Contrary to the widely held impression that Ndigbo of the south east geopolitical zone were craving for secession from Nigeria, the people have said they would remain in a united Nigeria.
They posited that their fore-fathers fought for independence of Nigerian, stressing that their stake in the Nigerian project was higher just as they would not leave their “house”.
The people’s resolve which was made known through the Youth Council of Ohaneze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural body of all Igbos worldwide came on the heels of lingering protests for the realization of Biafra Republic and the detention of the Director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu by the federal government.
Detained leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu in court, yesterday.
At a world press conference in Abuja on Friday, the Youth Council represented by its national president Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and the Secretary General, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike amongst others appealed to president Mohammadu Buhari to consider the pleas of the people and release Kanu from detention to the elders of the land to further caution him.
Giving reasons for the agitation, the Ohaneze leaders stated that the south east and south south had suffered political and infrastructural neglects, advising that the rehabilitation of moribund coal companies, dilapidated roads and job creation would take the minds of the people away from protests.
Reading the speech jointly signed by them, the national president advocated referendum and dialogue as most legitimate ways universally acknowledged to achieve any desired objectives instead of protests.
They revealed that in the spirit of oneness, they have reached out to Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Saa”d 111, Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and prominent Obas in the south west to further broker peace among the ethic nationalities.
While cautioning Kanu against hate broadcast, Isiguzoro pledged that the development would be history once the detainee was released to the leaders of Ohaneze.
He also warned the security agents against using live bullets and ammunitions to disperse protesters.
He said: “You will recall that for some months now, there have been raging protests in the south east and south south over the detention of the Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu. These protests have led to the death of some protesters in Anambra, Abia and other states. We are saddened by these avoidable deaths.
“We as the youth of Ndigbo will be shirking in our responsibility and duty if we fail to state our position, opinion and suggestions on the way forward to this burning issue.
“In the first place, we believe in a united Nigeria anchored on justice and equity. We believe that all problems and issue in Nigeria can be solved through dialogue and redoubtable discussion.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/02/kanu-were-more-nigerian-than-any-other-tribe-ohaneze-ndigbo/
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