REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has advocated a shift from disruptive agitation to structured intellectual discourse on the position of Ndigbo within the Nigerian federation.
The Governor made the call Government House Awka after a stage production titled The Tale of Two Nnamdis” by students of Theatre Arts and Film Department, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Governor Soludo stressed the need to move away from historical grievances and emotional reactions towards evidence-based debates and constructive national dialogue.
He observed that the complex issues surrounding Igbo integration require disciplined intellectual approaches rather than the reactive strategies of recent years.
The Governor particularly condemned the prolonged “sit-at-home” orders, which he said have lasted for about five years.
According to him, the order has caused severe economic and social damages to the people they are meant to serve.
He called for the revival of the politics of negotiation and civil engagement, drawing inspiration from the diplomatic approaches of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
Governor Soludo maintained Ndi Igbo can only exert meaningful influence within Nigeria through active participation, bargaining, and strategic involvement in the political process, rather than withdrawal or confrontation.
The Governor highlighted what he described as a contradiction in the region’s political stance the desire to attain the highest offices in the land while simultaneously expressing fundamental doubts about the Nigerian project.
He challenged the Igbo nation to clearly define its position for effective engagement with other parts of the country.
