Governor Charles Soludo, in a Democracy Day speech, urged Nigeria to abandon ethnic bigotry and embrace citizenship-based inclusion to build national unity

[dropcap]G[/dropcap]overnor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has made a passionate call for political and national leaders to end religious and ethnic bigotry, stressing that such divisions continue to hinder Nigeria’s progress toward a truly unified and equitable society.

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He delivered this message on Thursday, 12th June 2025, during his Democracy Day address titled Rebuilding the Nation at The Platform in Lagos.

Soludo argued that the country needs a decisive national conversation around citizenship, which must replace state of origin, religion, and ethnicity as criteria for participation and opportunity.

He said a person cannot develop a full sense of belonging or contribute to nation-building if they are constantly reminded that they are outsiders in a place where they have lived, worked, paid taxes, and raised families.

“A new Nigerian personality will never emerge if, no matter how long or how deeply invested someone is in a community, they are still told they don’t belong,” the governor said.

He proposed the establishment of a Bureau for Grievances Against the Nigerian State, to support constructive dialogue and help foster national healing.

According to him, building a nation is a continual process that must involve open, honest conversations anchored on justice and equity.

Using Anambra State as an example, Governor Soludo outlined his administration’s philosophy, “One State, One People, One Agenda.”

He explained that government projects and appointments in the state are guided by need and merit, not political correctness or sectarian affiliation.

He pointed out that the five new general hospitals built under his leadership are all located in the northern senatorial zone, the same region as his predecessor, while none were sited in his own southern zone.

Similarly, his most ambitious urban regeneration project in Okpoko is also in the north, decisions he said were made on the basis of social need rather than political loyalty.

The governor cited examples of ethnic integration and merit-based inclusion in his administration, including the appointment of permanent secretaries from Abia and Osun States, and political appointees from Kogi, Ebonyi, Delta, Enugu, and Imo States.

He also noted that over 8,000 teachers and 1,000 healthcare workers recruited during his tenure came from 18 different states.

“We must intentionally mainstream One Nigeria with One Destiny,” Soludo said, adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had shown leadership in fostering national unity.

He praised the religious tolerance within Yoruba families, where members may belong to different faiths yet coexist peacefully.

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He urged Nigerians to extend such tolerance to ethnic and cultural integration, creating a nation bound not by division but by shared vision and collective destiny.