Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has firmly stated that the progress and prosperity of the Igbo people are inextricably linked to a united Nigeria, publicly distancing himself from the separatist agitation of the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Speaking in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, the former Central Bank governor clarified his position amid growing calls for Kanu’s release. While affirming his support for dialogue, he rejected the core secessionist ideology.
“I am of the view that the Igbo man needs Nigeria and Nigeria needs the Igbo man,” Soludo stated emphatically. “The Igbo man needs Africa, and Africa needs the Igbo man. We are an itinerant people who cannot afford to be intolerant. That’s my view.”
He further argued that the diversity of Nigeria was no accident, adding, “Do we need Nigeria? Absolutely! And Nigeria needs us. That is my very deep belief. I canvass it with no apologies and hold on to that.”
The governor’s comments arrive just as a coalition of opposition figures, including Peter Obi and Omoyele Sowore, mobilise for a protest tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, scheduled for October 20 in Abuja. Soludo’s stance marks a significant divergence from the central demand of these activists, focusing instead on coexistence within the Nigerian federation.
Addressing the issue of civil unrest, Governor Soludo noted that the controversial Monday sit-at-home order, often enforced by force in the past, had largely fizzled out in Anambra State. He credited his administration’s efforts and distanced the official IPOB group from the ongoing violence.
“We’ve made it very clear that if you are protesting or agitating for anything, you are holding yourself down by killing your own people under the pretext of Monday’s sit-at-home,” he said.
He also acknowledged a key point from the pro-Kanu camp, stating, “Even Nnamdi Kanu himself and his IPOB are on record to have said they did not support the Monday sit-at-home; it was some criminal elements doing that. And we thank them for their work.”
When asked about his role regarding the demonstrations for Kanu’s release, Soludo drew a clear line between governance and activism.
“As for those who are agitating or going to have demonstrations, they have a right to do so. In a democracy, everybody has freedom of expression. But mine is to govern. While social activists do their job, I will do my own,” he stated.
The governor concluded by reiterating his call for inclusive dialogue, suggesting that Kanu’s voice should be part of a broader conversation, not a solitary one.
“I said, why don’t they tell Nnamdi Kanu to come and sit with everybody else, because nobody has a greater right than the other? We are all Igbos, and we are all entitled to our views,” Soludo said.
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