June 12 – Democracy Day:Leadership Must Tackle Ethnic , Religious Bigotry in Nigeria — Soludo
Prof Charles Soludo, Anambra-State Governor
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles C Soludo, has called on Nigeria’s political leadership to develop and implement concrete policies and programmes aimed at promoting national unity and eliminating ethnic and religious bigotry.
Delivering his Democracy Day address titled “Rebuilding the Nation” at The Platform event in Lagos on Thursday, June 12, 2025, Governor Soludo emphasised the urgent need for a national dialogue on citizenship.
He advocated for a Nigeria where factors such as “state of origin” or religious affiliation are no longer determining factors for participation in public life or access to state benefits.
“The idea of a ‘new Nigerian personality’ cannot emerge,if people are constantly reminded,regardless of how long they have lived in a place, invested in it, or paid taxes,that they still don’t ‘belong’ because of their state of origin.”he stated.
He stressed that a genuine national rebirth requires more than rhetoric; it demands institutional reforms and inclusive policies.
As part of this effort, he proposed the establishment of a federal Bureau to handle grievances and perceived injustices against citizens by the Nigerian state.
“Nation-building is an ongoing process that requires open and constructive dialogue,” he stated.
Citing Anambra State as a model, Soludo explained that his administration operates on the principle of “One State, One People, One Agenda.
He noted that his government prioritises infrastructure and development based on need and impact, not ethnicity, political alignment, or religious affiliation.
“We design our programmes to uplift all segments of society, particularly the most neglected, rather than serving the interests of patronage or nepotism,” Soludo said.
To illustrate this, he pointed out that five general hospitals commissioned during his three years administration were all located in the North Senatorial Zone the home zone of his predecessor even though he hails from the South.
Similarly, he said his flagship urban regeneration project in Okpoko, also situated in the North, was selected based on critical needs rather than political considerations.
Governor Soludo also praised the Yoruba model of religious tolerance within families where spouses and children may practice different faiths peacefully as a template for broader ethnic and cultural integration.
“This model can be a microcosm for national harmony,” “We must nurture a society where diversity is a source of strength, not division.”he added.
He cited examples of his administration’s inclusive approach: “We have appointed permanent secretaries from Abia and Osun States, and political appointees from Kogi, Ebonyi, Imo, Delta, and Enugu. The 8,115 new teachers and over 1,000 medical professionals we recently recruited came from 18 states across Nigeria.”
Governor Soludo ended by reaffirming his commitment to national unity and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for championing the cause of inclusive governance.
“We must deliberately mainstream the idea of One Nigeria, One Destiny. President Tinubu has shown leadership in this direction, and we must all rise to the challenge.”he stated.
