Soludo Rejects Separatist Agitation, Calls for Dialogue on Igbo Future

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, says he does not support separatist movements or the agitation for an independent Igbo nation, emphasizing instead the need for open dialogue among all stakeholders in the South-East.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Soludo said he believes the Igbo people are better served within a united Nigeria.

“For me, I believe very strongly that the agitation thing and the position of a separatist view of Igbo land — for me, as a full-blooded Igbo man, I don’t believe that,” the governor stated.

Soludo urged that all voices, including those advocating secession, should engage in an honest conversation on what best serves the interests of the region.

“I have said why I need Nnamdi Kanu to come and sit with everybody else, because nobody has better rights than the other. We are all Igbos and are all entitled to our views.
Those who want us out of Nigeria, we will all sit in a room and debate it — are we better served being out of Nigeria or within Nigeria?
I am of the view that the Igbo man needs Nigeria, and Nigeria needs the Igbo man,” he said.

The governor described the Igbo as a people known for their hard work, tolerance, and enterprise, adding that intolerance and violence cannot advance the region’s cause.

“We are everybody’s village, and itinerant people cannot be intolerant people. That’s my view for those who are going on a failed protest. I am the governor of a state, and mine is to govern,” Soludo said.

He also expressed optimism that Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), would eventually regain his freedom, adding that his release should pave the way for a regional dialogue on the future of Igboland.

“When Nnamdi Kanu comes out — and we believe, ultimately, he will come out — we will all sit down at a round table and interrogate our alternative visions for Igbo land,” Soludo said.
“My vision is that we should build a liveable and prosperous homeland, so that wherever you go and don’t find comfort, you have a home to return to.”

His comments come amid mixed reactions to the planned #FreeNnamdiKanu protest expected to hold nationwide on Monday.
While many pro-Biafran groups have endorsed the protest as a legitimate demand for justice, others — including law enforcement authorities — have warned against activities that could disrupt public order.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has also backed the protest, vowing to challenge the court order restricting such demonstrations.