By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Abuja, Nigeria — August 12, 2025 — Anambra State Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has reaffirmed his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a long-time ally and praising his economic and structural reforms.
“President Tinubu is my friend. He has been my friend for 22 years and counting, so you don’t deny your friend,” Soludo said after a visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja. “I support him, and I’m impressed by the bold steps he has taken, particularly in the economy and structural reforms. We’re taking the right steps and must stay the course.”
Soludo, a former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, has pursued governance reforms in Anambra State, focusing on infrastructure upgrades, fiscal discipline, and public service efficiency. He said these priorities align with Tinubu’s national agenda.
READ ALSO:NNPP Accuses Governor Abiodun of Using Cultists to Intimidate Voters Ahead of Ogun Bye-Election
The Merit Newspaper reports that the governor’s remarks come amid opposition speculation over Tinubu’s health. Some political opponents have claimed the president is unfit to govern, but the Presidency has dismissed such claims. Presidential aides have stated that Tinubu has been working actively from both his office and residence, meeting with governors, party leaders, and other stakeholders in the past five days.
Tinubu’s Policy Moves
Since taking office, Tinubu has implemented several high-impact reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, unification of the foreign exchange market, and fiscal adjustments that reduced Nigeria’s deficit from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to around 3% in 2024. His government has launched infrastructure projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and introduced tax reforms aimed at boosting revenue while shielding low-income earners.
Social programmes under his administration include the National Student Loan Fund (NELFUND), consumer credit schemes, and revitalisation of primary healthcare centres. Nigeria’s external reserves have grown from $4 billion in 2023 to over $23 billion by the end of 2024.
Critics Remain Sceptical
Despite these achievements, opposition figures argue that the reforms have caused economic hardship, with rising inflation and higher living costs. One opposition critic likened Tinubu’s reforms to the Structural Adjustment Program of the 1980s, warning they could bring more pain than relief to Nigerians.
READ ALSO:Selective Justice in Nigeria’s Skies
For Soludo, however, the focus remains on staying the course. “The right decisions are never the easiest,” he said. “Nigeria needs to continue on this reform path if we want long-term stability and growth.”
