Igbo leaders tell secessionists to abandon the idea as they are co-owners of Nigeria

IGBO leaders have lashed out at secessionists calling for the recreation of the defunct republic of Biafra saying that Ndigbo are co-owners of Nigeria and cannot be put down by any other ethnic group.

 

Over recent months, thousands of Igbo youths have been campaigning for the recreation of Biafra following the arrest of Radio Biafra director Nnamdi Kanu in October last year. Rallies and campaigns have been held calling for Igbo to break away from Nigeria and form an independent country.

 

However, yesterday,  Igbo leaders restated their commitment to Nigeria’s unity and insisted that the third largest ethnic group is a co-owner of this country and cannot be put down by any other ethnic group. They called on Igbos who have invested in other parts of the country to replicate such investments in Igboland to create employment and develop the zone.

 

These were part of the decisions of a meeting organised by the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation Ohaneze Ndigbo tagged the Igbo Unity Forum. Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha hosted the meeting which took place at the Imo International Convention Centre.

It was attended by governors, former governors and several prominent citizens, including former chief of general staff in the Ibrahim Babangida military regime, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe. In attendance were Abia State governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Enugu State deputy governor Cicilia Ezeilo, the former governors of old Anambra State Jim Nwobodo and Chukwuemeka Ezeife, the Imo State deputy governor Eze Madumere and industrialist  Pascal Dozie.

 

They said Ndigbo have what it takes to solve any problem that might arise in the region. Ohaneze president-general Gary Enwo Igariwe, described the meeting as critical to the rebuilding of Igboland.

 

He added: “We should come together and solve our problems as we are known for our resilience and industry. About 30% of investments in Lagos and Abuja are owned by Ndigbo but now we are calling on our people to think home and build another Abuja in Igbo land.

 

“We should invest at home to create jobs for our people. Today is a special day because we have decided as a people to close ranks and proffer solutions to our problems.”

 

Guest speaker Professor Anya Anya, added: “The solutions to our problems can only be found within and not outside. We are the only ones that can solve our own problems.

 

Commodore Ukiwe urged Ndigbo to forget the past and look forward. He added that there is nothing to regret about and Igbos cannot be intimidated by anyone.