Igbos must interrogate claims of marginalization before agitating for Biafra – Soludo
Governor Soludo Calls for Reevaluation of Igbo Marginalization Claims
NIGERIA—Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State emphasized the importance of reassessing claims of marginalization among the Igbo people during the 6th Biennial Adada Lecture at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, on Tuesday. He urged attendees to consider whether the push for secession is justified.
In his speech, Soludo expressed concern that academic institutions are not engaging with critical issues as vigorously as in the past, noting a decline in the standards of critical thinking in universities. He remarked that the Nigerian Civil War, partially instigated in the same hall, should prompt ongoing scrutiny by scholars.
“We are producing thousands of papers that never leave the shelves, while the country struggles for real solutions,” he said. “Nigeria is drowning in more noise but less light. We must condemn the growing gap between classroom ideas and government action. Knowledge that does not shape policy is as good as useless.”
Soludo argued for a united Nigeria, stating that Igbo intellectuals should guide the discussion, rather than allowing it to be dominated by street rhetoric. He cautioned against complacency among the intellectual class, suggesting that inaction could have significant consequences for Africa.
Drawing inspiration from notable figures such as Isaac Newton, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Kwame Nkrumah, he reminded the audience that effective thinkers are those who take action, not merely those who write.
Soludo challenged educators to reflect on their roles, asserting that intellectualism must be accompanied by action to be meaningful.
