Peter Obi: My Wife And I Are Godparents To Soludo’s Children

KINGSLEY EBERE

Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr. Peter Obi, has revealed that he and his wife are Godparents to the children of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State.

Obi made the shocking revelation on Friday while speaking at the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, held in Enugu, Enugu State.

The former Governor was reacting to insinuations in some quarters that he is at loggerheads with his successor, Professor Soludo, following recent public debates over the finances of Anambra State.

Addressing Editors at the conference, Obi dismissed reports of a personal rift between him and Soludo, stressing that their relationship goes beyond politics and is deeply rooted in family bond.

“People might not know, my wife and I are godparents to Soludo’s children. Yes, we are that close. So we are not quarrelling, and we will never quarrel. If I see him any day, me and him will hug and everything. If they say anything, I’ll answer them,” Obi said.

Obi explained that despite political differences and public arguments over governance issues, he still maintains utmost respect for Governor Soludo as the sitting Governor of Anambra State.

He noted that democracy allows for divergent opinions on issues of governance, but such differences should not be misconstrued as personal enmity or hatred.

The Labour Party turned NDC presidential candidate also used the platform to defend his record in office as Governor of Anambra State, insisting that he left the state in a sound financial position.

According to him, his administration did not leave any debt behind but instead left substantial savings for the state.

“Like I said yesterday, I did not leave debt in Anambra State. If you like, go and see that interview. The day I left office, thank God, Otti confirmed it this morning, while on Arise, I left $150 million in savings,” Obi stated.

He challenged anyone with contrary evidence to come forward, maintaining that no other governor in the history of the state had left such amount in dollars.

Meanwhile, the revelation has elicited reactions among Ndigbo in Lagos State who described Obi’s clarification as a welcome development.

Some Igbo leaders in Lagos who spoke with our correspondent said the personal relationship between Obi and Soludo should serve as a lesson to their supporters to avoid politics of bitterness and hatred.

They noted that the unity among Igbo leaders, both at home and in the diaspora, including Lagos State, is crucial at a time when the Southeast is seeking stronger cohesion and a united voice in national politics.

A stakeholder in Lagos said what the Igbo nation needs now is unity of purpose and not public display of division, adding that Obi has shown maturity and leadership by publicly affirming his family bond with Soludo.

They called on supporters of both leaders in Lagos and across the country to take a cue from their principals and embrace peace, respect and issue-based politics.

The 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference in Enugu brought together media executives, political leaders and other stakeholders to discuss issues concerning democracy, governance and national development.