Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra, says his friendship with President Bola Tinubu spans over two decades and will not be broken by political differences.
Soludo spoke in Abuja on Tuesday shortly after meeting with Tinubu at the State House.
The Anambra governor described their discussion during the meeting as “quite pleasant” and said the president is in “robust health and high spirits”.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Soludo, a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), said his stance is informed by a broader ideological conviction.
“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 Anambra, Soludo said his administration is deploying a mix of “kinetic and non-kinetic” strategies.
He said the Homeland Security Law passed in January is being implemented alongside a crackdown on criminal elements, including those exploiting youths.
“Our non-kinetic approach focuses on youth empowerment and job creation,” he said.
“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.”
