Nigeria, June 13 -- When Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo assumed office as governor of Anambra State in 2022, he arrived in Awka bearing an intimidating resume and a trailer-load of goodwill. Many Nigerians, especially those of us from the South-East, fervently rooted for his success. Few public officials in Nigeria have entered elective office with credentials as formidable or expectations as lofty.

Armed with a First Class degree in Economics, a doctorate in Econometrics and Monetary Economics, postdoctoral research experience, and fellowships at some of the world's most respected institutions, including the Brookings Institution, Cambridge, Oxford, Warwick, the International Monetary Fund, and the United Nations Economic Commission ...