George Moghalu: Soludo insulting Anambra people with reckless outbursts

George Moghalu, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Anambra, has accused Chukwuma Soludo, the state governor, of “reckless and condescending” remarks during a political rally in Ekwulobia.

On Saturday, Soludo criticised politicians who pledge to serve only one term in office, describing such promises as signs of mental instability.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by his campaign organisation, Moghalu condemned Soludo’s reference to citizens as “street urchins” and his claim that any governorship candidate pledging to serve a single term “needs psychiatric examination”.

“This kind of language is unbecoming of the high office he occupies,” the statement reads.

“Rather than speak to the real challenges facing Ndi Anambra, Governor Soludo has chosen to insult the sensibilities of the electorate in an apparent show of desperation.”

Moghalu said leadership is not a birthright and reminded the governor that the Nigerian constitution permits elected officials to serve a single term if they so choose.

“A second term is earned through performance, not demanded as an entitlement,” he said.

“Nelson Mandela is still regarded as the father of democracy in Africa. Guess what, Mr Soludo — he served only one term.”

He added that Soludo failed to deliver on key campaign promises nearly three years into office, questioning the status of his “Africa Dubai Taiwan” development agenda.

“Let him show us one foreign investment he has attracted to Anambra,” Moghalu, a former managing director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), said.

“Why has insecurity escalated under his watch, with a disturbing rise in killings and kidnappings even in the state capital? What are his visible and verifiable achievements in education, health, job creation, and infrastructure?”

He described Soludo’s tone as one driven by panic, saying his attacks betray fear of accountability.

“For someone who once claimed he is not contesting with anyone, Governor Soludo’s outburst reeks of fear — fear of a people rising and fear of a credible alternative,” he said.

Moghalu said Soludo’s rhetoric dishonours the legacy of Anambra’s founding icons, including Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Chinua Achebe, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alex Ekwueme, and Nwafor Orizu.

“They would be turning in their graves at the mockery being made of the governorship seat today,” he said.