The Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, has warned Ndigbos to desist from agitation over the Nigerian Civil War.
Speaking on Thursday during the wreath-laying and parade ceremony marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at Ekwueme Square, Awka, the governor stated that the war ended 56 years ago.
He urged the Igbos to redirect their energy towards national participation and development, insisting that there was no justification for continued violence and bloodshed in the name of agitation.
He said, “The people of the South-East must redirect their energy towards active participation in national affairs and the collective development of Nigeria.
“We cannot continue to fight a civil war that ended 56 years ago by hiding in the bushes and killing ourselves. January 15 marked the official end of the civil war, and that chapter of our history must remain closed.
“Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed to honour Nigerian heroes who lost their lives during the Civil War and in subsequent efforts to preserve the unity of the country.
“The day serves as a reminder of the enormous sacrifices made to keep Nigeria united and the need to ensure that such a tragedy never occurs again.”
The governor also appealed to armed groups and bandits operating across the country to lay down their arms and contribute positively to national development.
Soludo stated, “This is a moment to remind the people of the region that the civil war has ended and that we must take our rightful place and show interest in the affairs of this country.
“Many people in Anambra State and the South-East have lost confidence and interest in national participation. I urge them not to lose hope in Nigeria. The youths in the region must consider careers in the military, police, and other security agencies; they must see themselves as co-owners of the country.
“If you do not join the police or the army in the next 15 years, you will be complaining about the absence of senior military officers from your region. I urge you to express interest in serving Nigeria.”
The governor appealed to armed groups and youths claiming to be fighting for Biafra to abandon violence and embrace reintegration.
“I want to call on our brothers in the bushes who claim they are liberators to come out. Human beings do not live in the bush. We appeal to you to come out and participate meaningfully in building the state and this country,” he stated.