One of the defining attributes of great leadership is courage—the discipline to uphold the law, the will to enforce it fairly, and the strength to stand by principle without fear or favour.
In Anambra State, Governor Charles Soludo has consistently demonstrated this rare quality. A born leader by every measure, Soludo has distinguished himself as a man who speaks plainly, acts decisively, and follows through on his words, regardless of whose ox is gored. His leadership reflects conviction over convenience, order over compromise, and a steadfast commitment to doing what is right, not merely what is popular.
What sets Soludo apart is his clarity of purpose. He says what he means and means what he says, a trait that has brought a renewed sense of order and accountability to Anambra State.
He showcased his disciplinarian side recently when he engaged members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB. He warned the group to put an end to its Monday sit-at-home that has eaten deep into the economy of Anambra State and other parts of the Southeast States of Nigeria.
When the declaration was taken with a pinch of salt, the governor took a very firm stand against it. He physically visited Onitsha Main Market on a Monday and ordered traders to open for business, insisting government and regular people had a right to go about their lawful activities.
After traders, out of fear, refused to open, Soludo temporarily shut the market to punish compliance with the sit-at-home order. But he reopened the popular market when traders started to return to work.
His actions were framed by many as challenging the authority of the sit-at-home practice and signalling that the state government would not tolerate unlawful acts. IPOB fought back, claiming the governor cannot change the order while observers watched with keen interest, asking who would be the first to blink. At last, IPOB had no choice but to announce the end of the sit-at-home order that has been in operation for years.
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