By Peace Udugba — The Daily Torch Media
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has sworn in the newly elected chairmen and their deputies for the state’s 21 local government areas, charging them to make service, accountability and strict adherence to the law the foundation of their administration.
The inauguration took place at the Light House, Awka, with the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, and other senior government officials in attendance.
Addressing the newly sworn-in local government leaders, Soludo congratulated them while warning that their new positions came with immediate responsibilities.
“Congratulations and my commiserations to all of you as well,” the governor said, stressing that the time had come for the new council leaders to move from campaign promises to actual service delivery.
“I know that when you were applying for the job, you had all manner of aspirations, promises, and expectations. Welcome to the world of reality and the clock starts ticking today. The work has already begun.”
Soludo Tells LG Mayors to Take Oath Seriously
The governor urged the new chairmen to treat their oath of office as a daily reminder of their responsibilities to the people.
He noted that even the time spent during the inauguration was already running out and should be accounted for, urging the council leaders to constantly review the oath they had taken.
Soludo suggested that the oath should be displayed in their offices and other visible places to serve as a reminder that their positions were fundamentally about public service.
He also urged the new local government leaders to uphold the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, principle of being “your brother’s and sister’s keeper,” saying governance must be inclusive.
According to him, a system can only be as strong as its weakest link, making it necessary for local governments to ensure that no section of the population is left behind.
‘Leave the Ladder Stronger Than You Met It’
Reflecting on the emergence of the new council leaders, Soludo said the political structure they inherited was built by people who had previously occupied leadership positions.
He therefore charged the new mayors to ensure that they leave behind stronger institutions and improved local government systems when their tenure ends.
The governor also advised them to respect existing laws and administrative procedures while pursuing innovations that could improve service delivery.
He said innovation must remain within the boundaries of the law and urged the chairmen to study the legal framework guiding local government administration in the state.
Soludo Demands Review of Handover Notes
The governor specifically directed the new council administrations to carefully examine the handover notes received from their predecessors.
He asked them to assess the assets and liabilities inherited by their respective local governments, particularly in view of the challenges confronting councils across the state.
Soludo also highlighted provisions that allow local governments to pool resources for common financial obligations, saying such mechanisms could help make the council system more sustainable.
APGA Wins All 21 LG Chairmanship Seats
The swearing-in follows the August 29, 2026 local government election in Anambra State, with the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) declaring the results on August 30.
According to the state government, APGA secured all 21 chairmanship seats and 346 councillorship positions across the state.
The election was conducted across the state’s 21 Local Government Areas and 362 electoral wards.
The newly inaugurated chairmen are:
- Aguata: Kingsley Ezeagu
- Anambra East: Ifeanyi Chinweze
- Anambra West: Tony Obierika
- Anaocha: Paulinus Okafor
- Awka North: Thankgod Anago
- Awka South: Chinedu Okafor
- Ayamelum: Mgbechi Igwebuike
- Dunukofia: Clement Ozumba
- Ekwusigo: Ifeanyi Onuchukwu
- Idemili North: Stanley Nkwoka
- Idemili South: Oluchukwu Ilogbenam
- Ihiala: Anayo Orjiakor
- Njikoka: Ikechukwu Okakpu
- Nnewi North: Anazodo Echezona
- Nnewi South: Ezeogidi Vangeroge
- Ogbaru: Nnamdi Ifejika
- Onitsha North: Ibekwe Albert
- Onitsha South: Peter Moufunanya
- Orumba North: Chinonso Nwafor
- Orumba South: Mufunanya Ikechukwu
- Oyi: Igbem John Elochukwu
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Tochukwu Nweke, SAN.
The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Ezeaka, was also among the government officials involved in the proceedings.
The new council administrations are expected to take the governor’s charge of accountability and service delivery to the grassroots as they begin their respective tenures.
Tags: Soludo, Chukwuma Soludo, Anambra State, Anambra LG election, Anambra mayors, local government mayors, APGA, Anambra politics, Light House Awka, Nigerian politics
