By Olusegun olanrewaju
Apex pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, yesterday called for reconciliatory measures to address the nagging problem of insecurity in Nigeria’s restive South-East zone.
It advised President Bola Tinubu, in collaboration with itself, South-East governors, and other stakeholders to promote reconciliation efforts aimed at healing the wounds and divisions caused by the conflict and ‘sit-at-home’ in the region.
This was part of the decisions reached after a general assembly meeting attended by representatives of the seven Igbo-speaking states of the south-East and south zones yesterday.
A communique at the end of the meeting signed by Ohanaeze Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, listed some strategic areas the stakeholders should indulge in to address past injustices and foster understanding among the different groups in the region.
Among the groups that attended the meeting were representatives from the seven Igbo-speaking states, including the Ikwerre in Rivers and Anioma in Delta states.
At the end of the deliberations yesterday, some prevailing suggestions on how President Tinubu, in collaboration with other regional bodies like the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and South-East governors, could address the issue of sit-at-home civil disobedience orders and violent agitations in Southeastern Nigeria.
The stakeholders suggested some possible steps open to President Tinubu to restore peace and stability in the South-East, in view of what they called “the looming anarchy set up to consume the South-East by one Simon Ekpa’s two-week sit-at-home order, from 31st July to 14th August, 2023 in the South-East.”
These, they said, include dialogue and engagement; Release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu; Addressing marginalization issues in the South-East, as well as embarking on regional development initiatives.
They also called for improvement in security and law enforcement; Reconciliation and healing; Youth empowerment and education; and Political representation and participation.
On a broader note, they urged President Tinubu to initiate dialogues with relevant stakeholders, including the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, South-East governors, community leaders, and representatives of the Biafra agitating groups such as IPoB, Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), among others, through “Open and sincere discussions (that can) help to identify the root causes of the grievances, address concerns, and meet the common ground of the people.
On Kanu’s release, the group submitted, “It is now considered appropriate and legal, that President Tinubu could explore the possibility of releasing Nnamdi Kanu or granting him bail, depending on the legal proceedings, court orders that quashed the charges against him. This step will help de-escalate tensions and create an atmosphere conducive to dialogue.
Ohanaeze called for Federal Government policies and programmes that promote inclusivity, equitable resource allocation, and socio-economic development in the region.
They want the Federal Government, in collaboration with the South-East governors, to “launch specific initiatives aimed at boosting infrastructure development like dams, dredging and establishment of deep sea port at Akwaete Blue River in Abia State and inter-state standard gauge railway lines, job creation, and overseas training of repented Biafra agitators, as well as economic opportunities in the South-East.
“These initiatives should be designed to address the underlying socio-economic issues that contribute to the grievances of the people,” Ohanaeze said in the statement.
