Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has declared his firm belief that the South-East’s progress depends on its continued unity with Nigeria, not secession.
Speaking on Channels Television, Soludo said he respects peaceful protest but does not support the separatist agenda led by Nnamdi Kanu and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
He noted that the Monday sit-at-home directive has lost momentum in Anambra, adding that residents now move freely.
“Anyone sitting at home does so by choice, not out of fear,” Soludo stated. “Even Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB have said they don’t support it. Criminals hijacked the idea, but our people have moved on.”
The governor emphasised that his focus remains on good governance, not activism. “While activists do their job, mine is to govern,” he said.
Soludo urged Igbo leaders, including Ohanaeze Ndigbo, to engage Kanu in dialogue when he is released, stressing that no one holds a monopoly of ideas about the region’s future.
“I believe the Igbo man needs Nigeria and Nigeria needs the Igbo man,” Soludo affirmed. “We are an itinerant people who must embrace coexistence. Nigeria’s diversity is divine and should be harnessed for growth.”
His comments come amid renewed calls by political figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Omoyele Sowore, for the release of Kanu, who remains in DSS custody since his re-arrest in 2021.
