Continuous violence and wanton killings in the Southeast have been described by Ohanaeze Ndigbo as a systematic destruction of the geo-political zone.
In a strong-worded statement on the security situation in the five states of Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Abia and Imo, Ohanaeze called on the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) to facilitate an end to the carnage.
Policemen are randomly attacked and killed at check points and in attacks on their stations, civilians are attacked and killed in broad daylight by rampaging gunmen in the states.
The IPOB randomly calls sit-at-home which halts businesses. The organisation has already called for another sit-at-home on October 1.
Ohanaeze also faulted Southeast governors for failing to put the former regional security organisation Ebube Agu into operation months after it was given birth to.
In the statement, signed by its President-General Prof. George Obiozor, Ohanaeze said: “Our youths, particularly the leaders of IPOB, should take notice of the danger violence has posed in Igbo land. Ndigbo must avoid being a race that has voluntarily chosen to perish in violence and insecurity, and we must stop threatening ourselves and there must be a stop to violence and violent rhetoric. Something other than the initial objectives of IPOB is taking place and it is dangerous.
“Today, what we are seeing in Igbo land is not liberation but Igbo destruction and devastation. It is a national tragedy for Igbos. The liberty and freedom of Ndigbo are threatened internally and externally. I call on IPOB leaders to reassert the authority and control of the organisation.
Read Also: We’ve not declared no election in Anambra – IPOB
“To our son, Nnamdi Kanu himself, what good is it to have the greatest dream in the world, if others reap the benefit and glory. In history, there is only a thin line between a hero and a villain. The greatest tragedy for any leader in history is to end up from a hero to a villain. Ndigbo must think again about which way forward. Our Anger and disgust must be directed at leaders and fellow citizens, who do not want Ndigbo to become emancipated like themselves as Nigerian citizens.
“What Ndigbo want, is that we should become a light unto the world, like all good people in the world ought to be. That was precisely part of my critical message to His Excellency President Mohammed Buhari during his official visit to Imo state. For Ndigbo, the President and the Federal Government, there must be evidence of an increasing sense of belonging, equity, and justice for Ndigbo. Consequently, we thank Mr. President for his appointment to our Distinguished Son Senator Ifeanyi Ararume and our Daughter as Chairman and member of the NNPC board respectively.”
He added: “For Ndigbo, the demand is simple, that the Nigerian Federation should be sustained and have a sense of stability; it must be a union of equals and the composite units must have the ability to survive without begging the centre.
“We must tell ourselves the truth or keep deceiving ourselves by ignoring the calls for decentralisation and devolution of power in Nigeria. Ironically, in history, in societies where truth comes last, tragedy comes first. We must learn the lessons of history, particularly our own Nigerian history on how the story began. Nigeria must avoid being a failed state.
“To the Southeast governor’s delay in launching Ebube Agu security outfit is an embarrassment. I strongly appeal to the governors without further hesitation to consolidate and launch Ebubeagu security architecture, in the South-East. The security situation in the South-East makes this call urgent and imperative. Our people must have a security networking agency that is under their control and capable of identifying both internal and external security threats in Igbo land.”
Source: www.thenationonlineng.net