KINSLEY EBERE
The Anambra State Branch of the Civil Liberties Organisation, CLO, has expressed concern over the ongoing war of words between former Governors of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi and Professor Charles Soludo.
The human rights group said the escalating exchange of vitriolic attacks and accusations between the two leaders is becoming embarrassing to Ndi Igbo at home and in the diaspora.
In a press statement issued in Awka on Friday, 20th September, 2026 and jointly signed by its Chairman, Comrade Evangelist Vincent Ezekwueme and Secretary, Comrade Chidi Mbah, the CLO said the public spat over alleged inherited debts, unpaid gratuities and financial records of the state does not serve the interest of Anambra State.
The statement titled “Let us love one another” called for immediate reconciliation through sincere forgiveness, tolerance and mutual respect.
According to the CLO, the group received a call from a concerned friend outside the South-East who asked what is happening in Anambra and whether Igbos are now problems unto themselves, a development the group said brought shame to the state.
“At a time when Ndi Igbo need unity, strategic cohesion and a common front more than ever before, two of our finest leaders should not be seen tearing each other down in public,” the group stated.
The CLO therefore made three major appeals to restore peace.
First, the organisation appealed to Mr. Peter Obi and Professor Charles Soludo to immediately cease further public accusations and counter-accusations in the interest of peace and common good. It noted that both leaders have served Anambra meritoriously and have made indelible contributions to the development of the state. The group also urged them to call their supporters to stop further discussions on the subject matter.
Secondly, the CLO called on revered religious and traditional leaders and elder statesmen to intervene and reconcile the two illustrious sons before the rift causes irreparable damage.
Those called upon to intervene include His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, Catholic Bishop of Awka, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, HRM Igwe Iweka, Chairman Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and Chief Simeon Okeke, former Chairman of Police Service Commission.
The group said these are men whose voices command respect across Igbo land and Nigeria and should deploy their moral authority to broker peace.
The statement added that late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu, Professor Ben Nwabueze, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife and Chief Mbazulike Amaechi would be unhappy in their graves over the avoidable feud.
In its third appeal, the CLO called for unity, quoting former President Nnamdi Azikiwe who said “We must make friends, not enemies, think best, not the worst of others.”
“Anambra is bigger than any individual. The Igbo project is bigger than any political ambition. United we stand, divided we fall. The Igbo nation cannot afford a house divided against itself,” the statement said.
The CLO urged both leaders to forgive, reconcile and unite to make Anambra better.
