By Olusegun Olanrewaju
The apex pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has stridently called on President Bola Tinubu to exercise caution against falling prey to the North’s nefarious activities.
A statement by the Secretary-General of the organisation, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, indicated that the call came in the wake of the ‘despicable abduction’ of 280 innocent Kaduna schoolchildren on March 7.
The statement read, “In response to the despicable abduction of 280 innocent Kaduna school children on 7th March 2024, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo organization, issued a stern caution against falling prey to the nefarious tactics of the North.
“The echoes of 2014’s treacherous plot, the kidnapping of 276 Chibok schoolgirls, should serve as a stark reminder of the devious schemes employed to unseat Southern President, Goodluck Jonathan, and usher in a Northern presidency under (former President Muhammadu) Buhari.’’
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It added, “President Tinubu does not underestimate the gravity of the situation. The audacity displayed by Northern political elites in orchestrating large-scale abductions is an insult to the safety and security of our nation’s children.
“You must take decisive action to penalise any Northern state involved in such heinous acts.”
Isiguzoro said, “The stand taken by President Bola Tinubu in refusing to pay the exorbitant N1bn ransom for the release of the 280 Kaduna school children is commendable.
“The pressure from the Northern Elders Forum and Sheikh Ahmad Gumi to engage in dialogue with terrorists must be met with unwavering defiance. Negotiating with these evil forces would only encourage them and imperil more lives.
“The echoes of history are unmistakable. The trap set in 2014 ensnared former President Jonathan’s noble intentions, leading to dire consequences. President Tinubu, you must not be swayed by duplicity.
“Use all available means, both forceful and strategic, to combat our nation’s security challenges. Beware, the insidious coaxing to pay the ransom, for it is a slippery slope that will enslave your government to the whims of Northern bandits and terrorists until 2027.
“Do not succumb to this dangerous precedent that threatens to repeat the Northern Dirty Game plans of the past. Southern Nigerians stand united in solidarity with you, President Tinubu.
“Embrace your role as a protector of our nation, a guardian of our future. Do not relent in your resolve to safeguard our children and our country from the clutches of malevolence.
“Remain steadfast, stubborn, and unyielding in the face of adversity. The future of our nation hinges on your actions. Choose wisely, act decisively, and lead with unwavering strength.”
