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Tag: Soludo

  • I’ve cleared 7 years of gratuity, pension arrears — Soludo

    I’ve cleared 7 years of gratuity, pension arrears — Soludo

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has announced the clearance of seven years of accumulated gratuity and pension arrears inherited from the previous administration of Chief Willie Obiano.

    Speaking at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, Soludo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare despite prevailing economic challenges.

    “Regarding gratuities owed to our retired workforce, we have settled all arrears inherited upon assuming office,” Soludo stated. “I am pleased to report that we have cleared four years’ backlog of pension arrears, except for cases with pending documentation.”

    He revealed that retirees in the civil service were owed pensions totaling ₦14 billion. “We have paid for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020. Only 2021 remains, and we are making arrangements to ensure it is paid shortly,” he said.

    Soludo emphasized his administration’s dedication to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and better working conditions. “Within the limits of our available resources, we are determined to improve the welfare and work environment of our workforce. This is not just a policy—it’s a moral obligation,” he added.

    Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Humphrey Nwafor, commended the administration for the progress made but urged faster implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme, as recommended by the Joint Committee on Pension Reform.

    Nwafor also appealed for the payment of outstanding 17.5% peculiarity allowances owed to non-teaching staff under the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) and those in post-primary institutions. He called for parity with the 27.5% allowance granted to teachers.

    Additionally, the NLC Chairman demanded the immediate implementation of the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUSS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). He also stressed the importance of enhanced training, improved welfare packages, and better security for all workers.

  • Native doctors protest alleged witch-hunt by Soludo’s administration

    Native doctors protest alleged witch-hunt by Soludo’s administration

    Some native doctors and traditional medicine practitioners, Ndi Dibia and Ezenwanyi in Anambra State, have protested against alleged selective justice by the state government.

    They claimed that the use of Agunaechemba security operatives was a witch-hunt, anti-traditional faith, and a violation of their constitutionally-backed fundamental rights to practise the religion of their choice.

    The native doctors, who gathered from various parts of the state, decried the state government’s stigmatisation of their profession. They accused the government of using Agunaechemba to harass and crack down on their activities.

    During the protest, they offered prayers and performed rituals to resist what they described as the governor’s interference.

    Speaking at a secret location, the group’s leader, High Priest Ikele, described Governor Charles Soludo’s actions as “unjust and discriminatory.”

    Ikele said, “We’re not cultists or criminals. We’re traditional healers serving our communities for generations. Soludo’s attempts to stigmatise and suppress our activities won’t succeed.”

    The native doctors rejected the clampdown and vowed to continue their prayers and rituals until their demands were met. They also pledged to oppose the governor’s second-term bid in the November 8, 2025 election.

    Meanwhile, the state government has concluded plans to prosecute arrested native doctors for alleged violations of the newly unveiled Anambra State Homeland Security Law.

    Those currently in custody for allegedly promoting money rituals, including “Yahoo plus,” and preparing charms for criminals include Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki; Onyebuchi Okocha, also known as Onyeze Jesus (Father of All Men); and Ekene Igboekweze (Eke Hit) from Okija in Ihiala Local Council.

    Igboekweze, known for promoting native practices on Facebook, had reportedly criticised Nwangwu and Okocha for being  easily captured by security  operatives. However, he was also apprehended a few days later.

    The state’s Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, confirmed plans to charge the native doctors to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

    He dismissed claims that Governor Soludo’s administration is opposed to traditional worship.

    According to Mefor, the government is focused on combating crime and addressing those who enable it, including native doctors who prepare charms for criminals.

    Speaking on the state-owned Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), over the weekend, Mefor emphasised that the accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court. Upon conviction, they will be sentenced according to the provisions of the new Homeland Security Law.