Anambra Celebrates ‘Soludo-Tinubu’ Partnership
The Anambra government has commended the relationship between his Governor and President Ahmed Bola Tinubu following his visit to the state last week.
Christian Aburime, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo who made the commendation said politics could be progressive when political leaders choose to work together for a greater cause, irrespective of partisan differences.
Aburime said the partnership between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Soludo CFR was an instructive pointer to the power of shared vision, ideological alignment, and mutual respect.
He said the speeches of both leaders during the President’s visit to Anambra on May 8, reveal a deep, positive, and collaborative relationship rooted in progressivism, federalism, and a commitment to Nigeria’s prosperity.
According to Aburime the bond between Tinubu and Soludo transcends mere political convenience, grounded in a friendship that dated back to 2003.
Actually, Tinubu had noted in his speech that “Charles Soludo has been my friend since 2003, and I can also confirm that we are working together for a better Anambra and Nigeria.”
On the other hand, Governor Soludo, in his welcome address, recalls admiring President Tinubu’s “principled stance on federalism” during their time together in the National Economic Council, where Tinubu, as Lagos Governor, was a vocal advocate for state autonomy.
“This ideological alignment is the bedrock of their partnership, enabling them to navigate Nigeria’s complex political landscape with a unified purpose,” he said.
Talking about political ideology, Soludo described the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as “the foremost progressive party in Nigeria,” complementing President Tinubu’s leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as a party with progressive roots.
Soludo in his address called “all progressives, federalists, and all parties with social-democratic, centrist, and left-of-centre credentials to unite” under Tinubu’s leadership to evince a vision for a broader coalition.
Aburime noted that Tinubu’s assurance that “we will continue to partner with your state to deliver shared prosperity” signalled a commitment to sustaining this collaboration, particularly in addressing critical challenges like gully erosion and the dormant Onitsha River port.
This mutual support, he wrote, extends to human capital development such that Soludo’s initiatives: free education, free antenatal services, and youth empowerment programmes, echo Tinubu’s emphasis on targeted support for small businesses and agriculture.
“Both leaders recognise that sustainable prosperity requires investing in people, a principle that underpins their progressive ideologies”.
Aburime extolled Tinubu’s appointment of Anambra natives like Amb. Bianca Ojukwu and Mr Mark Okoye to key positions, and Soludo’s inclusive appointment of an Osun native as a Permanent Secretary reflects a pan-Nigerian ethos that strengthens their partnership.
“Perhaps the most profound aspect of their speeches is the shared call for unity. Soludo’s assertion that “Nigeria must survive and prosper” and his pledge to support Tinubu “in every way possible” reveal a patriotic commitment to national success.
Tinubu’s appeal to “all patriots and progressives to rise and continue to work hard” complements this vision, framing their partnership as a broader movement for Nigeria’s greatness.
“Their emphasis on progressivism as a unifying force offers a counter-narrative to Nigeria’s often fractious politics, suggesting that ideological alignment can bridge regional and partisan divides.
“Interestingly, the warmth of their interaction, exemplified by Tinubu’s humorous request for a retirement plot in Anambra and his acceptance of a chieftaincy title, adds a human dimension to their political accord.
“These gestures, coupled with Soludo’s invitation for Tinubu to operate from Anambra, definitely reflect a relationship built on trust and camaraderie”, Aburime said.
