Soludo Draws Line Against Separatism, Says South-East’s Future Lies Within Nigeria

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has firmly rejected separatist agitation, insisting that the South-East’s progress is intrinsically tied to its unity with Nigeria.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the former Central Bank governor distanced himself from the vision of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, emphasising that dialogue and peaceful protest are welcome, but secession is not.

“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,” Soludo said, noting that the directive has largely fizzled out across Anambra.

He also highlighted that IPOB itself had dissociated from the sit-at-home orders, blaming criminal elements for exploiting the campaign to terrorise residents.

While respecting the right to protest, Soludo made it clear that governance—not activism—remains his priority. “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 stated.

Soludo further called for dialogue between Kanu and South-East leaders upon his release, stressing that no single individual holds a monopoly on the region’s future.

“I am of the view that the Igbo man needs Nigeria and Nigeria needs the Igbo man. The Igbo man needs Africa, and Africa needs the Igbo man,” he said. “We are an itinerant people who cannot afford to be intolerant. Do we need Nigeria? Absolutely! And Nigeria needs us.”

The governor’s remarks come as opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Omoyele Sowore, mobilise for a peaceful #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja on October 20, emphasising dialogue and justice as the path to reconciliation.

Soludo’s firm stance underscores a vision of unity and coexistence, advocating for a prosperous South-East within a stronger, fairer Nigerian federation.