Bishop Kukah to Soludo: Compete Only With Yourself, Not Others—Urges Focus on Governance, Not Rivalry

The Bishop of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Hassan Matthew Kukah, has advised Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to focus on surpassing his own achievements rather than competing with others.

Speaking at a thanksgiving mass marking Soludo’s three years in office at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, Kukah emphasized that leadership is about building on progress, not rivalry. He acknowledged that every governor has played a role in shaping Anambra’s development in their unique ways.

“I commend you for strengthening the foundation laid by your predecessors and elevating the greatness of Anambra,” Kukah said. “Governance is not a contest. Strive to break your own records, not someone else’s.”

He praised Anambra’s steady advancement, recalling that former Governor Chris Ngige was celebrated for constructing roads that his opponents later campaigned on. He also noted Peter Obi’s transformation of the state’s education ranking from 22nd to first place and Willie Obiano’s establishment of a state-of-the-art airport. Acknowledging Soludo’s contributions, Kukah lauded the newly built Government House and Fun City as commendable additions to the state’s legacy.

In response, Soludo reaffirmed that his administration is driven by progress, not competition.

“My Lord Bishop, we are not in a race against anyone. Our goal is to build upon what has been done and push Anambra forward,” he stated.

He recalled how people urged him to adopt Ngige’s road standards, to which he humorously responded that his roads would have an even stronger stone base. He also acknowledged late Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju’s legacy, including the Alex Ekwueme Square and Anambra State University, stressing that every administration contributes to the state’s growth in different ways.