Expert Calls For Measurable Progress In Soludo’s Next Term

A security expert and conflict resolution scholar, Dr Peter Igboaka, has described Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s first term as visionary and reform-driven, while stressing that the second term must deliver measurable outcomes that directly improve the economic and social wellbeing of the people of Anambra State.

Igboaka made the remarks in Lagos while responding to questions on the performance of the Soludo administration and expectations for the new tenure.

“The first four years of this administration were largely about laying a strong foundation through policy direction, urban renewal, revenue reforms, and digital governance initiatives,” he said.

The scholar, who holds a PhD in Security Studies and Conflict Resolution, explained that governance is ultimately judged by visible socio-economic results.

“While the administration showed clear vision in several sectors, the real test is whether these ideas translate into tangible economic growth, job creation, and improved living conditions in the second term,” he added.

On expectations going forward, Igboaka said residents of Anambra now look forward to consolidation of ongoing projects, stronger security architecture, and policies that can drive sustainable economic expansion.

He emphasized the need for the government to move beyond conceptual reforms to practical results, backed by clear performance targets, institutional accountability, and efficient execution of existing programmes.

Speaking on investment and the business environment, he advised the government to prioritize ease of doing business, noting that investors are attracted by predictable systems rather than promises.

He recommended reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, eliminating multiple taxation, and establishing a functional one-stop investment platform.

He also called for strategic investments in industrial parks, power supply, and transport logistics to position the state as a competitive economic hub.

Igboaka further stressed that security should be treated as an economic priority, noting that “No meaningful investment can thrive in an environment where lives and property are not fully protected.”

Strengthening security institutions, he said, would not only improve public safety but also boost investor confidence and productivity.

He commended the administration’s moral re-orientation efforts and its campaign against criminality and social vices, particularly the crackdown on practices that promote quick wealth without hard work.

He described the move as bold and necessary for restoring societal values but cautioned that such reforms must be applied fairly and consistently to maintain public trust and credibility.

On economic diversification, Igboaka called for greater focus on agriculture, warning that overdependence on internally generated revenue from taxation places undue pressure on citizens and businesses.

He advocated investment in agro-processing, value chain development, and rural production clusters as a means to create jobs, expand revenue sources, and strengthen economic stability.

Drawing from his interactions with Nigerians in the diaspora, Igboaka said many indigenes are willing to invest in Anambra but remain concerned about insecurity, lack of transparency, land disputes, and policy inconsistency.

He urged the government to strengthen institutional frameworks that guarantee property rights, ensure transparent land administration, and protect private investments.

According to him, digitization of land records and clear legal processes would significantly improve investor confidence.

He also encouraged the diaspora community to move beyond individual remittances and form structured investment groups capable of partnering with the government in key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and technology.

He stressed that sustainable development requires collaboration between government, the private sector, and citizens both at home and abroad.

On the governor’s long-standing vision of transforming Anambra into an “African Dubai-Taiwan,” Igboaka said the goal remains achievable, but only with disciplined implementation, institutional stability, and deliberate economic planning.

“The second term is a decisive opportunity to convert this vision into reality,” he added.

The Anambra-born scholar concluded that the new tenure represents a defining moment for the state, expressing optimism that with improved security, effective policies, and stronger partnerships with investors and the diaspora, Anambra can achieve the level of economic transformation envisioned by the governor.