The Secretary of Onitsha South Local Government Area in Anambra State, Mr. Paul Onuachalla, has stated that Governor Charles Soludo has performed well and deserves a second term in office.
Speaking to journalists in Awka, the state capital, Onuachalla stated that there is no reason to change a winning team.
He praised the leadership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)-led administration under Soludo, highlighting its positive impact on the state.
"The governor has done exceptionally well. He has built the State Government House after 32 years, constructed various roads, and made significant improvements to the health and education sectors. We should thank God for having someone like Soludo in Anambra today," he said.
Onuachalla further acknowledged that the progress initiated by All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA in 2006 has yielded substantial results, making any calls for a change in leadership unwarranted.
"Soludo’s leadership has restored peace, security, and civility in the state. He has transformed the educational system and the overall narrative of Anambra. Calling for his removal is a disservice to the people of Anambra," he added.
While he expressed support for Soludo's second term, Onuachalla also emphasized the importance of a healthy democracy that includes constructive opposition.
However, he stressed that such opposition should be based on decency and respect for the progress already made.
Turning to the issue of property demolitions in Onitsha South, Onuachalla defended the actions of the local government, stating that the perception of indiscriminate demolitions was misguided and unfounded.
He said that the demolitions targeted properties built on waterways and drainage systems, which the council could not permit due to the potential for flooding and other environmental hazards.
"Onitsha is the most densely populated city in the country in terms of land area. Some developers are constructing buildings on drainage paths, and as we work to clear these drains, there is no technology that can clean them without physically clearing the gutters," he said.
He pointed out that the poor, who live in low-lying areas, are the ones most affected by flooding, while many of the developers live in the more affluent parts of the city, such as the Government Reserved Area (GRA).
"None of the developers causing these issues live in Fegge. They are creating problems for the poor while living comfortably in GRA. It is inappropriate for someone to build on a 50 by 100 square meter plot and cover the entire space with no room for drainage or other infrastructure. The older generation left spaces for such needs, but today's developers, once they have money, go to Awka to obtain approval, and the Anambra State Development Board often approves without proper inspection. There is a need to ensure that the land is properly inspected, with clear markings and pillars, before approval is granted. The council cannot sit idly by and allow such practices," Onuachalla stated.
According to him, Onitsha South is committed to clearing the city for the betterment of its residents, particularly the underprivileged who suffer most from poor urban planning and flooding.
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