum at the Women Development Center, Awka, challenged the notion that academia is a secluded profession solely focused on teaching. The forum was, more or less, an endorsement of the governor by the academic community in the state ahead of the November 8 governorship election. "As academics, you cannot afford the secluded prestige thing of just teaching. You must have the capacity to multi-task. Integrating teaching, research, and community service into the academic framework and placing particular emphasis on the latter is more important", Soludo stated. Highlighting the challenges faced by educational institutions in a developing country context, Governor Soludo expressed his belief that it is still possible for educators to excel across multiple domains. "You can multitask and still excel in all sectors," he asserted, urging them to recognize their potentials to impact society positively. The governor encouraged educators to move beyond merely producing articles and research, adding, "These contributions are necessary, but not sufficient." He also stressed the importance of translating academic knowledge into practical applications that can address societal needs. "A lot of you have a lot of brilliant things to do," he said, inspiring them to embrace their roles in driving social change. He also promised to continue to contribute his bit in developing Anambra State across sectors. In a keynote address, former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka tackled the critical intersection of education and development in Nigeria, emphasizing the imperative for Anambra State to remain steadfast in its course under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s leadership. He noted the imminent changes on the global horizon, asserting that "the world is about to change," and highlighted Governor Soludo’s understanding of this pivotal moment. Chidoka stated that success is not a matter of luck, but rather a result of focus and perseverance, urging stakeholders to harness these qualities in their efforts to advance education. He also described education as a fundamental justice issue, rather than a mere charity initiative and called for a collective recommitment to the educational transformation already underway in the state. The former Minister stressed the importance of investing in education as a vital component of sustainable development, advocating for another four-year commitment under Governor Soludo to deepen the ongoing changes in the state. The Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Professor Kate Omenugha, emphasized the importance of introspection within the current educational landscape. She noted that education and politics are intricately connected, highlighting the significance of leadership in guiding affairs. "Who is at the helm of affairs is important," she stated, underscoring the responsibility of educators to actively participate as leaders of thought. Professor Omenugha called for a collective effort to "build, not destroy," stressing the need for a constructive approach that will benefit future generations. Another speaker, Prof Casmir Ani also lent his voice in supporting the educational revolution of Governor Soludo, which he added, has brought to bear in the sector. He called on the members of the academic community, and indeed, the entire Anambra people, to continue to support Governor Soludo as the state gears up for governorship election on November 8, 2025.

Governor Soludo and members of the electricity regulatory commission after the inauguration By Madu Obi Awka - In a bold move aimed at improving power supply management across the state, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has inaugurated a five - member Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC). The commission is headed by Professor Frank Nwoye Okafor, who will serve as both Chairman and Chief Executive Commissioner. Other members are Engr. Geoffrey Okwuchukwu Nwokoye, Dr. Nnaemeka O. Ewelukwa, Engr. Nosike Emmanuel, and Barr. Chijioke Nnaemeka Obi. The bill for the establishment of the commission was passed by the House of Assembly, which provided the necessary context for the establishment of the commission and its responsibilities for regulating the state's electricity sector. The governor said the appointees would oversee the operations of the commission and ensure effective regulation of electricity supply to meet the demands of Anambra's growing population and economy. He expressed gratitude to the members for accepting their roles and encouraged them to facilitate the transition into the new electricity market. The governor ali emphasized the importance of operating within the legal framework, acknowledging the diverse backgrounds of the appointees. Soludo noted that they represent the best talent available and thanked the House of Assembly for the swift passage of the enabling legislation that outlines the terms and conditions governing their operations. In his speech, the Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, stated that the 2023 Nigeria Electricity Act is being domesticated for Anambra, emphasizing that over the years, the state had been strategic in laying a solid foundation for this initiative. The chairman of the Commission, Okafor, assured that the expectations of the people of Anambra will be respected and taken seriously. He emphasized that while the tasks ahead are significant, they are achievable and acknowledged that although Anambra had faced losses in the past, those gaps will now be addressed. He expressed confidence that both the quantity and quality of power supply will see improvements, adding that the commission will also focus on ensuring energy accountability and revenue assurance.

By Madu Obi There is an emerging trend in Anambra State where various communities and groups have been competing with each other in contributing funds to support the reelection of Professor Chukwuma Soludo and his deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim in the November 8 governorship election. In the past, the trend was for the governorship candidates to offer money to groups and communities as they visit them ahead of the election, as a way of soliciting for their votes. However, the ongoing Anambra State gubernatorial campaign is showcasing a startlingly new phenomenon. Since Governor Chukwuma Soludo began his campaign, the various communities in Anambra State have continued to raise millions of naira to support him, so that he will win and continue, in their words, "the good work he is doing across the state". Recently, the people of Oba in Idemili South local government area endorsed the governor for second tenure and backed it up with ₦50 million campaign donation. Similarly, the people of Ekwulobia did the same thing with a donation of N80 million to support Soludo's campaign in appreciation for transforming the town to an urban city. In fact, the financial contributions and endorsements began with Anambra students in tertiary institutions under the auspices of National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, who raised N3 million to enable Governor Soludo purchase the nomination form for reelection. This was followed by the Soludo Support Groups who donated N50m. Later, the three Senatorial Zones, namely North, Central, and South, raised N50 million, N70 million, and N100 million in that order, while Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association, ASMATA, donated N10 million to him for restoring sanity in all the markets in the state. Similarly, some stakeholders in Idemili North and South raised N70 million, just as Obosi community supported the Soludo campaign with N50 million, while Amichi community also backed the mission with N50 million. The list is long. The Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor said the significant endorsement underscores the growing confidence in Soludo’s governance, adding that the remarkable aspect of the monetary support is that it came spontaneously, without any solicitation whatsoever from the governor. Mefor said: "The people are on their own backing Soludo’s development strides and vision for a prosperous Anambra State. As the political momentum builds, the various communities are sending a powerful message ahead of the polls, which is that they would not want to be left behind in the lurch. The governor may end up not contributing a farthing to his own campaign, thereby setting yet another record in electioneering funding in Nigeria. It is so commendable that state resources are not deployed to the campaign. As an exemplary man of the people, Governor Soludo is reaping the reward of the good work of his first term." According to Mefor, "The unique significance of this trend is that while other candidates are borrowing money to buy voters, Soludo’s campaign is enjoying crowdfunding by Ndi Anambra. It is a rare demonstration of love and determination to return a hard-working governor. His opponents have since been left askance, wondering if they can ever get into the hearts of Anambra people who would not want to hear of anybody aside from Soludo." He said further: "The phenomenon of crowdfunding a campaign counts among the disruptive changes that Soludo promised to bring to bear on Nigerian politics. It is incumbent on all politicians to render good works such that the people can back their campaigns with their own money. This way, state resources will not be depleted in running very expensive political campaigns." Soludo is indeed a disruptive and transformational leader. His disruptive change has now reached how campaigns ought to be funded. The Commissioner said the situation on ground is that every community in Anambra State can count on the democracy dividends being delivered by Governor Soludo. "The people and Mr Governor are together, working for the progress of the state that holds aloft the tag of 'Light of the Nation'. Anambra people trust Governor Soludo because he has not borrowed any money at all to undertake his landmark achievements. He is in no way shortchanging the people who see him as a beacon of light, as opposed to some of his opponents that are daily being embarrassed by people they had borrowed money from! For a leader deploying all the resources of Anambra State to work for Ndi Anambra, Soludo is reaping the reward through the crowdfunding of his campaign. The crowds troop out in any community he steps into, backing his campaign with funds they raised on their own. It is always like a carnival with smiles all over the place. The Governor Soludo crowdfunding campaign ethic deserves to be emulated across the Nigerian nation so that the resources of the state should not be dissipated in wasteful orgies of vote-buying", he stated.