“I have no apology supporting Tinubu,” declares Soludo

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, on Monday made a firm and unapologetic declaration of his support for President Bola Tinubu during a visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday.

Describing the meeting with President Tinubu as “quite pleasant” and noting the President’s robust health and high spirits, Soludo emphasised his long-standing personal relationship and political conviction as the basis for his endorsement.

“I have no apologies about it. President Tinubu is my friend. He has been my friend for 22 years now and counting, so you don’t deny your friend. I support him, and I’m impressed by the bold steps he has taken, particularly in the areas of the economy and structural reforms,” Soludo stated. “We are taking the right steps and we need to stay the course.”

When asked why he boldly supports a president outside his party, Soludo pointed to a broader ideological coalition. “You saw all the billboards proclaiming that progressives are working together. It is a fundamental idea that I believe very strongly — that all those political parties who profess progressivism should actually come together in a massive coalition to deepen our democracy and spur economic and social development.”

The Governor also touched on his administration’s approach to tackling insecurity in Anambra State, describing it as a comprehensive mix of “kinetic and non-kinetic” strategies. He noted the implementation of the Homeland Security Law passed in January and the crackdown on criminal elements, including those who exploit youths.

“Our non-kinetic approach focuses on youth empowerment and job creation,” he explained. “We have a unique skills training programme that has already empowered about 5,000 youths, with thousands more set to benefit financially soon. We are creating thousands of youth millionaires within the next three years. The youth are very much involved.”