Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said he once opposed Anambra Governor Professor Chukwuma Soludo's ambitions to run the state.
Obasanjo spoke at an event marking Sordo's first anniversary as governor on Saturday in Awka, the Anambra state capital, when the former chief economic adviser told him about the governor's position targeting the state. When approached, he said he had reservations.
For the former president, Sordo was better at "something international or domestic" than Governor Anambra.
“Because of my experience with Chukuma, I was thinking of making him something bigger, but one day he came to me and said he wanted to run for governor of Anambra. I didn't hide my anger."
"And I said, 'Chukma, governor of Anambra, no, I'll see you for something national or international.
"What is this governor of Anambra? He said to me, "Do you remember when we were together one morning and said, let's come to the morning prayer and pray for the new governor of Anambra?
Obasanjo said his experience at Anambra was with Dr. (Chris) Ngige and his Uba. "Then you don't blame me for my reaction."
He said Soludo remembered what he said at the time. "Oh, I said I remember," added Obasanjo.
Ngige, the current Minister of Labor and Employment, served as Governor of Anambra from 2003 until 2006. Emmanuel Uva (Andy Uva) was elected Governor of Anambra State on May 27, 2007 and took the oath of office. He was dismissed by Supreme Court ruling of June 14, 2007. He ruled the state for his 14 days.
"I said to Chukuma, 'What do you expect when someone like you runs away? If hooligans take over, people like him shouldn't complain.'"
He told Soludo later that he could compete, but remember he booked him for domestic or international assignments. "But if you think of this governorship as a starter, the main menu will come later. You're at the appetizer stage," Obasanjo said, turning to Soludo.
He said Soludo's performance confirmed what he had said to the governor in the past.
"From what I've heard and seen, I believe you haven't let me down and you haven't let the people of Anambra down," Obasanjo added.
Mr Soludo was the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and from 2004 he served until 2009, when Mr Obasanjo was President.