‘ Igbo need restructured Nigeria, Kanu’s release than Biafra’
Announces Igbo journalists association as affiliate member
THE apex Igbo socio- cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, yesterday, said that what the Igbo need now is not the restoration of Biafra, but a restructured Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu, as well as the release of the Leader of Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement in Abakaliki, the Secretary General of the Chidi Ibeh- led faction of the Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, noted that plans for a peace delegation meeting involving key stakeholders to advocate forgiveness for Kanu and work for his liberation are ongoing, adding that Ohanaeze holds former President Muhammadu Buhari responsible for upholding Kanu’s significance.
He maintained that even though the organisation believes in the actualisation of Biafra, for now, what the Igbo need is the release of Kanu and the restructuring of Nigeria under the current administration. Isiguzo noted that Ohanaeze underscores the importance of relinquishing violent tactics and reverting to non- violent methods for self- determination, allowing security forces to deal with criminals exploiting the Biafra cause. The statement reads: “In a significant declaration, Ohanaeze reiterates its position on the Biafra issue, emphasising support for a restructured Nigeria under Tinubu, rather than advocating for the restoration of Biafra. It acknowledges that the fervour around Biafra among the Igbo community stems from the amplification of ethnic, tribal and religious divisions.”
MEANWHILE, Ohanaeze has announced the Igbo Journalists Association ( IJA) as an affiliate member of the apex Igbo socio- cultural body.
This was disclosed, yesterday, by the President General of the body, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, when the National Executive of the association, led by the National Coordinator, Amby Uneze, accompanied by a member of the executive/ the Abia State Coordinator, Charles Ogugbuaja, among others, visited him in his office in Owerri, capital of Imo State.
Iwuanyanwu said: “I want to tell you that from today, your association, IJA, is an affiliate of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. Your body will be involved in our meetings and programmes.
“We are building the headquarters of Ohanaeze in Enugu. The
Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, provided the land. We are grateful to him. I am working towards bringing Igbo to their status as industrious people. You people are going to play a part.”