By John Umeh
Anambra State Governor, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has opened up about his enduring friendship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a relationship built on mutual respect and shared history that spans over two decades.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Soludo revealed that he has known President Tinubu for 22 years, tracing their relationship back to the early 2000s when he served as an economic adviser and later as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). According to him, their bond goes beyond politics and is rooted in professional collaboration and personal camaraderie.
“Tinubu has been my friend for 22 years and counting. You do not deny your friend. Our paths have crossed many times in service to this country, and over the years, we have built a relationship based on trust and respect,” Soludo said.
The Anambra governor’s remarks come at a time when political alliances are constantly shifting, with many politicians distancing themselves from controversial figures. However, Soludo made it clear that friendship, in his view, should transcend political differences and public opinion.
During the meeting, discussions reportedly touched on economic reforms, state-federal cooperation, and developmental priorities for Nigeria’s Southeast region. Soludo praised Tinubu’s commitment to driving economic stability, while also urging the president to prioritise infrastructure, security, and industrialisation in the region.
Political observers see Soludo’s statement as both a reaffirmation of personal loyalty and a strategic move to maintain strong ties with the presidency, given the current political climate. For many, it is a rare public display of friendship in Nigerian politics — one that has weathered the tests of time, ambition, and political turbulence.
The visit ended on a cordial note, with both leaders expressing optimism for a united and prosperous Nigeria.
