Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State on Thursday warned Igbo youths against their seeming reluctance to enlist in the Nigerian Military and the Police Force, saying the attitude will come back to haunt the Southeast region in future.
According to Soludo, the Southeast region cannot demand equity in a country where it has refused to participate in its governance and processes.
Soludo spoke during the wreath laying and parade ceremony of 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, the state capital.
The governor expressed worry over lack of interest of people of the state and Southeast in general towards enlisting into the Nigerian military and Police force, urging the Igbo youths to enlist in the armed forces of Nigeria.
Soludo also called on those still in the bushes and forests in the guise of liberators to come out and embrace peace.
“The last recruitment exercise into the army and even Police force, Ndị Anambra had the Lowest expression of interest in the country.
“I want to use this opportunity to call on our youths to enlist in the armed forces of Nigeria. This country belongs to all of us. We can’t participate in it by avoiding it. We can’t be full members, but at the same time get out.
“This is one area where we’re marginalising ourselves. Nobody is marginalizing us. If you refuse to enter the Police, armed forces, then in a few decades to come, you’ll turn around to complain that there are no officers of Anambra or Igbo extraction.
“We must participate as equal co-owners of project Nigeria.
“I also seize this opportunity to call on our brothers and few sisters who are still in the bushes and forests, so-called camps, claiming to be liberators, to come out and embrace peace.
“You’re not liberating anybody. You’re rather bandits, kidnappers and terrorists. Human beings don’t live in the forests.
“That terror era is and must be over. We’ve extended olive branches to the remnants still remaining. Lay down your arms. We’ll assist you to be useful and productive citizens.
“But if you choose to be there, the battle line is drawn,” he warned.
Soludo further praised President Bola Tinubu for his renewed vigour in tackling terrorism and other forms of insecurity across the country.
He expressed confidence that the lingering terrorism would finally be dealt with and decisively conquered with the increased commitment of the federal government.
Expressing gratitude to the military and paramilitary for their courage, sacrifice, and selfless service and those of fallen officers who laid down their lives in defence of the nation, Soludo assured them of increased support and cooperation.
His words, “We’re here today to remember not just members of armed forces who died during the needles war, but also those who before and after the war, have paid the supreme price so Nigeria will remain united, peaceful and prosperous.
“This is also a day set aside to say never again; a day set aside to remember the widows and widowers and to say their supreme sacrifices for our nation shall never be in vain.
“We remember members of armed forces who keep awake while we sleep; whose sense of patriotism goes far beyond the ordinary.
“We celebrate you and don’t take your sacrifices for granted. We celebrate in particular those who serve in Anambra state for all your sacrifices, especially since my assumption of office.
“We’ve worked tirelessly to rescue 8 local government areas under the grip of criminal elements. This Christmas in particular, Anambra had what can be best described as a mass return. The state enjoyed a very peaceful Christmas.
“We also remember members of the legion who had retired but not tired in the service of our motherland. While we celebrate our past, remember the future, we also have to think about the unfinished business.
“This is a moment to remind ourselves in the Southeast that the civil war has ended, that was 56 years ago, and our youths, especially in Anambra must accept this truth.”
Among military officers present at the occasion were Commander, 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support) Onitsha, Col Mohammed Yakubu, Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, alongside other State Service Chiefs and distinguished personalities.
The event featured a moment of silence, intercessory prayers, gun salute, laying of wreaths, and the unveiling and release of white pigeons by the Governor, the Commissioner of Police, Service Chiefs, and other dignitaries.
The symbolic gestures represented collective gratitude, remembrance, and the nation’s hope for lasting peace and harmony.
