By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has declared that he would rather resign from office than disappoint his family or the people of Anambra State, describing his leadership journey as one guided by divine grace, courage and the collective support of the people.
The Governor made the declaration on Sunday during an interdenominational thanksgiving service held at the International Conference Centre, Awka, where he led government officials, clergy, traditional rulers and citizens to praise and worship God for the successful completion of his first term in office and ahead of his inauguration for a second term scheduled to kick off on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
Speaking during the service, Soludo said the gathering was simply to thank God for sustaining him and his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, throughout the past four years, noting that the administration survived difficult moments through divine guidance, wisdom and strength.
According to him, his decision to seek the governorship was driven by a personal prayer that God should use him as an instrument to serve the state, stressing that he never asked for wealth or position, but only for the opportunity to contribute to the development of Anambra.
He recalled that his constant prayer since assuming office has been for God to grant him life, good health, wisdom to know the right thing to do, and the courage to do it, adding that the transformation recorded in the state so far was made possible by that divine direction.
The Governor said the thanksgiving service was also to commit the next four years into the hands of God, expressing confidence that the same grace that guided the first tenure would sustain the administration in the second term.
Addressing the people of the state, Soludo expressed deep appreciation to Ndi Anambra for their prayers, support and constructive advice, noting that governance is a collective effort that requires cooperation from citizens, institutions and leaders at all levels.
He also acknowledged the support received from the Federal Government, public institutions and stakeholders across the country, saying the progress recorded in Anambra was the result of teamwork and shared commitment to development.
Soludo specially paid a glowing tribute to his family, especially his wife, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, whom he described as a strong pillar of support, prayer partner and moral strength behind the administration, further appreciating her sacrifices and encouragement throughout the years.
In a moment that drew loud reactions from the congregation, the Governor assured his family and Ndị Anambra that he would never take their support for granted or betray the trust reposed in him, further declaring that he would rather resign from office than disappointing them.
According to him, the responsibility of leadership demands integrity, sincerity and accountability, adding that public office should never be seen as an opportunity for personal gain but as a call to serve.
Turning to his second term, Governor Soludo assured that the next four years would witness greater transformation across the state, hinting that the achievements recorded in the first tenure were only the beginning of a broader vision for the development of Anambra.
The thanksgiving service, themed “Leading with Wisdom and Integrity,” attracted a large turnout of religious leaders, political leaders, including former Governor of the state and former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Dr. Chris Ngige, among others, who came to fete with the Governor and his Deputy.
In their separate exhortations, Christian leaders at the event, including Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim of the Anglican Diocese of Awka and Province of the Niger, and the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Wale Oke, stressed the need for divine wisdom, integrity and courage in leadership, noting that the challenges of governance require both spiritual guidance and firm commitment to the welfare of the people.
They commended the Governor for beginning and ending his first tenure with thanksgiving, describing the act as a demonstration of humility and recognition of God’s role in the affairs of men and nations.
The event ended with prayers for peace, unity and progress, with many expressing optimism that the second tenure would consolidate ongoing reforms in security, infrastructure, economic development and value re-orientation in Anambra State.
Watch the video and more photos from the event:
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