Igboekulie, a pan-Igbo association has called for restraints in
the agitation for the sovereign state of Biafra. The group which admitted that
the south-east geopolitical zone has indeed suffered severe neglect from virtually
all the previous governments in the country nonetheless distanced itself from
any manner of uncoordinated, unruly and rascally approach in redressing the
anomalies. It categorically noted that the zone, despite its position as a
major ethnic tribe, lacks substantial federal presence in all ramifications
albeit, extending blame also to government appointees from the zone that over
the years prioritized their personal aggrandizement at the expense of the development
of the zone.
In a letter titled “Halt the Drift and Rescue Igboland” signed
by the association’s President, Prince Ben Chidi Onuora and Secretary, Barr Ben
Obidiegwu, which was respectively addressed to the Chairmen of the Council of
Traditional Rulers of the five South-East states, it specifically affirmed that
its position is profoundly clear on the ongoing agitation for self-determined
secession by few individuals. Emphatically, it noted that Igbos cannot follow
the part of thuggery, brigandage and criminality which is capable of destroying
the nation having invested massively through self-efforts in the development of
the nation. On the contrary, it said “our association exists to add its voice
to the clamour for the restoration of the pride and place of the Igboman in
Nigeria and elsewhere in the world”.
It thus added, “We must exist on equal terms with other
tribes, and continue to seek to improve our position and stake in the Nigerian
state”. Earlier, the association had called on the government on the urgent
need to restructure the nation noting that the south-east is the only
geopolitical zone the youths desirous of employment in the Federal Civil Service
must be forced to migrate to other geopolitical zones owing to lack of federal
government parastatals in the zone. Consequently, the youths who are unable to
migrate to other geopolitical zones and could not find decent jobs in their
states become vulnerable to be deployed by both noble and most painfully, disgruntled
elements for whatever pleases them, it said.
Remarkably, it stated, “it is in the light of the above that we
view the way and manner that the agitation for a self-determined state of
Biafra is being pursued by some of our people as very bothersome. All manner of
persons have risen to speak for the Igbos without any form of consultations
with the stakeholders in the land. These overnight lords are simply exploiting
the naivety, joblessness and hopelessness of our youths to pursue and foist
their self-serving agenda on our people.”
Prince Onuora while reiterating that Igbos need justice and
fairness, not war, called on everyone to join the campaign for a just and fair Nigeria. He added that in line with the passion and
vision to act as catalyst for the revival of the virtues of hard work, decorum,
integrity, diligence and conscientiousness, the association embarked on
sponsored text messages which are strategically sent at intervals to thousands
of telephone numbers in the catchment areas pleading with the agitators to
sheathe the swords. In one of the sponsored bulk text messages, the association
notably wrote, “I led proudly the first war. I don’t think a second one is
necessary, otherwise the deaths would have been to no avail – Chief Odimegwu
Ojukwu”. In another text, it categorically said, ”Instead of war, let us as
Ndigbo seek equity from the Federal Government of Nigeria and strict
accountability from our Igbo governors, legislators and political appointees.”
In a related development, the association has lent its voice
on the agitation for the outright proscription of Ezeigbo chieftaincy titles in
Diasporas which it tied to the sanctity of the traditional institutions and
practices. It said, “Kings without kingdoms in the form of Ezendigbo in
Diaspora is a misnormer that should be erased in other to keep the sanctity of
our traditional institutions and practices.” Explaining further, it frowned
vehemently on such an unknown practice where individuals decide, enthrone and arrogantly
parade themselves as kings of the Igbos with no known criteria and procedures
which now exposes Igbo to ridicule and danger in the lands they reside. It
therefore enjoined the royal fathers to use their offices to intervene before
it is too late pledging that Igboekulie is available as a team player in
confronting the quandary to a logical conclusion. The president, Prince Onuora
however acknowledged that the task is, no doubt, enormous nevertheless
surmountable when pursued collectively and painstakingly.
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