The World Igbo National Union (WINU), a pan-Igbo organization dedicated to the peace and development of Igbo land, has issued a stern condemnation of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, following controversial remarks he allegedly made during a recent speech in Maryland, USA.
During the address, Governor Soludo reportedly claimed that “99.9% of armed criminals illegally occupying our forests are Igbos,” a statement that has drawn widespread backlash.
In a press release signed by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ifeanyi Uwakwa, WINU described the governor’s comment as “irresponsible, unfounded, and politically motivated,” insisting that he must either present “verifiable evidence or issue a public apology.”
“It is surprising that the Anambra State governor would deliberately stand outside the home shores of Igbo land to make such a bogus and flattering claim,” the statement read.
The group emphasized the gravity of Soludo’s remarks, especially given his status and academic background.
“Governor Soludo made such a statement without substantiating it. It is an irresponsible speech without evidence to show. We categorically say that the assertion is really irresponsible and condemnable coming from someone of his educational standard.”
WINU went further to accuse the governor of playing to political interests rather than acting in the service of his people, claiming that the comments were designed to curry favour with “President Tinubu, Fulani herdsmen and other dubious, corrupt elements in Nigeria.”
They pointed to several independent reports, both local and international, that have consistently linked widespread attacks and illegal occupation of forests in the Southeast to armed Fulani herdsmen.
“These Fulani Islamic foot soldiers are in our land with a mission to establish a beachhead in Igbo areas. They are not forest dwellers by nature,” WINU stated. “Governor Soludo’s assertion is a case without merit and should be verifiable with technology.”
The group also criticized Soludo’s alleged inaction in addressing violent attacks in communities across Anambra State, listing areas such as Mgbakwu, Igboariam, Umueri, Umunze, Ogbunka, and Amansea as locations where Fulani herdsmen have reportedly inflicted significant damage.
“Why is the governor covering up atrocities of these Fulani terrorist herdsmen in Igbo land and accusing the victims to be the terrorists? The framing of victims as perpetrators is a shameful tactic and must cease,” the group asserted.
Citing Abia State’s tough stance against violent groups, WINU urged Governor Soludo to adopt a similar zero-tolerance approach and distance himself from political actors allegedly pushing for controversial policies such as RUGA settlements.
The statement further accused certain political militant groups, Ndi Aka Odo and Ndi Udo Ga Chi—allegedly affiliated with the Soludo administration, of exacerbating insecurity in the state.
WINU concluded by reiterating its commitment to defending the integrity and safety of Igbo land: “We stand united in our call for truth, accountability, and the protection of our land and people from all forms of violence and incursion,” the statement concluded.
“We urge Governor Soludo to align himself with the aspirations of the Igbo people rather than the interests of any external political actors.”
