Civil Liberties Organization Anambra State CLO, CELEBRATES ANAMBRA @35 COMMENDS EZEIFE, NGIGE, OBI, OBIANO, SOLUDO; CALLS FOR ACCELERATED DEVELOPMENT AS ANAMBRA MARKS 35 YEARS
By Uzo Ugwunze
The Civil Liberties Organization, CLO, Anambra State Branch* has felicitated with His Excellency, Governor *Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo*, the government and good people of Anambra State on the occasion of the *35th Anniversary* of the creation of Anambra State by the then Military President, *General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida GCFR*, on *27th August, 1989*.
In a press statement issued in Awka and signed by *Evangelist Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, AMBP-UN Chairman; Comrade Chidi Mbah, Secretary; and Comrade Damian Ogudike*, the organization themed the celebration *"Anambra Rejoice"* and used the milestone to reflect on the journey of the Light of the Nation, while charting a roadmap for greater progress.
*APPRECIATION TO FOUNDERS AND PAST LEADERS*
CLO paid glowing tributes to the architects of modern Anambra, noting that the state’s progress has been built on the sacrifices, vision and patriotism of successive administrations.
*His Excellency Dr. Chukwuemeka Pius Ezeife, CON* – _The Pioneer and First Executive Governor_
CLO described Dr. Ezeife as the foundation-layer of the new Anambra. His introduction of the *"Think Home Philosophy"* and prudent management of public funds set the moral and economic tone for governance. His weekly town hall meetings and direct engagement with citizens earned him the enduring appellation of *"The People's Governor."*
2. *His Excellency Dr. Chris Ngige, OON* – _The Road Master_
The organization commended Dr. Ngige for his massive intervention in *road construction and rehabilitation* across the state. It also acknowledged his legacy of *prompt payment of salaries, pensions, gratuities and allowances* to civil servants, which restored dignity to public service.
3. *His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi, CON* – _The Frugal Transformer_
CLO lauded Mr. Obi for *drastically reducing the cost of governance* and for strategic investments in *healthcare, education, security and critical infrastructure*. His administration, the statement noted, touched every section of the state economy through the *Sustainable Development Goals framework*, delivering inclusive growth and laying the foundation for Anambra’s modern institutions.
4. *His Excellency Chief Willie Obiano* – _The Security and Infrastructure Consolidator_
CLO recognizes the contributions of the immediate past administration in consolidating security architecture and infrastructural continuity.
5. *His Excellency Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR* – _The Current Reformer_
CLO gave special commendation to the incumbent governor for *sustaining and deepening the developmental strides* of the state and for courageously tackling problems hitherto unattended to. Key initiatives highlighted include:
- *Free and Compulsory Education to SSS3 students*
- *Free Antenatal and Maternity Services* for pregnant women
- Establishment of the *Anambra State Anti-Touting Squad (SASA)* to restore sanity, constitutionality and the rule of law
- A decisive campaign against *Ezenwoke, Ezenwanyi, fake pastors and purveyors of get-rich-quick syndromes* that deceive and exploit our youths
"By these actions, Mr. Governor has engraved his name in the hearts of Ndi Anambra as a leader committed to value re-orientation and human capital development," the statement read.
*CALL TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT*
While celebrating, CLO urged the Federal Government to do more for the Southeast.
The organization appealed to *President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR* and the *National Assembly* to *expedite action on the creation of additional states for the Southeast Zone*, in tandem with the recommendations of the *2014 National Constitutional Conference*.
CLO argued that state creation remains a critical step toward equity, inclusiveness, and balanced development in Nigeria’s federal structure.
ANAMBRA @35: THE ROAD AHEAD*
As Anambra marks 35 years, CLO called for *rapid and deliberate improvements* in five priority areas:
1. *Security* – Strengthening community policing and intelligence gathering
2. *Roads* – Accelerated construction and rehabilitation of federal and state roads
3. *Education* – Expanding access to quality, technology-driven learning
4. *Health* – Upgrading primary healthcare centers and specialist hospitals
5. *Youth Empowerment* – Jobs, skills and moral re-orientation to counter criminality
6.Erosion Control -
Tackle erosion menace threatening our environment.
"Anambra has the human capital, the enterprise spirit, and the leadership to become Nigeria’s foremost sub-national economy. What is required now is unity of purpose, continuity of good policies, and sincerity of purpose," CLO stated.
The organization congratulated Ndi Anambra at home and in the diaspora and prayed for continued peace, prosperity and progress in the Light of the Nation.
*Signed:*
*Evangelist Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, AMBP-UN*
_Chairman, CLO Anambra State Branch_
*Comrade Chidi Mbah*
_Secretary_
*Comrade Damian Ogudike*
_Member, State Executive Council_
