By Josephine Isaac
Professor Charles Soludo was sworn-in as governor of Anambra State with his wife and children gathered around him at the Agu-Awka Government House, Awka shortly before 10.00 a.m. on Wednesday morning.
Before he climbed up to take the oath administered by the Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, the new governor bowed twice to his predecessor, Chief Willie Obiano who mobilized the political machine that brought the new governor to office.
Soludo was preceded by his deputy, Dr Onyekachi Ibezim, who took the oath with his wife beside him.
Following the ceremony, Soludo led the former governor, Obiano out of the Government House and thereafter inspected a guard of honour mounted by the police.
The event which was promised to be a somber event restricted to not more than 50 persons, however, saw a turnout of a multiple of the estimated invitees.
Among those present were Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and some Anambra multibillionaires including Sir Emeka Offor and Chief ABC Orijakor.
In a notice issued before he was sworn-in as governor of Anambra State, a Soludo support group had informed that it would be a low-key event.
“Please note this event is strictly low key and devoid of the usual merry-making and unbridled celebrations usually associated with occasions of this nature”.
“The Governor-elect however remains grateful to everyone for the outpouring of goodwill messages as well as the continuous support from well-wishers and numerous supporters within and across the globe”, the group said.