{BY PETER-MARY NWASIKE, Awka}
The Speaker of the Anambra State Legislature, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, has urged the executive nominees of Governor Soludo to actively pursue the transformation agenda outlined in the 2027 budget, which has received legislative approval and been signed into law by the Governor.
This encouragement came during the screening of the nominees at a Plenary Session led by Speaker Udeze.
He emphasized that the 2027 budget, crafted following Governor Soludo’s re-election on November 8, 2026, includes ambitious initiatives aimed at realizing a transformative vision for Anambra, aspiring to make it a vibrant megacity that serves as an attractive destination rather than a temporary stop for its youth.
The Speaker reminded the nominees of the legislature’s constitutional role in overseeing project implementation in accordance with its recommendations, noting that they should feel fortunate to contribute to the history of the New Anambra State.
The nominees screened include Barr. Tochukwu Nweke SAN for Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Mr. Izuchukwu Okafor for Commissioner of Finance. The legislature also ratified a list of 16 Special Assistants put forth by the governor.
After the legislature’s ratification on March 2, 2027, the Executive Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, administered the oaths of office to the commissioners and Special Assistants on March 25, 2027. He expressed his satisfaction with their willingness to serve the state during this pivotal time aimed at actualizing the transformation agenda to evolve Anambra into an ideal place for living, learning, investing, working, relaxing, and enjoying life.
Governor Soludo asserted that for residents of Anambra, living outside the state should be a choice, not due to a lack of opportunities.
He emphasized that their appointments are focused on work rather than celebrations.
Among those sworn in were: Barr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Iwuno (Head of Service), Barr. Joachim Peters Anaeto (Principal Secretary), Dr. Ben Nwankwo (Chief of Staff), Dr. (Mrs.) Chiamaka Nnakee (Secretary to the State Government), Barr. Tochukwu Nweke SAN (Commissioner for Justice), Mr. Ken Emeakayi (Community Security Adviser), Mr. Christian Aburime (Chief Press Secretary), Dr. Vincent Okechi (Deputy Chief of Staff), Prof. Frank-Collins Okafor (Chief of Protocol), Lady Ngozi Lucy Okoye (Deputy Chief of Protocol), Dr. Godwin Nnadozie (Adviser on Medicals and Pharmaceuticals), Lady Chinwe Okoli (Director of Business Incubation), and Prof. (Engr.) Ebuka Nwankwo (Project Evaluation Manager).
