Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has said that the Igbo are not being marginalised in Nigeria and should stop acting as if the civil war is still ongoing. Speaking at the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Awka, Soludo urged people in the South-East to embrace peace and fully participate in national life, instead of withdrawing from key institutions of the country.

The governor praised President Bola Tinubu and the armed forces for renewed efforts to fight terrorism and insecurity, saying the collaboration among security agencies is beginning to restore hope. He noted that insecurity had lasted for many years but expressed confidence that the current momentum could finally bring lasting peace if sustained.

Soludo also raised concern over the very low number of youths from Anambra and the South-East joining the army and police. He described this as self-exclusion that could lead to future complaints of marginalisation. According to him, Nigeria belongs to everyone, and citizens must take responsibility by participating equally in building and protecting the nation.

He further warned those involved in crime and violence in the region to abandon the forests and lay down their arms, insisting that criminals are not freedom fighters. Soludo said the government has opened a door for reintegration and urged them to return to normal life so that Nigeria can move forward as a united and progressive nation.