Governor Chukwuma Soludo rejecting advice to construct a road in Anambra State over political party affiliation is an example of what governance should never be about.
Development Diaries reports that, according to the governor, when a House of Representatives member representing the area, Noble Igwe, complained about the poor state of the road, he dismissed his complaints because he was in the opposition party.
It is unfortunate that the governor would prioritise party interests over public welfare. In fixing a state-owned road, the governor is not doing the community a favour but rather doing what is expected of his office.
Yes, the roads have been fixed, as he made this comment during the inauguration of the 12 kilometre of roads in the Okpoko area, but this was because the said lawmaker representing the area later joined the governor’s party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Should this be the case? Should political affiliations determine the speed of development in a state?
Roads are critical infrastructural components essential for economic development, social connectivity, and the overall quality of life for residents.
Denying necessary repairs or upgrades based on political considerations would only hinder economic progress and undermine the trust and accountability citizens expect from their elected leaders.
Citizens rightly expect their tax contributions to be used for public goods and services that benefit everyone, regardless of political beliefs.
Political leaders should always fulfil their duty to provide basic amenities like road maintenance impartially and to uphold the democratic principles of fairness, representation, and governance for the collective good.
Development Diaries calls on the Anambra State governor and other state governors in Nigeria to commit to ethical leadership, and prioritise the common good over partisan interests.
We also call on Ndi Anambra and other citizens to always hold their lawmakers and their governors accountable when there is a failure to provide basic amenities.
Photo source: Chukwuma Soludo
