According to reports, the development was contained in a list of screened APC senatorial aspirants from Kogi State said to have emerged from the party’s state secretariat.

Bello is currently facing two separate cases instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

One of the cases involves alleged money laundering amounting to ₦80.2 billion before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

He is also facing another 16-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and breach of trust involving ₦110.4 billion.

Sources within the party claimed Bello avoided the screening exercise to evade questions relating to the criminal allegations against him.

One source alleged that the former governor was disqualified after failing to participate in the screening process.

Another party source claimed that Bello’s clearance was affected by a section in the APC senatorial nomination form requiring aspirants to disclose any ongoing criminal investigations or cases.

The source further alleged that operatives of the EFCC were reportedly positioned around the party secretariat in anticipation of Bello’s possible appearance for the screening exercise.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, popularly known as the Light House, in Awka, the state capital.

Addressing the newly appointed commissioners after administering the oath of office, Soludo urged them to prioritise service delivery and view their appointments as a responsibility to the people rather than a personal achievement.

The governor described the new appointees as members of his “Team Solution 2.0” and encouraged them to uphold the “Anambra spirit” of excellence while remaining faithful to the oath they had taken.

According to Soludo, the responsibilities before them would require commitment, sacrifice, discipline, accountability, and prudent management of public resources.

He stressed that governance decisions made by the commissioners would directly affect millions of residents across the state and urged them to work collaboratively in achieving government objectives.

Soludo also noted that all the commissioners underwent a careful screening and selection process before their appointments were approved.

Among those sworn in were Ben Odoemena as Commissioner for Agriculture, Chukwukadibia Okoye for Budget and Economic Planning, Udoji Amedu for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, and Dr. Ekene Ogugua for Education.

Others include Clem Aguiyi for Environment, Dr. Afam Obidike for Health, Dr. Law Mefor for Information and Value Reorientation, Prof. Offornze Amucheazi (SAN) for Lands, and Vin Ezeaka for Local Government and Community Affairs.

Also inaugurated were Prof. Charles Ofoegbu for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Chijioke Oseloka Ojukwu for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Casmir Agummadu for Power, Okey Ezeobi for Works and Infrastructure, and Eddy Ibuzo for Transport.

The list further included Esther Onyekesi for Women Affairs and Social Development, Patrick Agha for Youth Development and Sports, Henry Arinze for Housing, and Nonso Chukwuma Ebonwu for Commerce.

Some of the commissioners, including Law Mefor, Afam Obidike, and Patrick Agha, served in Soludo’s first administration.

With the latest appointments, the number of commissioners in the Anambra State Executive Council has risen to 20, following the earlier inauguration of Tochukwu Nweke (SAN) as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and Izuchukwu Okafor as Commissioner for Finance.

The governor also swore in four agency heads during the ceremony, including Emeka Okonkwo as Managing Director of the Anambra Road Traffic Agency, Dr. Ossy Onuko for the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, Fred Agbata for the Information Communication Technology Agency, and Obi Okonkwo for the Bureau of Public Procurement.

Soludo urged all appointees to work in unity, avoid wasteful spending, and ensure government policies translate into meaningful results for the people of Anambra State.