By Polycarp Onwubiko
A Bold Step Where Angels Fear to Tread
The saying, “He steps in where angels fear to tread,” aptly describes Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s courageous decision to tackle the construction of a new Government House near the Federal and State Secretariats. His bold step to step where Angels fear to tread is commendable. This ambitious project had its roots in the military era, a time riddled with fraud and corruption in government projects across all levels of governance.
A History of Corruption and Mismanagement
The project’s initiation was marred by serious irregularities. Allegedly, instead of the State Government directly funding the contractor, a corrupt military leader at Aso Villa manipulated the process. He reportedly directed officials managing monthly revenue allocations to siphon ₦10 million to the contractor—a dubious arrangement that raised more questions than answers.
Like many projects from the scandal-laden days of military rule, the Government House construction soon hit a dead end. Enter the relentless Dr. Chris Ngige, fondly referred to as the “Authentic Igbo Leader” by the Right Honorable Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. Ngige, lionhearted and fearless, took the contractor head-on.
Ngige’s Intervention: Halting Fraudulent Payments

Dr. Ngige pursued a court injunction to halt the fraudulent monthly payments of ₦10 million, as the contractor’s work was not reflective of the funds already disbursed. In fact, the amount released by the Accountant General of the Federation far exceeded the actual progress on-site.
Ngige’s decisive move brought an end to a payment arrangement that blatantly violated federal principles. Armed with deep knowledge of public administration, he successfully convinced the bank to hold the statutory payments in a “Domiciliary Account” until a legal ruling could determine the legitimacy of the payment process. This strategic maneuver earned him the enduring admiration of Ndi Anambra, cementing his nickname, “Onwa Anambra.”
The Unfinished Legacy
Despite his bold efforts, Ngige was unable to complete the Government House project. His successors, embarrassingly, continued to operate out of a makeshift government house—a judge’s quarters from the old Anambra State.
Soludo’s Courage: Slaying the Long-Standing Obstacle
Now, Governor Soludo has taken on the task that previous administrations had failed to complete. By bravely confronting the long-standing hurdles that prevented Anambra from having a befitting Government House, Soludo is proving his mettle as a leader who delivers.

A visit to the project site today is sure to inspire shouts of “Hallelujah” in gratitude to the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” for giving the Soludo administration the courage to tackle this monumental challenge.
Kudos to the dynamic Governor Soludo, appropriately called “The Solution Governor.” He steps where Angels fear to tread. His leadership is indeed sound, strong, and unwavering.