In a bold move that has sent ripples across Anambra State, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has relieved all political appointees in his administration of their duties, just one day after taking the oath of office for his second term.
The comprehensive directive, which affects all political office holders across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), was communicated through a statement signed by Nwabufo Nwankwo, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
According to the circular, affected officials have been instructed to hand over their responsibilities to Permanent Secretaries or the most senior civil servants in their respective offices. The handover process must be completed by close of work on March 18, 2026.
Fresh Start for Second Term
Governor Soludo’s decision appears aimed at creating a clean slate for his second term administration. The move ensures continuity in governance while the governor takes time to carefully constitute a new cabinet that will drive his vision for the state over the next four years.
In what some political observers see as a strategic approach, members of the outgoing first-term cabinet have been invited to a meeting with the governor scheduled for March 23 at the ANSEC Chambers in Awka. This meeting will likely provide clarity on whether any of the former appointees will be reappointed or if the governor plans to bring in entirely new faces.
Second Term Begins on High Note
Governor Soludo was sworn in for his second term on Tuesday at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, standing alongside his deputy, Onyeka Ibezim. The ceremony followed their victory in the November 8, 2025 governorship election as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The inauguration attracted heavyweight political figures from across Nigeria, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, among others.
Celebrating First Term Achievements
In his inaugural address, the Anambra helmsman highlighted significant progress recorded during his first term, particularly in the areas of security and economic revival.
“The debilitating one-sit-at-home is over, and our schools, markets, businesses, and public servants are back to work. Ndi Anambra says that ours is now the safest, or at least one of the safest states in Nigeria,” Governor Soludo declared to applause from the crowd.
This statement references the state’s successful battle against the Monday sit-at-home orders that had previously crippled economic activities across the South-East region, forcing businesses to close and keeping residents indoors out of fear.
What This Means for Anambra
The sweeping dismissal of political appointees marks the beginning of a new administrative chapter in Anambra State. While some may view it as a routine political reshuffling, others see it as an opportunity for the governor to bring in fresh perspectives and possibly reward loyalists who supported his re-election campaign.
As Ndi Anambra await the unveiling of the new cabinet, all eyes will be on Governor Soludo to see whether he retains experienced hands from his first term or opts for a completely new team to execute his second-term agenda.
The March 23 meeting with former cabinet members will likely provide the first real indication of the direction the governor intends to take.
This is a developing story. More details will be provided as they become available.
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