Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State believes Nigeria’s current challenging economic situation is an inevitable phase crucial for the nation’s improvement. Soludo expressed this view during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program.
Nigeria’s inflation rate was 31.70 per cent in February. This surge in living costs followed the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira. Reacting to these economic developments, Soludo emphasized that enduring such challenges is necessary for a brighter future for the country.
Soludo compared the country’s economic situation to that of a patient undergoing treatment, highlighting the inevitability of experiencing pain during recovery. He noted that President Bola Tinubu inherited a troubled economy when he assumed office in May 2023.
“We must understand that the economic situation was dire,” Soludo remarked. “There are no easy solutions to address the multitude of problems facing the country.”
Reflecting on his two-year tenure as governor, Soludo touted his administration’s achievements, particularly in job creation. He stated that within the first nine months of his tenure, over 5,000 teachers had been employed, with an additional 2,000 in the pipeline. Similarly, over 1,000 health workers had been hired, and more than 2,000 individuals were employed in the security sector.
During a thanksgiving service to mark his second year in office, Soludo disclosed that he was not drawing a salary from the Anambra State government as part of austerity measures. He also mentioned that even the First Lady of Anambra had no official car and utilized his vehicles.
“As I speak, I am not receiving any salary from the Anambra State government,” Soludo stated. “Furthermore, the First Lady of Anambra does not have an official car; she still uses my personal vehicles.”
Soludo’s perspective underscores the necessity of enduring economic challenges as a crucial step towards national progress. His focus on job creation and personal sacrifices for the sake of austerity reflects a commitment to steering Anambra State towards economic stability and prosperity.
