By Tony Ezike
The Deputy Chairman of the Labour Party in Anambra State, Mr. OCN Okafor, has called on Governor Charles Soludo to rein in his media aides, accusing them of engaging in personal attacks against distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, Okafor condemned the rising wave of political hostility in the state, describing it as unbecoming of Anambra’s democratic tradition.
Quoting an Igbo adage, “Okenye adiro ano na uno ewu anwuo na ogbuli” – which translates to “an elder does not stay at home and the goat dies on a rope” – Okafor emphasized that political maturity demands restraint, respect, and issue-based engagements rather than insults.
He described Senator Uche Ekwunife as one of the most accomplished politicians in Anambra State, second only to leaders like former Governor Peter Obi and former Senator Chris Ngige. Highlighting her political trajectory, Okafor noted that Ekwunife remains the only female senator from Anambra Central, the longest-serving legislator from the state, and the only politician to have won and been sworn into four consecutive elections.
“From 2007 to date, no politician in Anambra has maintained consistent relevance and mass followership like Senator Ekwunife, aside from Mr. Peter Obi and Senator Tony Nwoye,” Okafor stated.
Turning his attention to the Soludo administration, Okafor argued that instead of engaging in personal attacks, the governor should be campaigning on his record of achievements. He lamented that in over three years in office, Governor Soludo’s administration has been marred by insecurity, with more than 300 lives lost and the state ranking highest in kidnappings in the South-East.
“Since open campaigns began, Governor Soludo has not showcased his achievements but has resorted to intimidation and bullying of opposition candidates. This is not how to seek a second term,” he said.
The Labour Party deputy chairman further accused Soludo’s aides, Ejimofor Opara and Izuchukwu Adichie, of spearheading coordinated attacks against opposition leaders with the governor’s tacit approval.
He however commended Senator Ekwunife for maintaining composure despite repeated provocations, only responding after Governor Soludo personally attacked her on live television.
Okafor urged Ndi Anambra to reject toxic politics and embrace respect for leaders irrespective of party affiliations or gender, warning that the state’s political culture must not be allowed to degenerate further.
“Both Governor Soludo and Senator Ekwunife are distinguished Ndi Anambra and deserve each other’s respect. No one is more Anambra than the other. This was not the politics our elders taught us,” Okafor declared.
He concluded with a hopeful message: “May Anambra succeed!”
