Professor Chukwuma Soludo, the governor-elect of Anambra State, has disclosed his intentions for the forthcoming inauguration ceremony.
During a visit by members of the inauguration committee on Wednesday, Soludo said his strategy was to promote local brands.
He said his official vehicle as governor will be a locally manufactured one by Innoson Vehicle Motors (IVM).
“My Akwete dress is not just a dress, it’s a statement. I want to make a statement with it. You know, in the entire South East, this is the only textile thing alive, and it’s handmade, by the women of Akwaete in Abia State.
“Igbo land is one and we must protect it. We want to bring back the zeal of patronizing our own. I have said it even during campaigns, and I meant it, that if I win, the official car of the governor of Anambra State will be an innoson vehicle.
“The dresses I will wear are those made in our place here. We must protect the things that are made in our place. Something is about to happen in Igboland, and together we will get there.”
However, the governor-elect said there will be no ceremony to mark his swearing-in, as it was simply his first day at work, and even though it is a weekend, he would spend eight hours of the day working.
“I have made a wish that not even one Kobo of Anambra People’s money be spent on that swearing-in ceremony. It is a wish, and I mean it. What are we spending money on? Just a few people coming to the inauguration and witnessing it, then I will open office and get down to work immediately.
“I do not wish any event, dancers or players and all that. I just want to show up for work, like every first day of work. Though it is going to be a Friday, which is a weekend, I’m going to work for over eight hours that day.
“No ceremony, no event, no party, nothing. Not even 10 Kobo will be spent. So the people who are saying N20 million has been budgeted should go and tell us where they will get that money. It is going to be work, work, work, and that is what we epitomize” he added.
