By LUCY OSUIZIGBO-OKECHUKWU

Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has charged the newly sworn-in chairmen of the 21 Local Government Areas of the state to prioritise service delivery, accountability and strict adherence to the law.

Soludo gave the charge on Saturday during the inauguration of the chairmen and their deputies at the Government House, Awka.

He described their election as a call to service, urging them to take their oaths of office seriously and remain conscious of their responsibilities.

“The clock starts ticking today. The work has already begun,” he said.

The governor urged the chairmen to uphold the APGA motto, “Be your brother’s and sister’s keeper,” stressing that governance should be inclusive and responsive to the needs of the people.

He reminded them that their emergence was made possible by the efforts of those who laid the foundation before them, urging them to strengthen the legacy.

Soludo also advised them to operate within established laws and procedures while embracing innovation to improve grassroots governance.

He urged the councils to explore provisions allowing them to pool resources for common financial obligations and directed the chairmen to scrutinise their handover notes, particularly inherited assets and liabilities.

The governor acknowledged the dominance of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state, noting that some candidates emerged virtually unopposed in the council election.

The inauguration followed the declaration of the local government election results on Aug. 30, 2026. APGA won all 21 chairmanship seats in the election.

The state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Tochukwu Nweke, SAN, administered the oaths of office.

The chairmen are Kingsley Ezeagu (Aguata LGA), Ifeanyi Chinweze (Anambra East), Tony Obierika (Anambra West), Paulinus Okafor (Anaocha), ThankGod Anago (Awka North) and Chinedu Okafor (Awka South).

Others are Mgbechi Igwebuike (Ayamelum), Clement Ozumba (Dunukofia), Ifeanyi Onuchukwu (Ekwusigo), Stanley Nkwoka (Idemili North), Oluchukwu Ilogbenam (Idemili South), Anayo Orjiakor (Ihiala) and Ikechukwu Okakpu (Njikoka).

Also inaugurated were Echezona Anazodo (Nnewi North), Chinedu Ezeogidi (Nnewi South), Nnamdi Ifejika (Ogbaru), Chukwuemelie Ibekwe (Onitsha North), Okechukwu Mofunanya (Onitsha South), Casmir Nwafor (Orumba North), Shedrack Azubuike (Orumba South) and Igbem Elochukwu (Oyi).(NAN)

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