Tinubu in Anambra, declares support for Soludo's re-election

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By Madu Obi

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday visited Anambra State and, apparently moved by Governor Chukwuma Soludo's performance in the state, declared support for his re-election in the November 8 election in Anambra State.

While in the state, President Tinubu commissioned some projects executed by the governor, among which were the new Government House, the Solution Fun City and the iconic Light Tower which he described as a symbolic project. He also commissioned the Emeka Anyaoku International Center at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

The President, who touched down at the Prof Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri by 12.15pm, was received by Governor Soludo and a cross section of Anambra people.

Speaking during a town hall meeting at the Alex Ekwueme Square, also recently reconstructed by Soludo, President Tinubu described the governor as his friend, a brilliant man, smart brain and highly connected.

Tinubu said the gathering offered the nation another opportunity of celebrating diversity and maintaining brotheeliness.

He said: "To me, a reflection of our diversity is present here with the presence of the Progressives Governors. Our diversity will lead to prosperity. There is solution in Anambra because we have Soludo.

I stood as candidate and I came here to seek your votes during Presidential election and in less than two years since assumption of office as your president, I thank you for your encouragement and support.

I am delighted to be back to commission projects. I come as a great friend. The South East zone is home of enterprise and strength".

"My visit today bears bold testament. Soludo is my friend and I salute his vision, he has the brain, he's a great thinker, he knows the way and we will work together.

Soludo is a person who will bring prosperity to you and solid foundation has been laid by him and Anambra is on the rise. I will work with Soludo as a friend and will work together to deliver dividends of democracy."

Speaking specifically on the Light Tower, President Tinubu described it as a wonderful monument. "The Anambra Tower of Light and other projects, together with the massive infrastructural transformation and human capital development, are bold infrastructure achieved in short period in Anambra State. I recall when we came to tame the Atlantic Ocean in Lagos and people doubted it, but we stood our ground."

The President promised that the federal government will continue to partner with Anambra State and South East geopolitical zone to secure the people and their future.

He also promised to make huge ecological investment in the state to tackle erosion, which has been ravaging most communities in the state.

He added: "Anambra has almost become erosion capital of the world and we will do everything to make ecological investment in tackling erosion and abandoned federal road projects, especially the road linking Anambra with Kogi. The Ministry of Transportation will design the master plan.

With our progressive ideological alliance, we will continue to partner with Anambra State to deliver shared prosperity to ndi Anambra and Nigerians and we will continue to be brothers because we are one family, living in different rooms, but same house called Nigeria.

We must work together and bring prosperity. We are required to confront the wastefulness of the past, the ineptitude and bring confidence to our people.Agriculture is receiving massive attention. We have negotiated and passed into law the new minimum wage and I'm glad that I'm informed Anambra is paying.

We have to invest in our future and future of children and education is the greatest investment and weapon against poverty. We will work to secure the future of our people. We will conquer insurgency and we will defeat them."

In his speech, Governor Soludo said his administration has constructed over 500km of roads and flyovers, including other critical infrastructure across the state alongside five General Hospitals and an iconic trauma center in the state.

We have completed over 500k roads and many smart schools and water projects, waiting for commissioning. We commissioned over 200km of roads by Keke riders. Tower of light and monuments of our heroes are symbolic. Ours is agenda with a deadline in line with our vision of Anambra Dubai - Taiwan. Anambra is clearly on the rise.

He added that Anambra people are happy to celebrate the President with the 179 communities giving you a chieftaincy title. You tamed the Atlantic Ocean in Lagos and you are courageous in taming the economy. Stay the cause Mr president. We also thank you for appointing Ndi Anambra into various positions.

"Beyond Anambra State, Nigeria will survive and that is why Anambra State will not only support President Tinubu, but support him to succeed.

I'm an unrepentant progressive and APGA had given support to the president in 2011 and today I want to inform you that that culture of APGA has not changed because we have keyed into the progressive nature and progressives and we will support Mr. President.

Strongly rooted in centre progressivism, I want to tell you that that has not changed. APGA has strategically aligned with the centre."

Former Secretary General of Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku described the President's visit as strategic in strengthening ties with the state government.

"It is for me a singular honour and pleasure to join the Governor in welcoming the President to Anambra State. I know you have observed the hard work of the Governor of Anambra State and people of the state in welcoming you.

We will continue to pray that God will give you the wisdom to face and address the pluralism of this country. As a NADECO champion in the return of democracy in 1999, it gives me confidence that you will steer development of this country."

Also speaking, a business mogul, Sir Emeka Offor urged the people of the state to support the return of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, which will pave the way for the state to support the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027.

"We welcome you to Anambra State where our solution governor is performing wonders. We say that with what has happened from the time you came on board, we have seen changes and the results are getting better.

Foreign exchange is now made available and we are seeing good results. You are teaching us to be our brothers keepers irrespective of party affiliation. You reward loyalty. Our Governor is one of those you have chosen and he is doing well. I know you have endorsed him already", Of for said.

Governors of Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ogun, Delta, Borno, as well as senators and House of Representatives members, including the Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu and Minister for Works, Senator David Umahi accompanied the President on the visit.