By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed worry over lack of interest of the people of his state and the Southeast in general towards enlisting into the Nigerian Military and Police.

He regretted that such disposition would only be counter-productive on the long run.

While urging youths in the state to enlist in the armed forces of Nigeria, Soludo called on those still in the bushes and forests in the guise of liberators to come out and embrace peace.

He said: "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 we’re marginalizing 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."

The Governor however applauded Nigeria's President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s renewed effort in tackling terrorism and insurgency across the nation.

Making the commendation at the wreath laying and parade ceremony held at Ekwueme Square in Awka to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration on Thursday, Soludo expressed confidence that the lingering terrorism would finally be dealt with and decisively conquered with the increased commitment of the federal government.

He said, “I want to pay special tribute to the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, President Bola Tinubu for the seriousness with which he has taken on issue of insecurity.

“It’s important to remind ourselves as a nation how we got to where we are, and how long it has taken us to get to where we are.

“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 widow 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, 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 mass return. The state enjoyed 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.”

He noted that for almost two decades now, the issue of insecurity had festered, and almost becoming the new normal., but that with the renewed vigour, collaboration have been witnessed, both from members of armed forces and external agencies.

Soludo added: "We are confident that this terror will finally be dealt with and decisively conquered.

“Mr President, kudos to the great work and keep it up.”

Soludo used the occasion to also call on Igbo brothers and few sisters who are still in the bushes and forests or camps, claiming to be liberators to come out and embrace peace.

He warned: “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 have 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 however hailed the military and paramilitary for their sacrifices and commitments towards the safety and security of the state.

•Governor Soludo about to lay a wreath at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration on Thursday