Chinedum Elekwachi
Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide Forum of State Presidents has restated its preparedness to partner President Bola Tinubu on all issues to restore order and justice in Igbo land.
The group urged the President to take extraordinary intentional steps to fully incorporate and integrate Ndi-Igbo in the governance of Nigeria.
Addressing newsmen in Awka, Anambra state, on behalf of the group, Rivers State Ohanaeze President, Livingstone Wechie argued that such step would give the people fullest sense of citizenship, particularly in the mainstream of economic and political inclusiveness.
He appreciated the President for establishment of South-East Investment Company and South-East Development Commission, stressing the need for more intentional steps towards integrating Igbo people into Nigeria’s governance structure.
“We strongly urge Mr. President to evince his patriotic spirit that he is known for by taking extraordinary intentional steps to fully incorporate and integrate Ndi-Igbo in the governance of Nigeria.
“This will give them a fullest sense of their Nigerianness in every sense of the word particularly in the mainstream of economic and political inclusiveness.”
Equitable distribution of infrastructure
“The move will also ensure full participation of the Igbo in economic and political processes, and equitable distribution of critical infrastructure projects in the region,” he added.
The group however urged Tinubu to secure the unconditional release of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
He also demanded immediate and unconditional release of all Igbo individuals languishing in detention facilities across Nigeria due to Biafra struggle, including those involved in the 2020 Oyigbo incident in Rivers State.
“As long as Nnamdi Kanu remains unjustly in prison, to us, all Igbos are in jail. We beg you Mr. President to do just one thing for Ndigbo.
“Look away from any sentiment and release Nnamdi Kanu to us and let Ndigbo have peace.”
The group warned that any Igbo man working hard to frustrate Kanu’s release would be considered enemies and would be put to shame.
It praised Governors Chukwuma Soludo and Francis Nwifuru of Anambra and Ebonyi States, respectively for their support and creating enabling environment for Igbo advocacy.
Prioritizing Kanu’s release
It urged Igbo political leaders to prioritize the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and others to restore peace and confidence in Igbo land.
Wechie further condemned the exclusion of the Southeast region from Nigeria’s high-pressure gas pipeline infrastructure, describing the act as unacceptable.
He demanded establishment of gas infrastructure investments in Igbo land to localize benefits for the region.
“We demand for a deliberate Federal government establishment of Gas infrastructure investment in the Igbo land particularly the South-East where Nigeria has the highest gas deposit with a view to properly localising a reasonable proportion of benefits to the South-East and parts of South-South zones of Nigeria.
“The exclusion of Southeast Nigeria from the nation’s high-pressure gas pipeline infrastructure is unacceptable. The seeming snub or omission of the region from these critical gas pipeline projects, despite its substantial natural gas reserves and industrial potential, has undoubtedly reinforced longstanding narrative of neglect.”
The Ohanaeze President expressed support for the creation of Anioma State and others, urging the National Assembly and President Tinubu to facilitate their establishment.
They also called on the Federal Government and Edo State Government to protect the rights and safety of Igbankes in Edo State.
He commended Senator John Azuta Mbata’s leadership of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide for promoting unity and peace among Igbos globally, applauding his efforts to advance the interests of the Igbo people and their neighbors.
He encouraged all Igbos, both in Nigeria and abroad, to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise for their collective benefit.
