Chukwuma Soludo has dismissed all political appointees in his administration, instructing them to hand over responsibilities to Permanent Secretaries or the most senior civil servants in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies. The decision came just one day after he was sworn in for a second term.
The directive was announced in a statement signed by Nwabufo Nwankwo, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government. Affected officials were asked to complete the handover process by the close of work on March 18, 2026. The move is aimed at maintaining continuity in governance while a new cabinet is being formed.
The statement also invited members of the outgoing cabinet to a meeting with the governor on March 23 at the ANSEC Chambers in Awka.
Soludo began his second term on Tuesday at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, alongside his deputy, Onyeka Ibezim, after winning the November 8, 2025 governorship election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
In his inaugural speech, the governor pointed to improvements in security and economic activity across the state. He noted that the disruptive sit-at-home order had ended, with schools, markets, businesses, and public servants resuming normal operations. He added that Anambra is now considered one of the safest states in Nigeria.
The swearing-in ceremony drew several notable figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The sweeping removal of appointees marks the beginning of a new administrative phase as Soludo embarks on his second term.
