•••SAYS SOLUDO BETRAYED THE IGBO NATION
Former minister of education under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, Prof. Fabian Osuji, has reacted to the former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo’s article on the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi.
Recall that Soludo had in his article stated that Obi will not win the 2023 presidential elections adding the presidential aspiration of ex- Governor Peter Obi, is a mere whisful thinking and dream.
Osuji while reacting to Soludo’s position said the position of the Anambra State Governor, amounts to a betrayal of the Igbo nation.
According to Osuji, Soludo’s rise to fame was as a result of support from Igbo stakeholders, without whom Soludo would’nt have risen to the pinnacle of his career
Osuji in a statement on Tuesday, opined that Soludo’s rise to professorial position, and his appointment as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria were as a result of recommendations and supports of his Igbo brothers.
“I am thoroughly embarrassed about the level of hostility being exhibited by our brother and friend, Prof Charles Soludo, towards Peter Obi. Soludo cannot claim to be self made – people like us participated in making him.
“I was Pro-Chancellor and chairman of council at the University of Nigeria, when Soludo’s papers came for approval for professorship. “I could have found reason to withhold or deny assent. But we put him out and praised his work.
According to him, their recommendations made President Obasanjo to appoint him Economic Adviser without hesitation.
“Three years later, three of us, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Oby Ezekwesili, and myself, were attending a conference in Brussels, when President Obasanjo called Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who was finance minister, to ask for the nomination of governor of the Central Bank.
“We gave a unanimous vote for Prof Charles Soludo. We were ministers of finance, education, and due process as at the time. As Ndigbo, we were proud to support our brother.
“He was not the sole candidate but Obasanjo gave him the position. Everyone rejoiced. That was the power of brotherhood
“Years later, I cannot imagine the same Soludo who benefited resoundingly from our support being the one to pull down his own brother, Peter Obi, who is enjoying overwhelming support elsewhere. I am truly ashamed of Soludo.” Osuji stated.
