…dialogue key to resolving Biafra agitation – Ohanaeze
The iNews Times reports that Anambra State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide has stressed the need for tactical shift in Biafra struggle from violent agitation to constructive engagements and dialogue.
The group also urged people of Southeast to stop viewing themselves as victims of post-civil war circumstances which had informed their perception of other tribes as enemies.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after its monthly meeting in Awka, state President, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalezeukwu restated the group’s willingness to support governments at all levels to ensure adequate security in the state and nation.
He said, “We discussed extensively the state of the nation, especially as it concerns security in Anambra, Alaigbo and Nigeria at large.
“We’ve deemed it necessary as the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization to support the government at all levels to ensure that impact is maximized towards adequate security of lives and property in the state.
“We also resolved on the need to change the narrative of Biafra in Alaigbo, starting from Anambra from agitation to discussion.
“We also looked at need for adequate integration of Ndigbo in the scheme of affairs in Nigeria vis-a-vis continued marginalization and exclusion whenever important decisions and actions were taken.
“We’re doing these on the basis of the fact that security is everyone’s business and if our people will be willing to contribute immensely through intelligence, being their brother’s keeper, impact shall be maximized and purpose served.
“Ndigbo should seldom this victim mentality, but rather rise to the occasion and convert Biafra agitation to discussion.
Reacting on the protracted sit-at-home and its attendant losses, Okpalezeukwu said aggressive sensitization and engagement were ongoing by the body to cushion its impact in the region.
“Ohaneze is embarking on serious sensitization and engagement for our people to juxtapose between the loss and impact of the sit-at-home.
“Its purpose as it commenced when Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was arrested and detained was meant to be a way of protest, asking Federal Government to release him, hoping it shall send the right signal.
“But from our encounter and experience, the sit-at-home is absolutely counter-productive to its objectives. What was designed to be peaceful protest, turned violent and heightened insecurity, with many lives and property destroyed.
“We believe that the report of the huge losses is factual and we want to paint a different narrative that will cushion and address its impact in southeast,” he stated.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization had earlier played host to the leadership of the Igbo Integration Movement (IIM) which was at the secretariat to solicit the parent’s body partnership towards advancing its objectives.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Nze Tobe Osigwe said one of their goals was to secure a better bargain for Ndigbo through adequate reintegration in the national polity.
He attributed the incessant quest for Biafra secession to the apparent marginalization of Ndigbo in Nigeria.
He regretted that despite interest of an average Igbo man in Biafran conversation, Igbo leaders kept shying away from such discussions for fear of unnecessary enmity or attacks.
He said, “If Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, who led the Biafran side during the Nigerian Civil War, could return from exile and reintegrate into Nigeria, it is wrong for Ndigbo to remain stuck where Ojukwu had moved on from.
“Ndigbo and their leaders have left Biafra issues for the agitators to drive. That is why once you open any platform with the name Biafra, you see all manner of people spewing hate and bile.
“These agitators are hell-bent on disintegrating Nigeria, and that is why our leaders and the elites must open the floor for discussion on whether we, as Igbos, are staying in Nigeria, or we are leaving.
“That discussion which will present opportunity for Ndigbo to move on in the right direction must not be driven by these agitators, whose actions and inactions will only plunge the Igbo region into another civil war.”
Osigwe sought support of Ohaneze leadership towards their upcoming convention, aimed at throwing up the Biafran conversation for further sensitization and enlightenment of people of the zone.
Responding, Mazi Okpalaezeukwu assured the group that they would soon be invited to work out modalities of accomplishing their mission.
“I’m happy that the group is being championed by positive Igbo youths, who share in the belief that Igbo land must experience a change and the onus lies upon the Igbo youths to take the lead.
“If the youths continue to expect much from the elders, they will be deceiving themselves. Most of us are older than Ojukwu, when he performed exploits that made him a hero.
“We must therefore, begin to take strategic steps as Igbo youths to transform Alaigbo and we must to be intentional about this,” he stressed.
