The size of the budget for the inauguration and handover on March 17, 2022 may have become a source of disagreement between the Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano and the Governor-Elect, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
It was gathered that the government has budgeted N500 million for the programme that will cover making customized clothes, caps, banners, T-shirts and even hiring of rain makers.
However, Soludo who seem not to be on the same page with the Government as he advised Obiano to cut the budget down as he had not hidden his preference for a low-key ceremony.
He was reported to have detested such flamboyant spending as he expressed his concern.
It would be recalled that during the inauguration of the 80- member Transition Committee last Thursday, the Governor-elect had indicated that there won’t be fanfare during his inauguration on March 17.
According to him, funds for such flamboyant waste would be channeled to address more important development issues in the state.
To demonstrate that he attached no importance to flamboyant handover ceremony, Soludo also said he would move from the inauguration venue to his office and from there to the slums in Onitsha and environs particularly Okpoko community where he plans to clean up.
He had said: “I’ll be heading to Okpoko immediately after the inauguration. I’ll put in eight hours of work immediately after the inauguration. Don’t expect fanfare because it won’t take place”.
Another area of disagreement is the venue of the inauguration.
While Obiano wants to use the inauguration and handover ceremony to showcase the newly constructed International Conference Centre, Soludo preferred a low-keyed hand over to take place at the Executive Council Chamber of Government House, Awka.
It was also learnt that as he is being sworn-in, Soludo would have had the list of his Commissioners who will be screened by some members of the transition committee, the calibre of Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Prof. Pat Utomi and few others, before they are taken to the House of Assembly for final screening.
Soludo it was gathered is not intending to have a bloated cabinet with over 3000 Executive Assistants, Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants scattered all over the world
Stories abound that a family in the outgoing Governor’s hometown got up to 31 Executive Assistants, Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants while another family has 27 members in the same category.