Soludo swears in 21 council mayors, urges them to prioritize service, accountability

By Goodness Ndukuba, Awka

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, has officially sworn in the newly elected Chairmen and their deputies across all 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

Christian Aburime, Chief Press Secretary to the governor in a statement on Saturday, said the event which took place at the Light House, Awka, was attended by the Deputy Governor, Onyekachukwu Ibezim, among others.

“Congratulations and my commiserations to all of you as well,” Soludo stated during the inauguration ceremony, addressing the new local government leaders.

“I know that when you were applying for the job, you had all manner of aspirations, promises, and expectations. Welcome to the world of reality and the clock starts ticking today. The work has already begun.”

The Governor emphasized the immediate responsibility resting on the administration, noting that even the minutes spent at the event were already gone and must be accounted for.

He instructed the officials to take their oath of office seriously, review it daily, and consider posting it in visible locations as a constant reminder of their obligations.

“As you begin your journey, it is a call to serve,” Soludo urged, highlighting the motto of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), “Be your brother’s and sister’s keeper”, as the foundation of their progressive agenda.

He explained that a system is only as strong as its weakest link, which informs the state’s drive to carry everyone along.

Reflecting on the election, the Governor acknowledged the dominance of APGA in the state over the past twenty years, which resulted in candidates standing virtually unopposed.

He reminded the incoming leaders that others kept the ladder strong for them to climb, and it is now their responsibility to leave it even stronger.

On governance standards, the Governor advised the Mayors to adhere strictly to existing processes, rules, and laws. While encouraging innovation.

He stressed that all actions must remain within legal boundaries.

He specifically called for making the local government system more sustainable, pointing out that new laws allow councils to pool resources to manage common payments effectively.

He further instructed the leaders to review the handover notes from their predecessors, carefully evaluating both assets and liabilities amid the humongous challenges ahead.

The swearing-in ceremony follows the official declaration of election results on the Aug. 30, 2026 and was conducted in alignment with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The proceedings took place alongside state administration officials, including the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Ifeanyichukwu Ezeaka.

The full list of the newly sworn-in Chairmen and their respective Local Government Areas includes:

Aguata: Kingsley Ezeagu
Anambra East: Ifeanyi Chinweze
Anambra West: Tony Obierika
Anaocha: Paulinus Okafor
Awka North: ThankGod Anago
Awka South: Chinedu Okafor
Ayamelum: Mgbechi Igwebuike
Dunukofia: Clement Ozumba
Ekwusigo: Ifeanyi Onuchukwu
Idemili North: Stanley Nkwoka
Idemili South: Oluchukwu Ilogbenam
Ihiala: Anayo Orjiakor
Njikoka: Ikechukwu Okakpu
Nnewi North: Anazodo Echezona
Nnewi South: Ezeogidi Vangeroge
Ogbaru: Nnamdi Ifejika
Onitsha North: Ibekwe Albert
Onitsha South: Peter Moufunanya
Orumba North: Chinonso Nwafor
Orumba South: Mufunanya Ikechukwu
Oyi: Igbem John Elochukwu

The swearing-in ceremony was performed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tochukwu Nweke, SAN.