Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has urged people of the South-East to abandon what he described as lingering attachment to the Nigerian Civil War, insisting that the Igbo are not being marginalised in the country’s political and security structure.
Soludo made the remarks on Thursday during the wreath-laying and parade ceremony marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka. He called on citizens of the region to embrace peace, unity, and full participation in national development rather than dwelling on a conflict that ended 56 years ago.
The governor praised President Bola Tinubu for what he described as renewed determination and seriousness in addressing terrorism and other security challenges confronting the nation. According to him, the current administration has injected fresh momentum into the fight against insecurity, which had persisted for nearly two decades.
Soludo expressed confidence that improved collaboration among the armed forces and other security agencies would lead to decisive victories against terrorism. He commended Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for the commitment shown so far and urged him to sustain the tempo.
However, the governor voiced concern over the low participation of Anambra and South-East youths in recruitment exercises for the Nigerian Army and the Police Force. He described the trend as alarming and counter-productive, warning that it amounted to self-marginalisation.
Soludo revealed that Anambra State recorded the lowest number of applicants during recent military and police recruitment exercises nationwide, a development he said could have long-term consequences for the region.
He urged young people to take advantage of opportunities to serve in national institutions, stressing that Nigeria belongs to all its citizens and that true inclusion requires active involvement.
The governor warned that continued apathy could lead to future complaints about the absence of Igbo representation within Nigeria’s security architecture, despite opportunities having been ignored when they were available.
