Tinubu visits Anambra, commissions projects, supports Soludo’s re-election
By Ndukaku Ihe
Amid tight security and fanfare, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited Anambra on Thursday where he commissioned many projects and declared support for the re-election of Governor Chukwuma Soludo for a second term in office.
The President who touched down at the Prof Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri by 12.15pm was received by Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo alongside other stakeholders.
Speaking during town hall meeting at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, President Tinubu declared support for Soludo whom he described as, ‘his friend, a brilliant man, smart brain and highly connected’.
Tinubu said the gathering offered the nation another opportunity of celebrating diversity as well as maintaining brotherliness.
“To me, a reflection of our diversity is present here with the presence of the progressives Governors. Our diversity will lead to prosperity. We have solution because we have Soludo. I stood as candidate for seeking your votes during Presidential election. In less than 2 years since assumption of office as your President, I thank you for your encouragement and support.
“I am delighted to be back and commission projects. I come as a great friend. The South East zone is home of enterprise and strength.”
Tinubu promised to work together with the governor to deliver dividends of democracy.
Hiw words: “My visit today bears bold testament. I recalled that 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.”
President Tinubu who spoke on the iconic Light Tower which he commissioned described the project as symbolic.
“Anambra tower of light and other many projects together with the massive infrastructural transformation and human capital development, we are bold to watch leadership being achieved in a short period in Anambra State. I recalled when we came to tame the Atlantic Ocean in Lagos and people doubted it but we stood our ground”, he said.
On the support of the federal government to the development of the entire country and South East, Tinubu said, “Federal government will continue to partner with Anambra State and South East to secure our people and their future.”
He promised to make huge ecological investment in the state to tackle erosion which has been ravaging Anambra State.
“Anambra has almost become erosion capital of the world, we will do everything to make ecological investment in tackling erosion and abandoned federal road projects especially linking Anambra to Kogi. The Ministry of Transport 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 and single family, diverse, 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”, the president assured.
In his remarks, Governor Soludo said his administration has constructed over 500km of roads and flyovers including other critical infrastructure across the state alongside general hospitals.
“We have completed over 500k roads and flyovers and general Hospital and 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. It is the mere symbolism of our audacity and dreams. Ours is agenda with a deadline in line with our vision of Anambra Dubai Taiwan. Anambra is clearly on the rise.
“We are here to celebrate you. With the 179 communities giving you chieftaincy title. You tamed the Atlantic Ocean of Lagos and you are courageous in taming the economy. Stay the course Mr president. We 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. APGA adopted president in centre and I want to tell you that that has not changed. APGA has strategically aligned with the centre”, he said.
Former Secretary General of the Common Wealth, 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 continue to pray that God will give you the wisdom to face and address the pluralism of this country. As a NADECO champion of the return of democracy in 1999, it gives me confidence that you will steer development of this country.”
In his speech, Sir Emeka Offor urged the people of the state to support the return of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
“We welcome the President 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 can say results are getting better. And foreign exchange is 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.”
AbeyaNews reports that during the one day official visit of President Tinubu, the Iconic Light of the Nation Tower, a significant tourism and beautification project designed to enhance Anambra State’s aesthetic appeal, boost tourism, and create a distinctive landmark that symbolizes the state’s progress and identity was commissioned.
The occasion was attended by governors of Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ogun, Delta, Borno among others including the Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu and Minister for Works, Senator David Umahi, among others.
