Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, says he does not support separatist movements in Nigeria’s south-east, insisting that the region’s future depends on its continued unity with the country.
Speaking on Sunday Politics, a programme on Channels Television monitored by Truth Live News, Governor Soludo said while he respects citizens’ rights to peaceful protest, he disagrees with Nnamdi Kanu’s secessionist vision for the Igbo people.
He noted that the Monday sit-at-home directive previously enforced by supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has largely disappeared in Anambra, with residents now freely going about their daily activities.
“Anybody sitting at home now is doing so out of his own preference, not because of insecurity,” Soludo said. “Everywhere is secure on Mondays.”
The governor commended IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu for publicly distancing himself and the group from the sit-at-home order, blaming criminal elements for exploiting it to terrorise residents.
“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,” he added.
Soludo stressed that his government remains focused on governance and development, not 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,” he said.
The governor also called for dialogue within the Igbo community, urging traditional and political leaders to engage Kanu in discussions once he is released.
“Nobody has a greater right than the other. We are all Igbos, and we are all entitled to our views,” Soludo said.
Reaffirming his commitment to Nigeria’s unity, the governor described the Igbo as a people whose strength lies in their ability to coexist and thrive across the country.
“The Igbo man needs Nigeria, and Nigeria needs the Igbo man,” he stated. “We are an itinerant people who cannot afford to be intolerant.”
He added that Nigeria’s diversity should be viewed as a divine gift and used to drive national progress.
“Do we need Nigeria? Absolutely! And Nigeria needs us. That is my very deep belief,” Soludo said. “I’m prepared to debate this with anyone on the future prosperity of the Igbos.”
Soludo’s remarks come amid renewed calls for the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest in June 2021.
Opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Omoyele Sowore, have backed a peaceful protest tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, scheduled to hold Today in Abuja.