I shall never desert IPOB, MASSOB, their struggle is mine too –Ohanaeze President

The president of the South East umbrella body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Nnia Nwodo,  has described members of the regional secessionists groups, IPOB and MASSOB as his children, vowing never to desert them.

Nwodo made this declaration during a press conference held at Ohanaeze National Secretariat, Enugu.

He noted at the occasion that there are two types of approaches in warfare, coercion and diplomacy, but said he would toe the path of diplomacy to achieve the Igbo objective.

He said: “As President General of Ohanaeze, I intend to extend my warm hand of paternity to IPOB and MASSOB. They are my children. I shall never desert them. Their struggle is my struggle even if we do not completely agree with their methods.”

Nwodo who admitted that the Igbo people have been ostensibly marginalised in Nigeria in every way one looks at it, however called on them to stop lamenting over the situation.

He said the Igbo must think home like the Jews to ensure they survive all odds.

He further said that since President Buhari has extended his hands of fellowship to the Ohanaeze leadership he would meet with him to discuss issues affecting Ndigbo.

Nwodo said, “My people, the time for lamentation is over. Our continued cry of marginalisation has become stale. No one is listening to us anymore. Ndigbo should be more resourceful and invest in Igboland for them to prosper in the face of neglect.”

Read also: Buhari treats Ndigbo as second class citizens, Ohanaeze cries

He then said that his administration will ensure governors of Igbo states attend the Ime Obi (inner caucus) meetings of Ohanaeze to ensure that Igbo people speak with one voice on issues affecting them in the country.

“When the Yoruba meet, they do so with their governors and former governors and other leaders. All Igbo Editors of national newspapers are also to become automatic members of Ime Obi of Ohanaeze Ndigbo,” he added.

However, Ohanaeze is yet to make any public statement in respect to the alleged killing of 11 IPOB members by security forces, during a rally to mark the inauguration of the new American President on January 20.

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