Financial analyst and educator, Kalu Aja, has raised concerns about the benefits Anambra State has received from its reported relationship with President Bola Tinubu. In a social media post on Sunday, Aja asked Anambra State governor, Chukwuma Soludo, to explain what the Federal Government had done for Anambra under Tinubu's administration. Aja's comments come as Soludo's relationship with Tinubu has been a subject of discussion.
Aja specifically questioned whether the Federal Government had connected Onitsha, described as the largest open-air market cluster in sub-Saharan Africa, to the national rail network. He also asked whether Anambra had been linked to the Gas Master Plan and whether the Chinua Achebe International Airport had been designated as an international airport. These questions highlight the infrastructural developments Aja believes Anambra is yet to receive.
The analyst further questioned whether the Federal Government had provided strategic funding for the expansion of the Onitsha River Port or the dredging of the River Niger. Aja also asked Soludo to account for the number of international companies attracted to Anambra during his tenure with support from the Federal Government. These queries focus on economic development and investment in the state.
Aja alleged that no global manufacturer, auto OEM, pharma MNC, FMCG giant, or even a brewery has established a confirmed greenfield plant in Anambra during Soludo's tenure. He also questioned the level of foreign direct investment (FDI) attracted to Anambra, claiming that Abia had recorded about $150 million in capital importation from mid-2023 to date, while Anambra had recorded none. This comparison highlights Aja's concerns about Anambra's economic progress.
Aja stated that there is nothing wrong with Soludo supporting Tinubu but argued that the governor had not secured significant Federal Government benefits for the state despite their relationship. He noted that Soludo had only received a visit by the First Lady, Remi Tinubu. Aja's comments suggest that Soludo's support for Tinubu has not translated to tangible benefits for Anambra.
The financial analyst also criticised Soludo for allegedly mocking an international FDI project in Anambra undertaken by his predecessor. Aja argued that Soludo had yet to attract FDI to the state based on official figures. This criticism focuses on Soludo's economic development strategies and comparisons with his predecessor's efforts.
Aja concluded that Soludo's actions and decisions will be judged based on their impact after politics. He emphasized that there is life after politics, implying that Soludo's legacy will be evaluated on his achievements in governance. This final comment underscores Aja's call for accountability and tangible results from Soludo's administration.
Key points
- Kalu Aja questions Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo on benefits from his relationship with President Bola Tinubu
- Aja alleges that Anambra has not received significant Federal Government benefits despite Soludo's relationship with Tinubu
- Aja criticises Soludo for allegedly failing to attract foreign direct investment to the state
