Soludo Urges Southeast Residents to Move On from 56-Year-Old Conflict, Claims Igbo Are Not Marginalized

Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State, has urged the people of the Southeast to relinquish long-standing animosities, asserting that no group within Nigeria is marginalizing the Igbo. He emphasized the need for peace and full engagement in the processes of nationhood.

Soludo made these statements on Thursday during a ceremony that involved laying wreaths and a parade for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka. He commended President Bola Tinubu for what he referred to as a revitalized determination to address terrorism and various forms of insecurity within the nation.

Expressing optimism, the governor stated that the federal government’s enhanced focus on security would ultimately lead to the resolution of the persistent security challenges faced by the country.

He acknowledged President Tinubu as the Commander-in-Chief, noting that insecurity had been deteriorating for almost two decades, becoming an accepted norm until the recent administration took robust steps to confront the issues.

According to Soludo, the unity among the armed forces and other security agencies is fostering newfound hope that terrorism will be properly addressed. He praised Tinubu for his steadfastness and advised him to maintain this progressive trajectory.

Nonetheless, the governor raised concerns regarding the apparent disinterest of Anambra residents and the broader Southeast region in joining the Nigerian Army and Police Force.

He cautioned that this apathy could be detrimental and could lead to what he termed self-marginalization, arguing that a nation cannot be built if its citizens choose to disengage from essential institutions.

Soludo highlighted that during the latest recruitment rounds for both the Army and the Police, Anambra had the lowest number of applicants in the country, a situation he deemed alarming.

He encouraged young individuals in the state to pursue careers in the armed forces, underscoring that Nigeria is the shared responsibility of all its citizens, and active involvement is vital for claiming ownership of the nation.

The governor warned that if such trends persist, future generations could complain about a lack of representation from Anambra or the Igbo community within the country’s security structure, especially when chances for participation were turned down during recruitment drives.