Biafra a ‘tall order’, pursue restructuring instead, Ohanaeze tells Igbos

John Nwodo, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has advised Igbos to forget about the quest for a sovereign state of Biafra, and pursue restructuring instead, arguing that securing secession was a “tall order”.

Nwodo said this Thursday while speaking at the 3rd inauguration of the state and local government executives of the Abia State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

While noting that the realisation of Biafra was a “tall order”, he argued further that the agitation was not in the overall interest of Igbos considering its impact on their socio-economic and political ties with other Nigerians.

“We should forget Biafra and insist on restructuring. We must seek for peaceful ways of resolving the issues”, Nwodo said.

Nwodo added that Igbo youths had a right to protest marginalization, but advised caution and moderation in words and actions.

Read also: ‘When hunger is taken care of, most of the issues threatening our unity will go’- Banire

The Igbo leader called on members of the now-proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to tone down their words, saying hate speeches would not resolve any problem.

Nwodo further commended the proscription of the activities of IPOB by South-East governors, stating that it prevented bloodshed.

On his part, Okezie Ikpeazu, Governor of Abia State, advised aggrieved Igbo youths to complain to Ohanaeze “which would take the matter up with the appropriate authorities”, adding that the youths should learn to respect leaders and listen to the advice of elders.

“We believe in justice, equity and fairness. I believe in live and let live”, Ikpeazu added.

Chimaobim Ajuzieogu, the Abia State president of Ohanaeze, said the organisation would strive to restore the value system of Ndigbo through far-reaching media campaigns.

 

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