Soludo Calls For Intellectual Debate On “Igbo Question,” Pushes For Structured National Dialogue
By Felix Oti. Awka
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State has called for a structured, intellectual interrogation of the “Igbo question” in Nigeria, urging stakeholders to shift from agitation to robust, empirical debate.
The Governor made the call at the Light House in Awka after watching “The Tale of Two Nnamdis”, a stage play by Tobe Osigwe, directed by Prof. Uche Nwaozuzu and performed by Theatre Arts and Film students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Praising the students, Soludo said they had restarted a conversation that has been missing from academic and political discourse for too long.
“I was at UNN last month — I recalled that the Biafran war was literally declared there. I am glad that you people are now leading the way. That conversation must begin in a very structured manner,” he said.
The Governor warned against past agitation tactics, especially the “sit-at-home” syndrome that lasted five years, saying such actions often hurt the same people they claim to protect.
Drawing from personal experience, Soludo recounted losing his mother during the Civil War and his father carrying a bullet for 11 years after the war.
“I saw the war very clearly,” Soludo said. “I am a Pan-Africanist and a proud Nigerian. Ndị Igbo need Nigerians, Nigerians need ndị Igbo, same for the world. Our prosperity will accelerate if we take advantage of a wider space.”
He stressed that while he respects diverse convictions, he believes in bargaining and civil discourse, citing Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s legacy. “Zik helped us; he bargained in the First and Second Republics. He taught us the politics of bargaining.”
Soludo challenged Ndi Igbo on what he called a “dual personality” paradox in national politics: seeking the presidency while expressing deep reservations about the Nigerian project.
“It is true that Ndi Igbo want the presidency, but the paradox has to be addressed,” he said. “As a people, where do we stand? How can you govern a people who don’t know your stand?”
The Governor said he is ready to join a structured, civil dialogue and is willing to engage directly with diverse groups, including the faction led by Nnamdi Kanu.
He concluded: “Any group that advances the conversation of 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.
