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The Igbo apex socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has launched a peace and unity initiative in the North.
It is all in continuation of efforts to prevent a bloodbath in the country as a result of the activities of proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The Ohanaeze team yesterday visted Sokoto State. Lead by Dr. John Nwodo, the team met with Governor Aminu Tambuwal.
Nwodo said Nigeria must undergo another civil war.
He said the visit was to deliver the message of Southeast governors, traditional leaders and spiritual leaders.
“Nigeria should in no circumstance experience war the second time as it generates no good, but more harm to our country.
“We must remain partners in progress of our country as we have seen how our own fathers lived to make it grow and develop to its present stage,” he said.
Nwodo said unity and peaceful co-existence must be the responsibility of all citizens.
He said although the nation is now facing challenging times, the cohesion that existed over the years was worthy of being maintained.
“Yes, our country is facing a trying period, but we should not, under any circumstance, allow the experience of another civil war to happen again. We should not allow personal emotions to undermine our national unity,” Nwodo said, adding that the visit was at the instance of the Southeast governors.
He praised Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar of Sokoto who “in the ongoing ethnic tensions, portrayed himself as a father by stating recently that ‘whoever wants to attack the Igbo, should attack him, first.”
”In the same vein, I came with the assurances of Southeast governors that any Igbo who wants to kill a northerner, should first kill them,” Nwodo added.
Tambuwal, said Nigeria’s many ethnic groups and languages should be used to promote unity, not division.
”The recent tension, especially in the Southeast was caused by young men who do not understand any other way of channelling their grievances other than the way they have chosen.
”I assure you that we are at peace with each other here in Sokoto and we shall continue to be,” Tambuwal said.
Igbo leaders in Adamawa State also yesterday disowned IPOB and its activities.
President-General of Igbo Cultural Association in Adamawa Chief Fidelis Umeh praised Governor Muhammadu Bindow’s efforts at maintaining peace and stability.
Umeh, who spoke at a news conference in Yola, described the governor as a role model in bringing about change, development and peaceful co-existence among the state’s diverse people.
According to him, IPOB’s activities are not in the overall interest of the Igbo.
“The Igbo residing in the state are totally against the movement and activities of IPOB.
“Permit me to use this ample opportunity to indicate my ardent admiration and profound appreciation to Governor Bindow for the positive change and development he has brought to the state.”
Umeh also expressed gratitude to the governor for ensuring that the Igbo live in peace in the state, saying that the Igbo community appreciated his concern for their safety.
Source: The Nation
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