Ndigbo need Nigerians, Nigerians need Ndigbo, Soludo

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has called for a structured and intellectual examination of the "Igbo question" in Nigeria, urging stakeholders to shift from mere agitation to evidence-based dialogue about the Igbo people's place within the federation. Governor Soludo made this appeal in Awka after attending a stage play, "The Tale of Two Nnamdis," which he believes initiated an important conversation often missing from public discourse.

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Ndigbo need Nigerians, Nigerians need Ndigbo, same for the world. Our prosperity will accelerate if we take advantage of a wider space.

Soludo expressed concern over the lack of sustained intellectual engagement on issues affecting the Igbo people, particularly amidst ongoing Biafra-related agitations. He recalled the Biafran War's impact, sharing personal experiences of loss and hardship, including his mother's death and his father's war injury. As a Pan-Africanist and proud Nigerian, Soludo asserted that "Ndigbo need Nigerians, Nigerians need Ndigbo," believing that embracing a wider space will accelerate prosperity.

The governor criticized methods of agitation that harm the people they aim to protect, specifically mentioning the prolonged sit-at-home protests in the South-East. While acknowledging diverse opinions, he reaffirmed his commitment to dialogue and democratic engagement, drawing inspiration from Nigeria's first President, Nnamdi Azikiwe, who he said taught the politics of bargaining.

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Zik helped us; he bargained in the First and Second Republics. He taught us the politics of bargaining.

Governor Soludo further challenged the Igbo political class and the broader population to confront a perceived contradiction: seeking greater participation in Nigeria's political system while simultaneously questioning the nation's legitimacy. He posed critical questions about the people's stance, asking, "As a people, where do we stand? How can you govern a people who don’t know your stand?" He reiterated his readiness to engage in structured discussions to address these complex issues.

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It is true that Ndigbo want the presidency, but the paradox has to be addressed. As a people, where do we stand? How can you govern a people who don’t know your stand?