Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, delivered a compelling address titled “Rebuilding the Nation” at The Platform Democracy Day event in Lagos.
It was organised by The Covenant Nation, the event brought together thought leaders to discuss Nigeria’s democratic journey and future prospects.
Soludo called for bold action toward national unity, inclusive governance, and ideological realignment. Reflecting on Nigeria’s historical journey, he posed a piercing question: “Was Nigeria ever truly a nation—or is it still becoming one?”
Referencing historic national figures, Soludo noted that Nigeria’s founding and post-independence era have long been shaped by persistent ethnic, religious, and ideological divides.
While acknowledging the country’s vast diversity, he warned that unity remains more an aspiration than a reality. “Our anthem says ‘though tribe and tongue may differ,’ but in practice, difference too often divides rather than unites,” he lamented.
Rather than romanticising the past, Soludo urged a forward-looking national dialogue centered on building a sustainable Nigerian identity. He described the nation’s journey as involving two key struggles—first, liberation from colonial rule, and now, an ongoing fight against poverty, division, and weak institutions.
He emphasised the need to create a new “Nigerian personality” not defined by place of origin or religious affiliation.
“A person who has lived, worked, and paid taxes in a place should not be treated as an outsider,” Soludo said, stressing that true national identity must rise above geography and tribe.
He advocated the establishment of a federal bureau to address grievances and historical injustices, an institutional move aimed at national healing and cohesion.
Citing his work in Anambra, Soludo presented his administration’s guiding principle, One State, One People, One Agenda, as a potential blueprint for national governance.
He highlighted projects in infrastructure, healthcare, and urban renewal driven by necessity and impact, rather than by political or ethnic considerations.
Soludo emphasised that inclusivity is not a theory but a practice. He noted that his government has appointed civil servants and political aides from across the country. Recruitment efforts in education and healthcare, he said, reflect a commitment to merit and national integration rather than parochialism.
Commending the religious tolerance commonly found in Yoruba households, where Christians and Muslims often live together in harmony, Soludo offered this as a metaphor for Nigeria’s broader possibilities.
“We must build a country where diversity is a source of strength, not suspicion,” he said. He added that true national rebirth will require cultural transformation as much as institutional reform.
Turning to party politics, Soludo criticised the lack of ideological clarity among Nigeria’s leading parties. He questioned whether citizens could meaningfully differentiate between major platforms, describing them as “elite factions” rather than movements with coherent political philosophies.
He called for the consolidation of centre-left movements into a new Progressive People’s Alliance to offer voters a meaningful alternative in upcoming elections.
Beyond party realignments, Soludo argued that governance failures are symptoms of deeper societal issues. “A nation that celebrates wealth without work will always have transactional governance,” he warned, calling for a moral and civic awakening. He emphasised the importance of values-based education, youth empowerment, and a merit-based public sector.
Concluding his address, Governor Soludo reaffirmed his belief in Nigeria’s potential and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing reform initiatives, particularly in economic stabilization and inclusive governance.
“We must mainstream the idea of One Nigeria, One Destiny,” he declared. “Nation-building is not just a project of government—it’s a shared mission of all citizens determined to birth a country that works for everyone.”