By Olusegun Olanrewaju
In a year it has been described as ‘pivotal’, the pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged the Ndigbo, regardless of their location, to remain steadfast as good citizens of Nigeria and any country where they reside.
The organisation, in its New Year message yesterday also strongly emphasised that nobody should trample on the rights of the Igbo.
In a statement by its Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said every Igbo person, like every Nigerian, deserves equal rights and should not face victimisation based on their place of residence.
Extending its warm New Year greetings “to our beloved Ndigbo as we step into the year 2024,”
Ohanaeze added, “Furthermore, it is time to put an end to the prolonged incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the revered Leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPoB).
“President Bola Tinubu has expressed his commitment to addressing the insecurity in the South-East, and the first step towards achieving true peace is the immediate release of Kanu,” he said.
Urging the president to honour his words, Ohanaeze added, “The well-being of Nigeria is intricately tied to the well-being of the South-East and the Ndigbo, and any international conspiracies surrounding Kanu’s imprisonment should not deter the president from taking the necessary action. We call on Ndigbo to stop begging for the release of Kanu.
Equally important, the organisation added, “It is imperative for the South-East governors to engage with non-state actors and Biafran agitators within the region, to establish meaningful dialogue and work towards lasting peace.
“We believe that sustainable peace can only be achieved when all stakeholders are involved, and their concerns and grievances are heard and addressed.
“Empty peace summits and talk shows will yield no results without the active participation and trust of the agitators. It is the responsibility of the South-East governors to initiate sincere efforts in securing a peaceful South-East, reaching out to agitators through trusted channels”.
Ohanaeze also emphasised that unless the governors do the needful, peace will continue to elude the South-East.
“Simultaneously, Ohanaeze appeals to Biafran agitators to embrace any genuine plan for peace in the region, as it will pave the way for the release of our esteemed brother, Nnamdi Kanu.
“We cannot allow our communities to collapse while we are preoccupied with internal conflicts. We must protect and strengthen the South-East, as it is our only homeland.
“As we embark on the New Year, Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls for unity, understanding, and the pursuit of justice for all Ndigbo. Together, we can build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and future generations,” the statement added.
