Tinubu Promises To Review Rail Master Plan That Bypassed Anambra

President Bola Tinubu has prom­ised to review the rail master plan which completely bypassed Anambra, promising that he’ll work in principle with Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State to tackle insecurity in the state and address other challenges that the state is facing like the issue of gully erosion.

Tinubu, who was on a state visit to Anambra, on Thursday, to commission landmark legacy projects was delighted with what he called the huge work the gov­ernor has done and said that as progressives he was prepared to partner with him.

The president was also hon­oured with a traditional title by all the royal fathers in the state.

“My visit today bears bold testament to parts of my speech during my campaign here. I re­call vividly telling you then that: “Charles Soludo, your son…is still my friend. I salute his vision. He is a brilliant man. He has the brain. He is a thinker. He knows the way. We’ll work together inclusively. When I become the president, Soludo will be one of those advi­sors who will bring prosperity back to you.

“From what I’ve seen and heard, it is evident that a solid foundation is being laid, and Anambra is indeed on the rise. Charles Soludo has been my friend since 2003, and I can also confirm that we are working to­gether for a better Anambra and a better Nigeria.

“I’ve just commissioned two landmark projects—the Solution Fun City and the Government House mini-city as part of the ini­tial steps on the path towards your audacious vision of Anambra as African-Dubai-Taiwan-Silicon Valley (ADTS). Together with the massive infrastructural transfor­mation and human capital devel­opment, these are bold statements of vision and what leadership can achieve in such a short time.

“A few years ago, Dubai was largely a desert. Today, it is a glob­al hub, because one man dared to dream. I remember when Soludo wanted to consolidate the Nigeri­an banks, and many said it was impossible. It was done and Ni­geria became better for it. I also recall when we dared to tame the Atlantic Ocean, and many naysay­ers doubted it. But we made it hap­pen. Anambra has huge potential and with Soludo, we can all work together to fast-track the vision.

“Let me commend the govern­ment of Anambra State for its pro­active efforts in improving securi­ty in the state. I wish to assure you that the Federal Government will continue to partner with the state and the South-East to secure our people and their future.

“We’ll continue to partner with your state to deliver shared prosperity to Ndi Anambra and all Nigerians.

“As your president, it gives me great pleasure to assure you all that the state of the nation is strong and getting stronger by the day under our Renewed Hope Agenda. We met a near insolvent public finance, decades-old mon­ster of unsustainable multiple subsidies, chaotic and debilitat­ing forex regime, etc. Like we tamed the Atlantic in Lagos, many of these monsters have been wrestled down: petroleum and forex subsidies have been tamed; macroeconomic stability has returned within predictable bounds; tax reforms are on the way; etc. These reforms are diffi­cult, yes, but inevitable. Everyone had long recognised their impera­tives. Courage and our collective action were required to confront them so as to lay a strong founda­tion for a more stable, prosperous and inclusive economy. Already, we are seeing renewed investor confidence, expanding opportu­nities, and targeted support for small businesses, especially in the tech and manufacturing sec­tors where Anambra is already excelling. Agriculture is receiving massive attention, and the results are beginning to show.

“We have renegotiated and passed into law a new minimum wage as part of our effort to cush­ion the effect of these reforms on the working class. I am particular­ly happy that the government of Anambra State has fully imple­mented the new minimum wage and I understand that you are pay­ing above the national minimum.

“We’re working to build crit­ical infrastructure — roads, rail, and power — and ensure that every corner of Nigeria, includ­ing Anambra, feels the impact of governance that works. The Presidential Power Initiative and the ongoing digital economy drive will open more doors for the resourceful people of this state.

“We continue to plead with Ni­gerians for their patience and un­derstanding. We call on all patriots and progressives to rise up and continue to work hard everyday for the greatness of our dear coun­try. We have no other country but Nigeria. We must make it great as the pride of the black race.

“Before I conclude, let me thank the government and the great people of Anambra State for your warm hospitality. In par­ticular, I feel deeply honoured by the conferment of a chieftaincy title by all the traditional rulers of Anambra State on behalf of the state. In 2005, the traditional ruler of Awka, HRH Gibson Nwosu (Eze Uzu II) conferred on me the ti­tle of Omenife Awka. To now have all the traditional rulers of Anam­bra conferring another title on me today is not only historic but one which I will greatly treasure for the rest of my life. Thank you to the traditional rulers. Thank you, Ndi Anambra. A lot of my friends are from Anambra State, and I have seen many of them today. Going forward, we are not just friends: I am now a bona fide son of the soil— one of you, your own son! Maybe my friend and your governor, Charles Soludo, should find me a plot of land for my re­tirement home, after service.

“I’ve taken serious note of the various challenges facing the state and your request for assistance and partnership.”