Tinubu receives Soludo at Presidential Villa, discuss security, regional cooperation

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

Soludo shared on his Facebook page that Tinubu welcomed him “with his usual warmth, big smile, and open arms” on Thursday. The President also personally congratulated him on the “resounding mandate” given by the people of Anambra State in the recent governorship election.

Soludo wrote, “Yesterday, I paid a courtesy visit to my dear friend and brother of over 22 years, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the State House, Abuja.

“Mr. President received me with his usual warmth, big smile, and open arms. He again personally congratulated me on the resounding mandate given to me by the good people of Anambra State in the just-concluded governorship election – a victory he described as a testament to the trust and confidence Ndi Anambra have in our shared vision for a livable and prosperous homeland.

“I remain deeply grateful to Mr. President for his immediate congratulatory message on that historic day, and for his continued goodwill and support for Anambra State.

“We emphasised that stronger regional cooperation, institutional reforms, and people-centred policies are essential for building a safer, more prosperous, and united Nigeria.

“We are one Nigeria, and together – with God on our side – we will build the Anambra and the Nigeria of our dreams. May Anambra continue to win!”

Earlier on Wednesday, Soludo joined other governors and traditional rulers from Southern Nigeria to unveil a comprehensive blueprint to tackle regional challenges and deepen cooperation on security, economic resilience, and governance.

According to a press statement issued by Soludo’s Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, on Friday, the joint meeting of the Southern Governors’ Forum and the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, held in Iperu, Ogun State, saw the adoption of a multi-pronged strategy aimed at strengthening stability and development across the region.

Aburime said Soludo, who is also the Vice Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, actively participated in the discussions and later reaffirmed his state’s commitment to the collective agenda, emphasising that “stronger regional cooperation, institutional reforms, and people-centred policies are essential for building a safer, more prosperous, and united Nigeria.”

The statement read in part, “A key outcome of the high-level deliberation was a collective vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The leaders acknowledged the President’s leadership and commitment to national stability and economic reforms amidst the country’s current challenges.

“In response to persistent security threats, the forum agreed on several decisive measures. Central to the new security framework is the establishment of a zonal security fund to finance coordinated operations across state lines.

“The plan also includes enhancing intelligence-sharing between security agencies and state governments.

“A sustained, coordinated advocacy for the creation of state police. Implementing a harmonised resident identification programme to aid planning and security management. Strengthening existing regional security outfits and improving inter-state collaboration.

“Beyond security, the leaders committed to improving governance and economic management. They resolved to tackle illegal resource exploitation by strengthening land and mining governance to promote sustainable practices.

“Recognising the critical role of traditional institutions, the forum pledged greater institutional support and recognition for traditional councils, positioning them as essential partners in conflict resolution, grassroots mobilisation, and governance.”

According to Aburime, the meeting reinforced the region’s dedication to speaking with one voice on national issues, adding that “the forum reiterated its resolve to advance the shared political, economic, and security interests of Southern Nigeria and to work constructively with the Federal Government for the nation’s progress.”

Very Nigerian on November 9 reported that Tinubu congratulated Soludo on his re-election, describing the result “an affirmation of visionary leadership” and promising closer federal–state collaboration with Anambra.

The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Soludo the winner of the off-cycle poll after he swept all 21 Local Government areas.

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