Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has urged greater political cooperation between the state and the Federal Government, arguing that federal intervention is essential to addressing major road infrastructure needs and the persistent erosion crisis affecting communities across the state.
Soludo linked the need for cooperation with President Bola Tinubu’s administration to the funding and execution of proposed road projects, including the Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Ihube route and the Otuocha–Anam–Abaji road.
According to the governor, the proposed projects involve federal roads that require support beyond the financial and administrative capacity of the state government.
He said the Anambra government could undertake the design work and begin construction on an initial 30-kilometre section, while the remaining stretches would require federal involvement.
Soludo also praised Tinubu over reported approvals for road construction and dualisation projects.
Governor links cooperation to infrastructure delivery
The governor argued that Anambra needed a working relationship with the Federal Government to secure the resources required for major infrastructure projects.
“If there’s no consequence, you will lose something,” Soludo said while explaining the implications of failing to cooperate with the federal authorities.
His remarks reflected the practical challenges states face when implementing projects that depend on federal roads, funding arrangements or coordination between different levels of government.
Large road projects often require substantial capital, technical planning and sustained financing, particularly where they involve dual carriageways and long stretches connecting several communities.
Soludo’s position is that cooperation with the centre could help Anambra advance projects that would otherwise be difficult for the state to finance independently.
Erosion crisis remains a major concern
The governor also called for federal intervention to address erosion, which has damaged land, threatened properties and placed pressure on communities and public infrastructure in Anambra.
“The erosion happening in Anambra is beyond the state’s capacity. It requires federal intervention, and that is why we need to vote for Tinubu,” he said.
The statement connects a longstanding environmental challenge with the political debate over federal-state relations and the allocation of public resources.
Soludo also questioned how the Federal Government might respond to Anambra’s demands if political relations between the state and the President became more adversarial.
His comments have therefore raised questions about the relationship between electoral choices, political cooperation and access to federal assistance.
Infrastructure needs and electoral considerations
The governor’s appeal comes as political parties and their supporters begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.
While cooperation between federal and state governments can facilitate infrastructure development, public resources and statutory responsibilities are expected to be administered according to established rules rather than partisan considerations.
Anambra’s erosion challenges and road infrastructure needs are long-term issues that require clear project plans, transparent funding, environmental assessments and sustained implementation.
The key test will be whether the proposed projects receive the necessary funding and progress from announcements and designs to completed infrastructure that benefits residents.
Soludo’s remarks underscore the importance of federal-state cooperation, while also placing that relationship within the wider political contest ahead of the next presidential election.