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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, bringing up the Nigerian Civil War, which ended 56 years ago, has said that Igbos must move forward rather than continue to fight a conflict that ended more than five decades ago.
Governor Soludo made this statement on Thursday during the wreath-laying and parade ceremony to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at Ekwueme Square, Awka, the Anambra State capital.
According to the governor, the Nigerian Civil War officially ended on 15 January 1970, and there is no justification for continued violence and bloodshed in its name.
He urged people of the South-East to 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,” Soludo said.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day, he explained, is observed to honour Nigerian heroes who lost their lives in battle and in subsequent efforts to preserve the unity of the country.
He stressed that 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 in different parts of the country to lay down their arms and contribute positively to nation-building.
“This is a moment to remind South-Easterners that the civil war has ended and that we must take our rightful place and show interest in the affairs of this country,” he said.
Soludo expressed concern that many people in Anambra State and the South-East have lost confidence and interest in national participation, urging them not to lose hope in Nigeria.
He called on youths in the state to consider careers in the military, police and other security agencies, noting that they must see themselves as co-owners of the country.
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“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,” he said.
He also called on youths who claim to be fighting for Biafra to abandon violence, come out from the bushes and allow themselves to be reintegrated into society.
“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,” Soludo said.
“We are here to remember and to say ‘never again’. Their supreme sacrifice shall not be in vain. We also remember the men and women who are still in active service—those who stay awake to protect us while we sleep peacefully in our homes,” he said.
Governor Soludo specifically commended security agencies in Anambra State for their efforts in improving security, which he said led to a peaceful atmosphere and massive public turnout during the recent Christmas celebrations.
He disclosed that, through the sacrifices of security personnel, the state was able to reclaim eight local government areas previously affected by criminal activities.
“This year, Anambra celebrated Christmas like never before,” the governor added.
Soludo also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts in tackling insecurity across the country.
He noted that insecurity had festered in Nigeria for nearly two decades but expressed confidence that sustained collaboration among the armed forces would lead to victory.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, alongside other state service chiefs and distinguished personalities, participated in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony in honour of officers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
The event featured a moment of silence, intercessory prayers, a gun salute, the laying of wreaths, and the unveiling and release of white pigeons by the Governor, the Commissioner of Police, Service Chiefs, and other dignitaries. These symbolic gestures represented collective gratitude, solemn remembrance, and the nation’s hope for lasting peace and harmony.
