Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has declared his unalloyed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a personal friend and political ally of more than two decades.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday, Soludo said friendship and shared progressive ideals, not political party labels, guide his relationship with the president.
“Tinubu has been my personal friend for over 22 years. You don’t hurt your friend and start quivering about who he is. I support him, and I’m impressed by the bold steps he has taken, particularly in the economy and structural reforms,” the former Central Bank of Nigeria governor said.
According to Soludo, Nigeria is “taking the right steps” in economic restructuring under Tinubu, and what is needed now is consistency.
He recalled that his call for progressives to work together dates back to Tinubu’s visit to Anambra during the last election season, stressing that political collaboration across party lines is key to national development.
On security, the governor said his administration is executing a “holistic” strategy that blends military force with non-kinetic measures.
He credited the enactment of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law in January with disrupting criminal syndicates and forcing many “deadly native doctors” who lured youths into crime to flee the state.
Youth empowerment, Soludo said, remains a core pillar of his non-kinetic approach. Over the past year, 5,000 young people have been trained and empowered, with another 8,700 set to receive multi-billion-naira financial support soon.
“We’re creating several thousand youth millionaires within our first three years,” he said, adding that this is in addition to massive investments in infrastructure, schools, and healthcare.
He assured that while opportunities are being expanded for the youth, security agencies — backed by intelligence gathering — will deal decisively with anyone who persists in criminal activities.
