Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has reiterated his commitment to a united Nigeria, declaring that the development and prosperity of the Igbo people are better achieved within the country’s unity rather than through secession.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor distanced himself from separatist movements in the South-East, stressing that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, he does not share the ideology of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) or its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

“I’ve made it clear that anyone agitating for freedom cannot do so by destroying his own people. The so-called Monday sit-at-home is a self-inflicted wound on the region,” Soludo said.

The governor explained that the sit-at-home order has virtually lost effect in Anambra, attributing the change to improved security and public enlightenment.

“Anyone staying at home now does so by choice, not fear. Anambra is safe, vibrant, and open for business,” he stated.

Soludo commended efforts by Kanu and IPOB leaders to distance themselves from the sit-at-home directive, noting that criminal elements exploited it to terrorize residents.

“Even Nnamdi Kanu himself has repeatedly disowned the Monday sit-at-home. It was the handiwork of criminals who used it to instill fear, and we’ve worked hard to restore peace,” he said.

While acknowledging the right of citizens to express themselves, the governor emphasized that his focus remains on governance, not activism.

“In a democracy, everyone has freedom of expression. Those who wish to protest can do so lawfully, but my responsibility is to govern and deliver good leadership,” he added.

Soludo further revealed that he had encouraged Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other South-East leaders to initiate dialogue with Kanu upon his release, emphasizing collective responsibility for the region’s future.

“I told our leaders to engage Nnamdi Kanu. We all have equal stakes in the destiny of Ndigbo, and no single person has a monopoly of ideas. We must sit together and decide our collective future,” he said.

Reaffirming his belief in a united and prosperous Nigeria, Soludo maintained that the Igbo people have more to gain by working with other ethnic groups.

“I strongly believe that the Igbo man needs Nigeria, and Nigeria needs the Igbo man. We are an industrious people who thrive through openness, not isolation,” he declared.

He described Nigeria’s diversity as a divine blessing, urging the South-East to embrace cooperation and integration for mutual growth.

“Do we need Nigeria? Absolutely. And Nigeria needs us. I hold this conviction firmly and make no apologies for it. I am ready to engage anyone in a debate on the future of Ndigbo within a united Nigeria,” he affirmed.

Soludo’s comments come amid renewed calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu. The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign, supported by leading political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and activist Omoyele Sowore, has announced a peaceful rally in Abuja on October 20.