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By Dirisu Yakubu

Former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd), has congratulated the governor-elect of Anambra state following his victory in the November 6th gubernatorial poll.

Soludo who contested the election on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, saw off competition from Valentine Ozigbo and Andy Uba of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the All Progressives Congress, APC to emerge governor-elect of the South-Eastern state.

In a congratulatory statement he personally signed, General Babangida saluted Ndi Anambra for coming out in their numbers to cast their ballots.

The statement read: “The contest was keen, the campaigns were tense and tough, the outcome has proven once again that if anyone desires gold, he must dig deeper into the mould.

“After all the tempers and palpable fear of a violent election, I am excited that Anambra people disappointed all bookmakers by making sure that the election turned out free, fair and credible. What is most gratifying for me is that the deserved winner, Prof. Charles Soludo has extended his hand of fellowship to his fellow contestants to create the right atmosphere for a robust leadership engagement for Anambra state.

“That is the way to go in contemporary leadership contestation in a democracy to champion inclusive leadership that caters for all. The “battle” and contestations are over, this is the time to forge ahead in the light of so many challenges that deserve urgent attention.

“Let me congratulate Prof. Charles Soludo on his victory after such a hard-fought political “battle”, travelling around all the 21 local governments to solicit for votes. Aside from being such a brilliant mind, his understanding of the intricate logic of the Nigerian federation, having served in various capacities, would help broaden his horizon as he contends with the leadership of governing the good people of Anambra state.

“As a man who understands the nexus between promise and performance, he must immediately jumpstart the process of collating ideas on how to confront the developmental challenges facing Anambra state. He must reach out to great minds cut across the state to stimulate the right ideas and attract capable hands that would help him to actualize his manifesto. Victory is one, being able to achieve the purpose of governance is another. I wish him well.

“Going by our present political crises across the country particularly in the South-East, the fact that election held in Anambra despite initial fears is an eloquent statement that we all desire to live together as one indivisible country.

“What is required in my humble view is how to utilize our potentials and talents to drive the national narrative through consensus building, cohesion and homogeneity of purpose. I am sure we can make a deeper meaning from the outcome of the Anambra election through dialogue and constructive engagement to move the country forward. I have no doubt in my mind that Prof. Soludo would join that national narrative to deepen our democracy to endure the test of time. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts that he would assuredly bring to bear in Anambra state leadership in particular, and Nigeria in general.”

Vanguard News Nigeria