By Comr. Okoye Kenechi.
The primary purpose of government is to provide for the basic needs of the people. Unfortunately, our state government, led by an erudite professor, has fallen far short of expectations. When we cast our votes with the promise of making Anambra state the Dubai/Taiwan of Nigeria, we expected more.
However, it appears that the focus shifted when Governor Soludo assumed office, retreating into the old order of politics marked by betrayal of the electorate, white elephant projects, and a witch hunt against perceived political enemies.
As we ponder the shattered hopes from Mr. Governor’s claim of an empty purse, our people endured heavy taxation in the hope that things would improve with sufficient government funds.
On May 29, 2023, after the swearing-in, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the removal of the infamous fuel subsidy. While we expected the state government to utilize the increased allocation, the opposite seems to be the case.
Increased Federal Allocation up to 3.519 Billion Naira: Anambra State Playing Gallery Tactics.
Before the fuel subsidy removal, Anambra state government received 4.747 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). After the removal, Anambra state government now receives 8.266 Billion naira monthly.
Since June 2023, Anambra state electorates have patiently waited for the implementation of the Dubai/Taiwan blueprint, but nothing has materialized.
There are alleged reports that Governors were given 30 billion naira to invest in agriculture and purchase agricultural products to alleviate hunger. Yet, there’s no investment in agriculture in Anambra state.
It appears Mr. Governor has reverted to old-fashioned politics by patronizing roadside market vendors. One might question if buying fruit on the road is part of the government’s initiative to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
While Abia State is building a Geometric power plant to generate and distribute 24/7 electricity, Anambra state is celebrating the governor buying fruits from roadside markets.
As we point fingers at the federal government, let’s also hold our Governors accountable for the funds they’ve received since the removal of the fuel subsidy.
