Vice-President Kashim Shettima has praised Anambra State governor, Chukwuma Soludo, for his role in Nigeria’s development and his intellectual contributions to national discourse.
Shettima spoke on Tuesday in Awka, the Anambra State capital, during Soludo’s inauguration for a second term. He attended the event as a representative of President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, his senior special assistant on media and communications, the vice-president described Soludo as a committed public servant with strong ideas and dedication to national progress.
“The policies of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, have benefited from the candour, specialist insight, and patriotic counsel of this distinguished economist, this restless thinker, and this public intellectual of uncommon range, both in open fora and in private conversations. And that is how it should be,” Shettima stated.
“That is what it means to be in the business of nation-building. It means placing the welfare of the federation above the vanity of partisan fences. It means understanding that Nigeria is too precious a vessel to be abandoned to the storms simply because the rowers wear different colours.”
He said Soludo has shown that leadership can bring people together without conflict. He noted that such leadership can persuade without disrespect and remain firm without losing its values, especially at a time of division.
“It is therefore no surprise that his people have welcomed him again and entrusted him with another term to hold the rudder of this great state and guide it farther into safe and prosperous waters,” he stated, declaring that “the people of Anambra are today renewing not just a mandate, but a covenant with competence.”
“And as Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim takes this oath once again beside him, the state is also affirming that leadership is not only about the brilliance of the man at the top but also about the steadiness, loyalty, and discipline of those who help translate vision into order and order into progress,” the vice-president added.
Shettima said the Anambra governor has demonstrated that political differences do not have to lead to conflict. He noted that such differences can create room for cooperation.
“Professor Soludo has shown, too, that it is possible to see beyond the dangerous shenanigans that so often pass for politics in our clime and to keep faith with the higher calling of public life,” he said.
The vice-president also highlighted Soludo’s influence on national conversations. He said the governor’s views on economic and political matters attract wide attention.
He said Soludo has maintained a cordial working relationship with the federal government. He added that this has created stability in engagements between both sides.
According to him, the governor has demonstrated a commitment to real change rather than political rhetoric.
Shettima said the Anambra government has taken steps to improve public order, strengthen security, and tackle criminal activities in parts of the state. He expressed confidence that the second term would consolidate earlier achievements.
He added that the federal government remains ready to work with state governments that prioritise the welfare of citizens.
In his speech, Soludo pledged to serve the state with renewed dedication. He said his administration would build on the progress recorded in his first term, with focus on development and transformation.
“Anambra state has witnessed significant progress in the health, education, financial, agricultural, and other sectors under his leadership,” he said.
The governor also expressed appreciation to the people of Anambra for their support during the last election.
“The unprecedented 73 percent of the votes you cast in our favour was more than ordinary votes but an affirmation of love, patriotism, and partnership in rebuilding our homeland. We will never take your historic support for granted,” he said.
Soludo also thanked President Tinubu, Vice-President Shettima, and their spouses for their support.
