Ohanaeze urges IPOB to rescind planned lockdown, wants South-East Governors to convene stakeholders’ emergency meeting

[From CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki]

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has called on the  Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to rescind its decision to lock down the region for one week, even as it requested the South East Governors to, as a matter of urgency, convene an emergency meeting of Igbo stakeholders and the youth leaders.

Ohanaeze said the emergency meeting was for the purpose of addressing the legitimacy crisis in the region, especially as it related to Anambra State election and the political solution for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

IPOB had in a statement signed by its Spokesman, Emma Powerful, threatened to lockdown South East region for one week beginning from November 5 to November 11, 2021, if their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, was not released before November 4, 2021.

A statement by Ohanaeze Ndigbo on Wednesday which was made available to Journalists in Enugu on Wednesday by the National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, said there was need to address the legitimacy crisis in the region.

Ohanaeze said one of the causes of the crisis of confidence in the South East was because of the yawning gap between the Youths and indeed the masses, on one side and the political leaders on the other.

Ohanaeze reiterated its solidarity with any group that protests the Igbo alienation in the project Nigeria with a caution for restraint, maturity and wisdom.

“While pleading with the IPOB to rescind the Lockdown  plan, Ohanaeze Ndigbo requests the Chairman, South East Governors Forum and the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Dave Umahi to convene an emergency meeting of Igbo stakeholders and the Youth Leaders for the purpose of addressing the legitimacy crisis in the South East, especially as it relates to Anambra State election and the political solution for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“It is important to point out that one of the causes of the crisis of confidence in the South East is because of the yawning gap between the Youths and indeed the masses, on one side and the political leaders on the other.

“Therefore, the leadership of the various youth groups should not be excluded in any meeting aimed at resolving the current crises in Igbo Land. In other words, the Youths want to be fully convinced of our commitment to their plight,” he said.

“Its based on the foregoing that Ohanaeze adopts the philosophy of dialogue, negotiations in coalition with other concerned groups that comprise the Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum led by Chief E K Clarke.

“We need to work together to enable the governorship election for Anambra State scheduled for November 6 to hold. It is important to note that Anambra State is the economic live wire of the South East with an impressive steady growth trajectory.

“For instance, Anambra State showcases the best rural road network and rural community development in the South East if not in the entire Nigeria. Anambra is home to the greatest number of small, medium and large scale industries in the South East.

“Most recently, Anambra has added a cargo airport to its resource base. Above all, Onitsha is the largest market in West Africa. The implication of the above illustration is that Anambra State is the melting pot of Igbo traders and artisans. It stands to reason that Anambra is the big Iroko tree that provides a shade for most Igbos. Apart from the shade, it also hosts the numerous birds that perch on the branches. Therefore any harm to the Iroko tree will create untold disastrous chain reactions and catastrophe for the Igbo.,” he said

“It is also lamentable that the burial ceremony for the Afara Ukwu born Chief Mrs Victoria Aguiyi Ironsi, slated for November 5 in Umuahia, Abia State may be drastically affected by the prevailing Igbo social climate. General JTU Aguiyi Ironsi represents so many things to the Igbo and we owe his soul a duty,” he said.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo also urges the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willy Obiano to convene a joint meeting of the Anambra State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by Chief Emeka Udodeme and the Association of Town Union (ASATU) led by Barr. Titus Akpudo with a view to activating meetings in all the 181 towns of Anambra State.

“The traditional rulers, Archbishops, Bishops and the Clergy are also requested to brace up in their roles as the cultural and spiritual leaders of society,” he added.

”Ambassador Professor George Obiozor, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is very perturbed that the serenity, tranquility and aggressive entrepreneurship for which the Igbo are known are gradually yielding to the unknown dark forces.

“He is more perturbed when the Anambra ordeal is juxtaposed with the calibre of personages for which the State is known.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is of the conviction that the disruption of the Anambra State election and the adverse consequences are a major setback to the Igbo civilization,” the statement read,