Ngige Dismisses Alleged Criticism of Soludo as Media Outfit Apologizes
Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has dismissed a viral television interview in which he was allegedly quoted as criticizing Governor Charles Soludo, comparing himself favorably to the Anambra State governor for not attacking former governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
The television station in question has since issued a public apology to Senator Ngige and the general public for the misrepresentation,an action that has helped to resolve the matter.
According to a statement released by Ngige’s Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Hggy Obialo, the former governor never disparaged Governor Soludo.
On the contrary, Ngige maintains that Soludo, both as a public servant and as a sitting governor, has demonstrated a clear commitment to service.
He described the viral clip as “mischievously edited.”
“Our attention has been drawn to a news item circulating on social media and some mainstream media platforms, alleging that our principal, His Excellency Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, MD, OON, CON, criticized the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, and claimed he was not like him—always attacking the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi,” the statement read.
“This distorted report appears to have been extracted from a birthday interview Dr. Ngige granted to Signature TV on August 8, 2025.”
Ngige further clarified the situation, noting:“Firstly, a critical review of the video reveals that this particular segment was poorly and misleadingly edited. As someone who has spent decades in both civil and public service, Dr. Ngige is always mindful of his choice of words. What he actually said was.
But constitutionally, he is entitled to his opinion and views on any matter.’
“We drew Signature TV’s attention to this misleading edit, and they have since apologized and begun taking corrective steps. That was the only portion of the interview affected.”
The statement continued:
“While Senator Ngige holds no grudge against Mr. Peter Obi, he was merely addressing the exaggeration of the condition of the state he inherited when he became governor. He was pushing back against the narrative that he inherited a ‘failed state—with unpaid salaries, gratuities, pensions, insecurity, and rampant corruption’—a portrayal that is not entirely accurate.”
The statement concluded by reaffirming Ngige’s respect for Governor Soludo:
“His Excellency, Dr. Chris Ngige (Onwa), holds the incumbent Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, CFR (Odenigbo), in the highest regard. He considers him one of Anambra’s finest, having served with distinction at the national level—first as Chief Economic Adviser to the President and later as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (2004–2009), both without blemish.
“As an elder statesman and former governor, Senator Ngige has publicly praised Governor Soludo during both the 2nd and 3rd anniversary celebrations of his administration for managing the state’s financial and human resources with commendable dexterity, prudence, and excellence. He believes Soludo has done very well.
