The Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has foreclosed further political appointments by his Government.
He said says that funds in the state’s treasury can not afford such luxury.
Soludo said this on Wednesday during a town hall meeting with Traditional Rulers, Presidents-General, Women and community youth leaders across the state.
Soludo had recently appointed about 20 commissioners and a few other aides.
Addressing the stakeholders on Wednesday, Soludo said he would rather employ new teachers and health workers to make up for manpower deficits in state schools and hospitals.
He also assured of consolidation of projects of his predecessor despite paucity of funds, stating that his plan to make Anambra Dubai/Taiwan would require cooperation and sacrifice of all residents of the state.
He said, “Today marks 49 days we assumed office. This is the second time we are calling this meeting to keep you abreast of our commitment in transforming the state. We’ll call you again in 100days.
“Our first duty is to resurrect Onitsha. Onitsha must rise, being the Obi of Ndigbo. Almost all gutters in the city are all filled up. Distilling of Sakamori has commenced. All houses blocking the river must come down.
“The presence of touts has chased many businessmen away from the town. It’s difficult to find where to park to shop. But we assure you that shopping in Onitsha will become a pleasurable experience soon.”
He promised to increase the N20m ‘community choose your project initiative’ of the immediate past administration to N25million.
He added, “Every government policy must go down to the grassroots. Repairing Anambra will start from the communities, towns and villages.
“We’ll partner with those with private farms to assist us in producing enough palm oil and coconuts we can consume and export.”
On Security, Soludo called for assistance from youths of various communities on intelligence gathering, assuring them that their identity would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
“Traditional Rulers and President Generals must take charge of their communities. You must re-examine and revamp your local vigilante to forestall further breakdown of law and order.
“Culture of silence must stop. I’m sure you know the hoodlums and you must expose them on time before they strike. We must resurrect community participation and mobilize youths to take back our societies,” he stressed.
