“Ndigbo Will Sit and Debate Our Future” — Soludo Calls for Dialogue on Separatist Agenda

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has called for open dialogue among all stakeholders in the South-East to determine the future of the Igbo people, emphasizing the need for collective reflection on the growing separatist movement.

Speaking on *Channels Television’s Sunday Politics*, Soludo dismissed the idea of an independent Igbo nation, describing himself as “a full-blooded Igbo man” who believes in Nigeria’s unity. He said it was time for the region to have an honest conversation about its direction, urging both pro-secession voices and moderates to participate.

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

The governor argued that the Igbo people, known historically for their industriousness and mobility, should reject violence and intolerance. “We are everybody’s village, and itinerant people cannot afford to be intolerant. That’s my view for those who are going on failed protests. I am the governor of a state, and mine is to govern,” he added.

Soludo reiterated his hope that detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu would soon regain his freedom, saying his release would create an opportunity for meaningful dialogue. “When Nnamdi Kanu comes out — and we believe he will — we will sit down at a round table and interrogate our alternative visions for Igbo land,” he said. “My vision is that we should build a liveable and prosperous homeland so that wherever you go, you have a place of comfort to return to.”

The call for dialogue comes as tensions rise ahead of a planned nationwide #FreeNnamdiKanu protest scheduled for Monday. The protest, backed by pro-Biafran groups and supported by activist Omoyele Sowore, seeks Kanu’s release despite police warnings against demonstrations near key government institutions in Abuja.