Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has called for an open and honest dialogue on the future of the Igbo people, emphasizing that issues surrounding separatist agitations must be addressed collectively by all stakeholders.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Soludo made it clear that he does not support the idea of an independent Igbo nation.

“For me, I believe very strongly that the agitation thing and the position of a separatist view of Igbo land. For me, as a full-blooded Igbo man, I don’t believe that,” the governor stated.

He stressed the need for inclusive discussions involving all shades of opinion across Igbo land, including those advocating for secession.

“I have said why I need Nnamdi Kanu to come and sit with everybody else because nobody has better rights than the other. We are all Igbos and are all entitled to our views. Those who want us out of Nigeria should sit with others and debate it are we better served being out of Nigeria or within Nigeria?
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, and indeed, the world needs the Igbo man,” Soludo said.

The governor described the Igbo as a people known for resilience, hard work, and tolerance, warning that intolerance and violent protests would not bring lasting progress.

“We are everybody’s village, and itinerant people cannot afford to be intolerant. That’s my view for those embarking on failed protests. I am the governor of a state, and mine is to govern,” he told the programme’s host, Seun Okinbaloye.

“Social activists do their own job, and I will do mine. I have had my say and there’s a process through which it can be achieved,” he added.

Expressing optimism that detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu would eventually regain his freedom, Soludo said such a moment would provide an opportunity for collective reflection and regional planning.

“When Nnamdi Kanu comes out and we believe ultimately he will we will all sit at a round table and interrogate our alternative visions for Igbo land. My vision is to build a liveable and prosperous homeland so that, wherever an Igbo person goes and doesn’t find comfort, there’s a home worth returning to,” he said.

Meanwhile, the planned nationwide protest tagged #FreeNnamdiKanu, calling for Kanu’s release, has sparked mixed reactions. The demonstration, scheduled for Monday, has gained support from human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who vowed to challenge the court order banning the protest despite police warnings.