The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor,Prof Chukwuma Soludo has been sworn in as the governor of Anambra state.
The swearing-in took place at the state government house on Thursday.
Soludo who was the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, scored 112,229 to become the winner of the elections in November 2021.
In his inaugural speech, Soludo promised to hit the ground running, saying some key members of his government will be announced in a few hours.
“Today is my first day at work. I just reported for duty at 8:55 am to be precise and will work for at least eight hours today,” the newly-sworn in governor said.
Don Adinuba, director of Soludo’s governorship campaign organisation, had earlier announced that only 50 guests would be allowed into the event hall — based on Soludo’s wish that he wanted a quiet oath-taking ceremony.
The former CBN governor takes over from Willie Obiano whose eight-year tenure elapsed on Thursday.
Obiano had, on Wednesday evening, formally handed over official documents to Soludo, and conducted him round offices in the government house.
“We had more than a month since the election to celebrate our historic victory. Now is the time to work and there is no minute or kobo to waste in funfair. In a few minutes, I will announce some of the principal officers of my administration and commence with serious meetings of the Anambra Security Council followed by a meeting with the permanent secretaries, a meeting on Okpoko, and with my Strategy, Execution, and Evaluation (SEE) team.”
“Within the next few weeks, the list of commissioners will be laid before the House of Assembly,” the Aguata-born economist, added.
Soludo took the oath of office alongside Chief Dr Onyekachukwu Gilbert Ibezim, his deputy at the low-key event.
“God ordained this moment and we are grateful to Him and to you all for the privilege to serve you. Dr Ibezim and I will work very hard every day to make you proud.”