Charles Soludo, the governor of Anambra State, has disclosed that his friendship with President Bola Tinubu spans over two decades and will not be undermined by political affiliations.
The former Central Bank of Nigeria governor while speaking in Abuja on Tuesday shortly after a closed-door meeting with the President at the State House, described their discussion as “quite pleasant” and noted that Tinubu is in “robust health and high spirits.”
Soludo said, “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. We are taking the right steps, and we need to stay the course.”
According to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governor stated that his support for Tinubu stems from a broader ideological conviction that progressive parties should collaborate.
“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,” he said.
On security in the state, Soludo said his administration is combining “kinetic and non-kinetic” approaches. He explained that the Homeland Security Law, passed in January, is being enforced alongside a crackdown on criminal elements, especially those exploiting young people.
He added, “Our non-kinetic approach focuses on youth empowerment and job creation. 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.”