Titus Eleweke, Editor, South East
AWKA, Anambra – Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, has urged Ndi Igbo to move away from agitation and embrace robust, evidence-based debate as a pathway to addressing the challenges confronting the Igbo people within Nigeria.
Governor made the remarks at the Light House in Awka after watching a compelling stage performance titled The Tale of Two Nnamdis, written by Tobe Osigwe and directed by Prof. Uche Nwaozuzu.
The play was presented by students of the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Addressing the audience, Governor Soludo cautioned against the methods employed in previous agitations, particularly the “sit-at-home” campaign that persisted for several years. According to him, such tactics often inflict economic and social hardship on the very people they are intended to protect.
The governor challenged Ndi Igbo to confront what he described as a “dual-personality paradox” in their participation in national politics.
He questioned the practicality of seeking Nigeria’s highest political office while simultaneously expressing profound reservations about the Nigerian state.
“It is true that Ndi Igbo want the presidency, but the paradox has to be addressed,” “As a people, where do we stand? How can you govern a people who have not clearly defined their position?”he said.
Soludo stressed the need for open engagement and constructive dialogue in addressing the aspirations and concerns of the Igbo people.
“Any group that advances the conversation on the Igbo question in Nigeria will have our support. The beauty of our republican nature is that you cannot muscle your way through it—you must engage,” he stated.
Reflecting on the performance, the governor praised the students for initiating a conversation that, in his view, has been largely absent from both academic and political discourse for far too long.
He expressed concern over the lack of sustained intellectual engagement with the challenges facing the Igbo people and their place within the Nigerian federation, commending the students for helping to stimulate a much-needed debate.
“I was at UNN last month and recalled that the Biafran War was literally declared there. I am glad that you young people are now leading the way. That conversation must begin in a very structured manner,” he said.
Drawing from his personal experience, Soludo spoke about the devastating impact of the Nigerian Civil War on his family.
He recalled that his mother died during the conflict, while his father carried a bullet lodged in his body for 11 years after the war.
“I saw the war very clearly,” “I am a Pan-Africanist and a proud Nigerian. Ndi Igbo need Nigerians, and Nigerians need Ndi Igbo, just as we all need the wider world. Our prosperity will accelerate if we take advantage of a broader national and global space.”he said.
The governor further stated that while he respects diverse convictions and perspectives, he remains a strong advocate of negotiation, dialogue, and democratic engagement, drawing inspiration from the political legacy of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
“Zik helped us. He bargained effectively during the First and Second Republics. He taught us the politics of negotiation and constructive engagement,” he said.
Governor Soludo reiterated his readiness to participate in a structured and civil dialogue on the future of Ndi Igbo within Nigeria.
He expressed a willingness to engage with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including groups aligned with the views of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
He emphasized the importance of tolerance for differing viewpoints, mutual respect, and reasoned debate, reaffirming his commitment to supporting any group that advances the discussion on the Igbo question through peaceful, intellectual, and democratic means.