By Olarinde Idowu
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed his opposition to separatist agitation in the South-East region, emphasizing that the region’s development and prosperity depend on its continued unity with Nigeria. Soludo made this statement on Channels Television’s “Sunday Politics” program, where he respectfully disagreed with Nnamdi Kanu’s secessionist vision for the Igbo nation.
Soludo believes that the Igbo people need Nigeria, and Nigeria needs the Igbo people. He emphasizes the importance of co-existence and unity for the region’s progress. According to him, Nigeria’s diversity is a divine design that must be harnessed for national growth and development. He urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other regional leaders to engage Kanu in dialogue once he is released, emphasizing that no one person holds a monopoly of ideas about the region’s future.
As governor, Soludo’s priority remains governance and delivering results, rather than activism or agitation. He noted that the sit-at-home directive has largely faded in Anambra, attributing the improvement to enhanced security and public awareness. Soludo also mentioned that Kanu and IPOB have disowned the sit-at-home order, blaming criminal elements for exploiting it to terrorize residents.
Soludo’s stance has sparked reactions, with some praising his commitment to Nigeria’s unity and others criticizing him for not supporting the secessionist movement. However, Soludo remains steadfast in his belief that the South-East region’s development and prosperity depend on its continued unity with Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and engagement in addressing the region’s challenges and promoting national development.
The governor’s comments come amid renewed calls for secession in the South-East region, with some groups citing perceived marginalization and insecurity. However, Soludo’s stance underscores the complexity of the issue and the need for nuanced approaches to address the region’s challenges. By prioritizing governance and dialogue, Soludo aims to promote stability and development in Anambra State and the wider South-East region.
