Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide has reemphasised the commitment of citizens of Igbo extraction to a united and prosperous Nigeria but noted that the story of insecurity of Ndigbo has reached an incrementally dangerous level of existential threat.
Professor George Obiozor, President-General of the foremost Igbo socio-cultural organisation said nothing demands the separate existence of the Igbo nation from the rest of Nigeria.
Obiozor, a former Ambassador to the United States spoke on Wednesday in Enugu during his inaugural press conference reiterating the belief of the Igbo nation in a united Nigeria advising all separatist groups, especially the leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, not to go beyond his bounds.
“The Igbo nation is not at war with the rest of the country and there is nothing that demands our separate existence from Nigeria. Kanu is one of us and must listen to us. The issue of Biafra is beyond his capacity to decide and like him, we are all in this Biafra dilemma together.
“We have mutual responsibility in this matter and it is sacred in our hearts. All actions or utterances that put us in imminent or present danger must be avoided. Kanu should act and play his part well. There lies his honour,” he said.
Professor Obiozor also noted that the most urgent and imperative need of Ndigbo is security as the Igbos have become the most vulnerable and victims of violence throughout Nigeria.
“The most urgent and imperative need of Ndigbo today is security. The security of Ndigbo in Nigeria and beyond has become a compelling primary responsibility and of serious concern for Ndigbo,” he noted.
“At home in Nigeria, the story of insecurity of Ndigbo has reached an incrementally dangerous level of existential threat. Ndigbo are indeed in terms of security, the most vulnerable and victims of violence throughout Nigeria.
“They are the most exposed to physical violence, attack and destruction of their houses or properties at the slightest crisis in any part of Nigeria. In fact, this “Victim syndrome”, Vulnerability and insecurity have gone beyond our shores, in Ghana, South Africa etc. There must be
a solution to the security problems of Ndigbo at home and abroad.
By Abel Ejikeme