I’ve been Tinubu’s friend for 22 years, I won’t deny him now – Soludo

 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.”

  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.”