Tony Okafor

A former Chief of Staff to the Anambra State Governor, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, has formally bowed out of office, expressing gratitude to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for what he described as “vision-driven and charismatic leadership” throughout his tenure.

Ezeajughi made this known in a statement issued on Thursday via his Facebook page, where he reflected on his four-year service in the Soludo administration.

His exit follows his omission from a newly constituted cabinet announced by the governor for his second term, which commenced on March 17, 2026.

In the reshuffle, Dr Ben Nwankwo was appointed as the new Chief of Staff.

In the statement, Ezeajughi described his tenure as one of the greatest honours of his political career, noting that his return from the United Kingdom—where he previously served as Mayor of the London Borough of Brent—to serve Anambra people was marked by “purpose, sacrifice, vision and learning.”

“I am profoundly grateful to my boss, Mr Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, for the trust reposed in me and for the opportunity to serve,” he said, adding that the governor’s courage in governance and commitment to transformative development would remain a reference point for years.

He also thanked members of the Anambra State Executive Council, civil servants, political stakeholders and development partners for their cooperation and shared commitment, which he said made the administration’s achievements possible.

Ezeajughi extended appreciation to his Orumba constituency and Ndị Anambra at home and in the diaspora for their support, urging continued backing for the Soludo administration’s development agenda.

The former Chief of Staff further commended the staff of his office for their professionalism and dedication, noting that their contributions made governance both effective and meaningful.

Reflecting on his time in office, he said public service was ultimately about impact, adding that every policy and initiative undertaken during his tenure was guided by the goal of improving lives and advancing the state.

He also paid tribute to his family for their sacrifices, particularly the challenges of living apart while he served in Nigeria.

Ezeajughi said he was leaving office with a sense of fulfilment rather than finality, expressing confidence that the foundations laid during his tenure would endure.

“Though this chapter closes, my commitment to service and to the advancement of our state remains unwavering,” he stated.