Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has taken swift action following his inauguration for a second term, issuing a directive for all political appointees to hand over their duties with immediate effect. This move, occurring within 24 hours of his swearing-in, marks a significant administrative shift as the governor prepares to reconstitute his cabinet for the new term.
Immediate Handover Directive in Anambra
The directive was formally communicated through an official circular released by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). According to the memo, affected political appointees are required to transfer their responsibilities to Permanent Secretaries or, in cases where these officials are unavailable, to the most senior civil servant within their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The circular explicitly stated that the handover process must be completed by the close of work on the day of issuance, pending the formation of a new cabinet. It read, "I am directed to inform all political appointees to hand over to the permanent secretaries or the most senior civil servant in the various MDAs on or before the close of work today... until a new cabinet is constituted." This statement underscores the urgency and formal nature of the transition.
Formal Dissolution and Upcoming Meetings
This development signals the formal dissolution of the existing cabinet, initiating a fresh administrative cycle under Governor Soludo's leadership. In addition to the handover directive, the government has scheduled a meeting for all first-term cabinet members with the governor on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the ANSEC Chambers. The circular was signed by Dr. Nwabufor Nwankwo, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the SSG, adding an official stamp to the proceedings.
Cross River's Parallel Directive on Political Ambitions
In a related development, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has issued a directive requiring all members of the State Executive Council (SEC) and political appointees who intend to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign from their positions by the end of March 2026. This announcement was made during a meeting of the Cross River SEC, where Governor Otu emphasized the principles of focus, propriety, and ethical governance.
Governor Otu declared, "Any member of this Council, who harbours political ambitions for the 2027 elections must, in the interest of propriety and focus, tender his or her resignation on or before (the end of) March 2026." He further elaborated on the sanctity of public office, stating that it represents a sacred trust that should not be mixed with personal political pursuits.
Emphasis on Undivided Attention and Governance
A statement released by Linus Obogo, the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, quoted Otu as saying, "Public office is a sacred trust. It must not be conflated with personal political pursuits. We owe our people undivided attention, and this administration will not compromise on that principle." Governor Otu explained that this directive aims to ensure undistracted governance during a critical period for the state, highlighting the administration's commitment to maintaining ethical standards and focus on public service.
These actions by Governors Soludo and Otu reflect broader trends in Nigerian politics, where leaders are increasingly prioritizing administrative efficiency and ethical conduct as they navigate new terms and electoral cycles. The immediate handover in Anambra and the resignation requirement in Cross River demonstrate a proactive approach to governance, aiming to streamline operations and uphold public trust in government institutions.
