Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has said the position of governorship Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo currently occupies in Anambra State was just an appetizer.
Obasanjo made these remarks on Saturday, during a ceremony to mark the first year in office of Soludo as governor at the International Convention Center, Awka, the state capital.
According to the former president “The main menu was a national assignment which is what Governor Soludo rightly deserve in the scheme of things in Nigeria.
“I worked closely with Soludo and I was impressed with his loyalty and lofty ideas. I decided to send Soludo to the Central Bank of Bank where he ‘performed wonderfully well’
“Soludo was close to me as economic adviser when I was president, and never mis-advised me even once. That was why I sent him to the Central Bank of Nigeria later on.
“Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Chukwuma Soludo were the best appointments that I made, while I was president.
“When he wanted to be governor previousIy, I didn’t support him. Of course, I didn’t disguise my anger towards him. I told him he should be thinking of something national or international.
“The experience I had of Anambra governorship then was that of Ngige and Chris Uba. I once told Soludo that this is what will continue to happen if people like him are running away from governance.
“So, when I told him I was disappointed in him going for governor, he also reminded me that I had earlier accused him of running away from governance. So, when he came back and told me he wanted to run, I told him he can go. I also told him – don’t forget that I reserve you for national assignment, so you can use governor as an appetizer.
“From what I have heard and what I have seen, you have not disappointed me and I believe you have not disappointed the people of Anambra State. When you are done with this, you can think of something international, or national, that is where you belong,” Obasanjo added.
