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Tag: IPOB

  • IPOB to boycott Anambra poll, as Kanu calls for referendum

    IPOB to boycott Anambra poll, as Kanu calls for referendum

    Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu has asked members of the group and eligible voters in Anambra State to boycott the November governorship election.

    Kanu, who spoke at his father’s palace in Afara Ukwu Ibeku, Umuahia, the Abia State capital, also warned that the people of Southeast and others under the Old Eastern Region would not be voting in the 2019 general elections should the President Muhammadu Buhari administration fail to hold a referendum before the election.

    The IPOB leader, who faulted Acting President Yemi Osibanjo on why he (Kanu) wasn’t part of the stakeholders invited to Aso Rock for a roundtable discussion, vowed not to relent in the struggle for Sovereign State of Biafra.

    Kanu said: “Nigerian government should build as many prisons as possible to jail all Biafrans because there is no going back and we are ready to go there (prisons) unless the Federal Government gives us Biafra.

    “We are starting with Anambra come November this year. There will be no governorship election in Anambra State. In 2019, the whole of Biafra Land will not vote for any President. There will be no senator, there will be no House of Reps, there will be no House of Assembly and there will be no councillorship elections in Biafra land, if they (Federal Government) fail to call for a referendum.”

    The IPOB leader urged his members to remain steadfast and calm as Biafra remains their only hope.

    “We are not like any other people. People like us don’t come twice. That’s why I know that with the last breath in this very body that Biafra will be restored. There’s nothing anybody can do about it. Tell them that’s what I said. Nobody on this earth can stop Biafra.”

    Kanu, who was impressed by the number of people who turned out to answer his call despite the short notice, chided people who are skeptical about Biafra and stated that such persons would regret not being part of what he described as landmark in the history of the struggle for the emancipation of the people of the Old Eastern Region.

    One of the IPOB coordinators, who spoke to our reporter, said the crowd gathered at the palace, following an early morning call put out to only IPOB leaders, but they were surprised by the number of people who trooped to Eze A.I. Kanu’s palace even when they weren’t invited to the meeting.

    The event also attracted other Igbo socio-cultural organisations, including World Igbo Citizens (WIC) Ikwerre/River State chapter, who came to show solidarity with IPOB towards the restoration of the sovereign state of Biafra.

    Some leaders of the WIC said they supported Biafra’s restoration and Nnamdi Kanu because of his strong will and commitment towards the emancipation of the people of Southeast and Southsouth from marginalisation.

  • Further nonsense

    It’s like moving from one absurdity to another in a chain of absurdities.  Separatists on the platform of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have taken yet another step towards their dream of separation. Strikingly, their latest move further suggests that members of the group are not only out of tune with reality; they are also mistaking their dream for reality.

    A statement by the Publicity Secretary of the group, Emma Powerful, said: “The Indigenous People of Biafra under the leadership of Nnamdi Kanu has written and given instruction to every academic institution in the South-East from nursery schools to universities to revert to the original geography textbooks with Bight of Biafra in it.”

    It continued:  “IPOB has also asked the schools to commence the teaching of history, especially pre-colonial Biafra. Also, IPOB is working with publishers of history and geography textbooks to commence the job to enhance effective work and to ensure the success of the scheme.”

    Increasingly, the group is showing that it does not know its limits, or does not recognise that there are limits to how far it  can go in imposing its separatist project on others that are not necessarily sympathetic to its cause.   When the group issued a sit-at-home order to take effect in the Southeast on May 30 to mark the 50th anniversary of the failed Biafra secession effort of the 1960s, it was a nonsensical approach and a reflection of its deep delusions.

    The group’s latest “instruction” on the teaching of Biafra history has simply taken nonsense to a higher level. Its statement said: “However, history teaching in Biafraland will focus on the genocide committed against the people of Biafra during the civil war between 1967 and 1970, while the geography will mostly focus on the removal of the Bight of Biafra by British and Nigerian Governments. It will also show the ancient map of Africa from 1662 till 1966, during the war of genocide that consumed the lives of our women and children.”

    Interestingly, the group “said schools that obey the directive would be given grants for scholarships.” It all sounds so unreal, and makes the group look so unreal. In its desperation, the group is trying hard to blur the distinction between reality and unreality.

    Why does this group arrogate to itself power and authority that it does not have? Why does it move from unreasonableness to unreasonableness? Why is it so desperately irrational?

  • Northern youths write Osinbajo

    Northern youths write Osinbajo

    …say, Igbos unrepentant about Biafra

     

    The Coalition of Northern Youths who recently issued quit notice to the Igbos living in Northern has again written an open letter to the Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, saying that the Igbos are not repentant about Biafra.

    The Northern Youths in the open letter jointly signed by ShettimaYerima, Joshua Viashman, Aminu Adam, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman and Nastura Ashir Sharif said, Igbos have declared full allegiance to a “Republic of Biafra” and continue to preach hatred and war virtually every day.

    They said, “KANU and IPOB have declared full allegiance to a “Republic of Biafra” and continue to preach hatred and war virtually every day, and not for once did any Igbo leader call them to order. Instead, many of the leaders including Mr. Ike Ekweremadu, the deputy senate president, the most senior elected Igbo, pay Kanu courtesy calls to prove that he is speaking for the entire Igbo. It is glaring to all that Kanu has serially breached all the terms of his stringent jail conditions in total disregard to the sanctity of our justice system”.

    The letter read in full “APPRECIATION On behalf of this coalition and all the peace-loving people of Northern Nigeria, we begin this letter by commending your efforts towards finding a lasting solution to the lingering Igbo-induced crisis that is undoubtedly overheating the polity.

    “We sincerely believe Your Excellency’s good intentions as shown by your prompt and genuine actions towards ensuring peace and stability in holding talks with leaders of the North and the South-East.   Though we do not doubt Your Excellency’s bona fide concerns for the peaceful resolution of the crises, we nevertheless have reservations as to the efficacy of this approach in ensuring lasting solutions.

    “Our doubts are informed by the following historical antecedents that have characterized the behavior and conduct of the Igbo in Nigeria and previous efforts at containing them.

    “PAST EXPERIENCES: The Igbo of Eastern Nigeria manifested their hatred for Nigeria’s unity barely five years after we gained our independence from the British when on January 15, 1966, their army officers carried out the first-ever  mutiny that marked the beginning of a series of crisis which has profoundly altered the course of Nigeria’s history.

    “By that ill motivated, cowardly and deliberate action, the Igbo killed many northern officers from the rank of lieutenant colonel upwards and also decapitated the Prime Minister and the political leadership of the Northern and Western regions but left the zenith of Igbo leadership at the Federal level and the Eastern region intact.

    “In line with the Igbo plan, General Aguiyi-Ironsi took advantage of the vacuum and, instead of returning power to the remnants of the First Republic government; he appropriated the coup and attempted to consolidate it for his people.

    “Army officers of the Northern Region were eventually compelled to execute a counter coup on July 29, 1966 following a coordinated series of brazen provocations from the Igbo who taunted northerners on northern streets by mocking the way leaders of the region were slain by the Igbo. This unfortunately resulted in mob action which resulted in the death of many Igbos.

    “And when Lt. Col. Yakubu Gowon, from the North took over as Head of State following the counter coup, the Igbo through Lt. Col. Ojukwu, characteristically refused to recognize Gowon.

    “Ojukwu declared the secession of the Igbo people from Nigeria and the formation of the republic of Biafra on May 30, 1967 resulting in a civil war that led to the tragic deaths of more than 2 million Nigerians.

    “It is important to note here that the Igbo eventually capitulated and conceded defeat in an unconditional surrender, not an armistice,  on January 15, 1970 which renders any talk about Biafra at any other time,  a repudiation of the terms of that surrender signed by Phillip Effiong and other Biafran leaders.

    “BIAFRA REINCARNATED: In a shot out of the blues, the Igbo have over the last 2 years regrouped and fiercely and openly started discussing Biafra again under Ralph Uwazuruike of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State Of Biafra MASSOB.

    “This was given greater impetus by a more furious Igbo rogue group called the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB under Nnamdi Kanu who even operates an illegal radio station spreading hate and war messages across the nation, calling other ethnic groups all sorts of names and threatening them with violent extermination.

    “The activities of the Igbo under Kanu’s IPOB has grown exponentially ranging from ordering people of other regions out of the South East – particularly the Yorubas and Hausa /Fulani from the South West and the North respectively, to open declaration of the amassing of arms and forceful total shutdown of the entire South-East.

    “KANU and IPOB have declared full allegiance to a “Republic of Biafra” and continue to preach hatred and war virtually every day, and not for once did any Igbo leader call them to order. Instead, many of the leaders including Mr Ike Ekweremadu, the deputy senate president, the most senior elected Igbo, pay Kanu courtesy calls to prove that he is speaking for the entire Igbo. It is glaring to all that Kanu has serially breached all the terms of his stringent jail conditions in total disregard to the sanctity of our justice system.

    “Even the latest statement by the South-East Governors Forum signed by Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State in a response to the Northern reaction, did not condemn Kanu and Uwazuruike but characterised their action as “peaceful”.

    “While all this is going on,  neither the Igbo political and cultural leaders nor other regional leaders of the North or West nor the international community or any religious body ever found it necessary to call these renegade groups to order or in the very least admonish their leaders to do so.

    “Furthermore, none of the Igbo leaders holding various positions in this government ever disowned IPOB or condemned its operations until lately with Governor Rochas Okorocha’s mild condemnation after the Kaduna Declaration by our Coalition .

    “GROUNDS FOR SUSPICION: Given the unrepentant antecedents exhibited by the Igbo as highlighted above,  we strongly believe that the gruesome picture that the Biafran agitation represents is beyond a few people showcasing to Your Excellency that the Igbo will eventually heed the call for peace and desist from their dangerous campaign against Nigeria.

    “The seed of hate planted in the name of Biafra is evidently so deep that the ongoing interaction between you and the leaders from the South East cannot in our well informed opinion douse or address the underlying deep seated underlying problems.

    “We base our concerns on the following grounds. Despite the fact that the Igbo have been the most accommodated and tolerated of all the ethnic groups of Nigeria, the renewed incessant, spiteful and vile threats and insults on Northern leaders and their people, culture and religions that are the targets of this venomous agitation for Biafra,  can hardly be addressed through a series of two hours dialogues.

    “As if to prove this, barely hours after Your Excellency’s meeting with the South-East leaders, the Biafran Igbo openly disowned the leaders and dissociated themselves from the meeting.

    “More disturbingly, Kanu has openly claimed that the Biafran agitators have amassed arms in readiness for a war of secession which is quite conceivable given the fact that since 2009, catches of dangerous weapons routinely smuggled into the country and occasionally intercepted  by the Nigerian authorities , were all traced to Igbo sources.

    “The situation continues to be baffling and alarming and therefore unacceptable – especially with the Igbo political and opinion leaders openly legitimizing the violent comments, insults, threats, hate speeches and call to anarchy that the Biafrans led by Nnamdi Kanu are making against the North and the Nigerian state in general.

    “South-East leaders have instead, enthusiatically given Kanu the platform, patronage and symbolic legitimacy through an ignominious display of homage, reception and open embrace.

    “OUR CONCERNS: Concerned by the fact that the Biafrans have confessed to arming themselves for a violent breakup,  we feel that it is risky for the rest of the country particularly the North to go on pretending that it is safe for us to co-habit with the Igbos given how deeply they are entrenched in our societies .

    “And since evidently the Igbo have not been sufficiently humbled by their self-imposed bloody civil violence of 1966, we are strongly concerned that nothing short of granting their Biafran dream will suffice.

    “And since the Igbo have virtually infiltrated every nook and cranny of Northern Nigeria where they have been received with open arms   as fellow compatriots, we strongly believe that the region is no longer safe and secure in the light of the unfolding threats and the fact that for a long time,  the Igbo have gone to extra ordinary lengths to ensure that in their domain in the South East, Northerners and Westerners are as much as possible disenfranchised from owning any businesses whereas in Kano alone, they own not less than 100, 000 shops across all the business districts.

    “That since the younger generation of Nigerians makes up for more than 60 percent of the nation’s population, it is our hope that they inherit this country in better shape so that they can build a much better future for themselves and their off springs in an atmosphere that is devoid of anarchy, hate, suspicion and negativity that characterize the polarized, and clearly irreconcilable differences forced on us by the Biafran Igbos.

    “To make a bad situation even worse, their leaders have continued to show support for  this treacherous cause and thus giving credence to our concern that what they say against us is what they truly mean and intend – “Kill everyone in the Zoo” (North). Your Excellency, we cannot afford to discard this as mere mischief as the utterances that caused the terrible Rwandan genocide still resonates in our minds.

    “Lastly Sir, it is quite impossible to expect that other nationalities would simply stand by and watch while a certain ethnic group perpetrates all the above heinous misconducts that involve threats, call to violence and extermination, insults and songs of war without responding.

    “OUR STAND: While we unequivocally restate that we are not waging war or calling anyone to violence, we nevertheless are also not willing to continue tolerating the malicious campaign and threats of war that the Igbos have continued to wage against us.

    “Neither can we afford to continue giving the keys to our cities to a people whose utterances, plans and arrangements are clearly geared towards war and anarchy.

    “We therefore demand that the only enduring solution to this scourge that is being visited on the nation is complete separation of the states presently agitating for Biafra from the Federal Republic of Nigeria through a peaceful political process by: 1. Taking steps to facilitate the actualization of the Biafran nation in line with the principle of self-determination as an integral part of contemporary customary international law.

    “The principle of self-determination has, since world war II become a part of the United Nations Charter which states in Article 1(2), that one of the purposes of the UN is “to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples.

    “We submit that this protocol envisages that people of any nation have the right to self-determination, and although the Charter did not categorically impose direct legal obligations on member States; it implies that member States allow agitating or minority groups to self-govern as much as possible.

    “This principle of self-determination has since been espoused in two additional treaties: The United Nations Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights and the United Nations Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Article 1 of both international documents promote and protect the right of a people to self-determination. State parties to these international documents are obliged to uphold the primacy and realization of this right as it cements the international legal philosophy that gives a people the right to self-determination.

    “As the Igbo agitations persist and assume threatening dimensions, we submit that there is need to ensure that they are given the opportunity to exercise the right to self-determination as entrenched under the aforementioned international statutes to which Nigeria is a signatory.

    “PRAYERS: Aware that the right of self-determination in international law is the legal right for a “people” that allows them to attain a certain degree of autonomy from a sovereign state through a legitimate political process, we strongly demand for a referendum to take place in a politically sane atmosphere where all parties will have a democratic voice over their future and the future of the nation.

    “The Igbo from all over the country and in the Diaspora should be advised to converge in their region in the South-East for a plesbisite to be organized and conducted by the United Nations and other regional bodies for them to categorically to decide between remaining part of Nigeria or having their separate country.

    “That government should at the end of the plesbite implement whatever is agreed and resolved in order to finally put this matter to rest. Lastly, we pray His Excellency to study the references forwarded with this letter dispassionately and decide who is more in the wrong between those who openly pledge allegiance to a country other than Nigeria backing it up with persistent threats of war and those of us whose allegiance remains with the Nigerian state but simply urge that the secessionists be allowed to actualize their dream peacefully throw universally entrenched democratic options.

    “CONCLUSION Your Excellency, we want to reiterate our high respect for your office and acknowledge the efforts you are making to lower tensions. We assure you, as well-brought up northerners, we listen to the advice and cautions of our elders, and in particular, their concerns that we do not create the impression that any Igbo or any Nigerian will be harmed in the North.

    “We assure you that we will defend the rights of every Nigerian to live in peace and have their rights protected. While we do not see this clamour for Biafra as an issue over which a single drop of blood should be shed,  we at the same time,  insist that the Igbo be allowed to have their Biafra and for them to vacate our land peacefully so that our dear country Nigeria could finally enjoy lasting peace and stability.

    “Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the letter read.

     

  • IPOB: Igala groups kick against inclusion

    IPOB: Igala groups kick against inclusion

    Against the backdrop of renewed secessionist agitations, nine socio-cultural organizations under the aegis, Ukomu Igala have kicked against what they described as the wrongful inclusion of the Igala nation in the ‘Biafra map’

    The groups during a world press conference they addressed Wednesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) press centre, Lokoja, stated that they are committed to upholding the unity, oneness and indivisibility of Nigeria.

    They described the present agitation that has included Igala people on paper as not only provocative but very insulting to the Igala race.

    According to the group spokesperson, Hon. Barry Idakwo, the declaration of Igala kingdom as a clan by the Biafra agitators is ‘definitely a product of ignorance of history and mischief’.

    “It is therefore unthinkable to annex the Igala kingdom without consulting us. Probably this may be due to the erroneous belief that Igala kingdom is a clan thus not important to consult the people of the great Igala kingdom before being annexed as part of the agitation.

    “This is against the spirit of fairness, sovereignty, equity, peaceful cohabitation and democracy to forcefully and falsely claim that a great kingdom as the Igala kingdom, which was never defeated in any war is part of Biafra” Idakwo explained”, he asserted.

    They urged their Igbo brothers to engage the Nigeria nation more purposefully for quality governance, rather than agitations for separatist state.

    They extended their message to the Northern youths to embrace the oneness of Nigeria as a nation.

    He underscore why Nigeria must remain an indivisible nation, saying, “We, as a people in the Middle Belt crave for peace at all times because when war breaks out, we will be at the receiving end as the theatre of war. The last civil war holds very unpleasant testimonies”.

    Idakwo expressed dismay that there is minimal federal presence in terms of infrastructure and economic activities in the Igala kingdom, even when their allegiance and commitment to the stability of the Federal Government remain total.

    They called on the federal government to look into issues that may threaten the peace and development of the Igala kingdom, including the need to continue urgently the construction of the Bagana-Guto bridge to ease access to the Federal Capital Territory, and encourage economic activities, unity and proximity to the centre of governance and establishment of a full-fledged naval base at Idah, an army barrack in Olamaboro local government area and and the swearing in the minister from Kogi State, Prof Stephen Ikani Ocheni immediately to afford them the sense of belonging and input to national affairs.

     

  • IPOB glad over North’s call for referendum

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has expressed appreciation to Arewa Elders Forum (AEF), Arewa youths and Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) for seeing sense in its (IPOB’s) call for a referendum in Nigeria.

    The group said the referendum will help the people to decide the fate of the various ethnic nationalities lumped together by the British in the 1914 amalgamation.

    In a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary Emma Powerful, IPOB said it was a good omen that what it had been looking for – the creation of Republic of Biafra – had been given to Ndigbo by Arewa youths.

    The statement reads: “Biafrans wish to thank these vocal Northerners for at least having the courtesy to issue advance warning, this time, before embarking on their routine massacre of the Igbo and other Biafrans in North.

    “This was unlike what their fathers did in 1966 when death, destruction and mayhem were unleashed upon unsuspecting innocent civilian populations from the South, comprising of mostly Igbo men, women, children and non-Igbo living in their midst.

    “Igbo massacres in Northern Nigeria have occurred so many times that they have almost become an annual sporting activity for blood-thirsty Northern youths. That is why we are particularly grateful to Arewa Youths and Elders for having the decency to give us a prior notice before the slaughter commences.

    “We promise to adhere to your warning to leave Northern Nigeria because a word is enough for the wise. Biafrans and other Southerner should start packing their properties to come down to the South.

    “We also advise Northern youths and their elders to keep it on because all they have done is exercise their right to free speech, which is not a crime under any law known to man. We are, therefore, against those calling for the arrest of these Arewa youths and their elders.

    “It is evident from the genocidal statements coming from certain influential segments of Northern Nigeria that the British socio-political experimentation and economic fraud we know today as Nigeria should not have been created in the first place.

  • South-East govs, IPOB disagree over quit notice

    South-East govs, IPOB disagree over quit notice

    •Pack your belongings and return home, agitators tell Igbo in the North
    •We’ve no cause to ferry them home now-Govs
    •Osinbajo: Nigeria is in an indissoluble marriage
    •Tambuwal, Lalong, Masari say Igbo safe in their states

     

    The  Nnamdi Kanu-led  Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) seems not to be in agreement with the position of the Southeast governors that Igbo resident in the North should ignore the quit notice issued by some Arewa youth organisations.

    The Biafran group yesterday accepted the quit notice and asked Igbo up north to begin to pack their belongings preparatory to relocation to the south.

    This is contrary to the stance of the Southeast Governors Forum which had, late on Friday, dismissed speculations that it had concluded arrangement to ferry home millions of Igbo in the North  on account of the quit threat.

    It said it had no such plan for now and that the Igbo should remain where they are and continue with their normal life.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at a function in Ibadan yesterday pointed out that Nigeria is better off as an entity as opposed to the dismemberment being agitated in some quarters.

    He likened the federation to a marriage that is bound to have its ups and downs but which must last for life.

    Three northern governors – Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto),Simon Lalong (Plateau) and Aminu Masari (Katsina) – said the Igbo in their states have nothing to fear and should remain where ever they are.

    The director of media and publicity of IPOB, Emma Powerful, said in a statement yesterday said it was grateful to the Arewa Elders Forum (AEF), Arewa Youths and Arewa Consultative Forum “for seeing sense in what IPOB has been saying about the need for a referendum to be conducted in Nigeria to decide the fate of the component ethnic nationalities criminally lumped together by the British in 1914,’’  and to “vocal Northerners for at least having the courtesy to issue advance warning this time.’’

    It promised to “adhere to your warning to leave Northern Nigeria because a word is enough for the wise. Biafrans and other Southerners should start packing their properties to come down to the South,’’ and advised Northern youths and elders to “keep it on because all they have done is exercise their right to free speech which is not a crime under any law known to man.’’

    It said it was not in support of calls for the arrest of such Arewa Youths and their Elders.

    The group dismissed suggestion that economic investments of Southeasterners  in the north constitutes  an impediment to Biafra restoration project.

    It branded such view as cheap blackmail “designed to trigger rancour among Biafra populations because the North have always assumed and wrongly too, that the Igbo will place economic well being over and above their life. This assumption is based on a false premise and one we are determined to prove same as events unfold in the coming weeks and months.

    “We are not afraid of our enemies; neither will any threat or violence from any quarter deter us. We remain peaceful in our noble quest to restore Biafra but we must caution that we always retain the right as a people to defend ourselves should the need arise.

    “Allow Biafrans time to relocate peacefully back to BIAFRALAND, that is all we ask.”

    No plans to evacuate Igbo from North – Governors

    The South East Governors Forum (SEGF), on its part, denied that it had commenced moves to bring back home their kits and kin in the north by mobilisng vehicles and cash for the purported evacuation.

    “The rumours should be disregarded, as they are nothing but tissues of lies,’’ the Chairman of SEGF and Ebonyi governor, David Umahi, said in a statement.

    “No amount of provocation would lead us to such a precipitate and irresponsible action at this time.

    “Those exploiting such vacuous tittle-tattle as a basis for divisive rhetoric in public spaces are simply playing juvenile politics and we urge them to cease and desist.’’

    He appealed to Igbo resident in the North to go about their lawful daily engagements without fear of intimidation, hindrance or molestation and assured them of corporate existence of Nigeria.

    “The Forum has repeatedly reiterated its commitment to and preference for the existence of a virile, united, prosperous and progressive Nigeria where justice, fairness, equity, mutual respect and equality of opportunity to all citizens regardless of creed, ethnicity or gender will reign supreme under the inflexible rule of law.

    “We have had occasions recently to take this position publicly in response to the agitation, but peaceful actions of some Igbo youth.’’

    The governors, he said, would continue to take a similar stance in response to any action that might threaten the cohesiveness of Nigeria or designed to cause its rupture.

    He said that the lives and property of law-abiding Igbo citizens were as precious as the lives and property of all Nigerians, irrespective of the region of their abode within this Republic.

    “These must be guaranteed and defended against all forms of threat and aggression, both domestic and external, by the security forces and agencies of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’’

    The governors are collaborating effectively with the security agencies to ensure that no harm of any description was done to any law-abiding Nigerian citizen resident in the South East, including those from the North.

    H called on all serious minded patriots, religious leadership in the North; the leadership of other socio-cultural groups; Nigerian Governors Forum; and all the service branches to rise up with voices of peace and wisdom to counteract the mischievousness and exuberant excesses of the northern youth.

    “The ugly lessons of history are too grim to be stoked with carelessness,’’ he warned and that as leaders, “we must exert the full measure of our powers and influence to forestall a repetition.’’

    He expressed appreciation to all Nigerians, including the presidency; reputable socio-cultural group, including Afenifere, who have declaimed the threat by the northern youth, and “thus underscored the unity and oneness of this nation.”

    The forum also appreciated Senate President Bukola Saraki; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; “our brother Governors particularly Alhaji Kashim Shetimma (the Chairman of Northern Governors Forum).

    The Forum also thanked Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), the Minister of Interior; Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, the governor of Kaduna State; the leadership of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF); the security agencies and others.

    Osinbajo sues for peace, unity amid calls for cessation

    Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, speaking yesterday at the wedding of Chief Bisi Akande’s daughter, Wuraola, to Dr. Olawale Solabi, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, called for peace and unity among the various ethnic groups in the country.

    The Acting President said nations with different ethnic nationalities are in a form of marriage, pointing out that quarrels and agitations can come up at any time but insisted that  the most important thing is for them to give peace a chance and work in unity.

    Osinbajo said: “Today is a special one for Wale and Wura. Marriage is a very large institution that requires a lot of prayers. It is the same marriage that nations go through.

    “Our nation has been in marriage for a while now. Sometimes there are quarrels within that marriage. Sometimes there are disagreements. What is important is that you must remain together. You must remain united.”

    At the wedding were Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Governors Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and Muhammad Badaru (Jigawa).

    Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, was represented by Steve Azimozi.

    Mrs. Aisha Buhari was represented by Alh. Mohammed Aliu.

    Former governors who were at the event included Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun) and Segun Oni (Ekiti).

    Some top All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders graced the occasion. They include Deputy National Chairman, Sen. Lawal Shuaibu, National Secretary, Mada Buni and National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Chief Pius Akinyelure.

    Ministers at the event included Mrs. Kemi Adeosun (Finance), Lai Mohammed (Information and Culture) and Prof. Isaac Adewole (Health).

    A former Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Nuhu Ribadu and renowned writer, Prof. Adebayo Williams also graced the occasion.

    Avoid provocative statements, Tambuwal tells Nigerians

    Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State urged Nigerians to avoid inflammatory remarks that are capable of causing disunity among the people.

    He made the plea on Friday evening when he invited the members of the resident communities in the state to break fast with him.

    The governor said Nigerians must feel free to stay in any part of the country without fear of molestation, and assured the citizens of his readiness to provide adequate security for them.

    He aligned himself with the position of the Northern Governors as enunciated by their chairman, Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno, saying: “We have enjoyed a robust relationship with all members of the resident communities; you have no reason to fear. Sokoto is your home and it will continue to remain as such.

    “Nigerians now need to team up as a people and find lasting solutions to the myriad of challenges confronting the nation.

    “We are a blessed nation and we should continue to develop our strengths so as to provide the needed leadership for Africa and the black world.

    “So, as far as your stay is in the northern part of the country and in Sokoto, do not feel threatened by anyone,’’ the governor assured Nigerians.

    During the event, the representative of the Igbo community in Sokoto, Mr. Steven Okoro, commended the state government for making Nigerians living in Sokoto to feel at home.

    “We have never felt threatened in Sokoto. We and our families have stayed here in peace for hundreds of years.

    “Our relationship with all groups of people here is based on mutual trust and respect for one another,’’ he said.

    Lalong says Igbo are safe in Plateau

    Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State shared Tambuwal’s position.

    He said the Igbo are safe in the state.

    Lalong insisted that the state government will do everything to protect the interest of all residents irrespective of their ethnic background.

    He berated the youth organisations that issued the quit order which he described as “not only ill conceived and low in public morality but also an open exhibition of the total departure from the virtues and values of communality, accommodation and peaceful coexistence that characterises the true northern spirit.’’

    He wondered why “a highly volatile issue of this nature could be made an agenda for grand standing by a group of so called Northern Youth Groups, in the face of the concerted efforts being put in place to douse the condemnable secessionist agitation of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB).

    “He asked Southeast governors to ‘resist any attempt however remotely motivated to create value for the position of the Northern Youth by making it an agenda for any discussion because it is of no essence and does not represent the position of the Youth of Northern Nigeria much less the North.’’

     You have nothing to fear, Masari assures Igbo, others

    Similarly, Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State assured the Igbo and other non-natives in the state to ignore the quit order.

    Government, he said, was ready as always to protect them from any form of threat.

    “You have nothing to fear, as his government is always ready, willing, capable and prepared to protect the lives and properties of every citizen in the state without prejudice to their ethnic, religious or regional background,” he said in a statement through his Senior Special Assistant, Abdul Labaran Malumfashi.

    He also warned that his government would not tolerate anyone taking the law into his hands by harassing or intimidating others on account of their ethnic, religious or regional background.

    “People should have nothing to fear as long as they conduct themselves within the bounds of the laws of the country,’’ he said.

    “The only sentiment this government recognizes and, indeed, encourages is patriotism, for which we will do anything to advance amongst the citizens so as to give everyone equal sense of belonging in our dear state.

    “Katsina is not only a home of peace, but is home to all law abiding citizens. This is why at no time in its history has any part of the state ever been demarcated for the exclusive use of any group to the exclusion of others. It is our belief that segregation does not foster unity.’’

  • Lalong lambasts Arewa youth over eviction threat

    Lalong lambasts Arewa youth over eviction threat

    Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau, on Friday condemned threats to evict Igbos from the North by a youth group as reckless and ill conceived.

    The governor made the condemnation in a statement by his media aide, Mr Emmanuel Nanle on Friday in Jos.

    Lalong stressed that those who issued the ultimatum had negated the true northern spirit of communality, accommodation and peaceful coexistence.

    He regretted that a highly volatile issue of such nature was trivialised and made an agenda for grandstanding by the group without any thought of its implication to the stability of the country.

    The governor said that such rash statements was uncalled for, especially at a time when all compatriots were working hard to solidify bonds of unity and national integration.

    He advised media houses to censor “retrogressive contributions to national discourse” like those of the Arewa youth coalition and IPOB.

    Lalong urged governors in the South East to resist any attempt to create value for the position of the northern youth by making it an agenda for any discussion.

    “Because it is of no essence and does not represent the position of the youth of northern Nigeria,” he said.

    The governor assured the people of Plateau that his administration would respect and protect the rights of all citizens as enshrined in the Constitution.

  • Obiano denies funding MASSOB, IPOB

    Obiano denies funding MASSOB, IPOB

    Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano has denied claims that he is among financiers of the Movement for Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the state.

    The governor described the allegation as the work of the opposition. He said there was no time he gave sport utility vehicle (SUV) vehicles or cash to the IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

    A statement yesterday in Awka, the state capital, by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communications, Prince Oliver Okpala, described as false the allegation that Obiano was funding IPOB and MASSOB.

    It said: “Our decision as law-abiding citizens to play politics according to the rules and to eschew bitterness falsehood and indecent approach to political issues should not be taken for weakness, as nobody has monopoly to the articulation of dangerous propaganda as an instrument of political warfare.

    “Certainly, if these pleas are not heeded, we shall not have any alternative than to return fire for fire, as a word is enough for the wise.”

     

  • IPOB/MASSOB defy rain to hold thanksgiving on Biafra protest

    IPOB/MASSOB defy rain to hold thanksgiving on Biafra protest

    Members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) on Sunday defied a heavy down pour in Abia State to hold a special thanksgiving ceremony.

    The Nation was told that the thanksgiving service held at St Philip’s Anglican Church, Eziukwu Aba was to thank God for a successful sit-at-home protest in Aba and the State in general.

    The church compound was filled with members of the Pro-Biafra groups cutting across various denominations who wore various Biafra insigma and carrying flags which they waved around the church premises throughout the hours that the service lasted.

    They also described the present threat to re-arrest and detain their leader, Nnamdi Kanu by the federal government for allegedly flouting the bail conditions given to him by Justice Binta as plot by the federal government to silence them, but however stated that no amount of intimidation can stop the push for the freedom agenda.

    According to them, re-arresting Kanu will further expose the weaknesses of the federal government and also confirm that the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has evil plans against their leader (Nnamdi Kanu)

    They warned federal government against re-arresting Kanu through a court order, saying that the group would not let that happen.
    A respondent who identified himself as Ikechukwu said that the event was another remarkable day and event for the “Biafrans”.

    Ikechukwu stated “we are grateful to God for the success of this event. We are thanking him for what he did on Tuesday and today, he has done more so we are grateful.

    “We also thank the church that gave us the opportunity to use their premises to offer thanks to Chukwu Okike Abiama (Almighty God). They will reap the blessings of this wonderful gesture. Anything done for Biafra can never for unrewarded that is our belief and so it is.”

    They also used the event to pray for the repose of the souls of departed Biafrans and also donated some cash for a widow of one of their slain member who they said died in active service for the sake of Biafra.

  • Others have rights too

    There was undesirable tension triggered by an undesirable sit-at-home order by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB). The sit-at-home order was meant to take effect in the Southeast on May 30 to mark the 50th anniversary of Biafra, a secession project that failed.

    It is thought-provoking that the groups took their renewed campaign for Biafra to such a ridiculous level.  The so-called order was laughable. It is a reflection of the delusions of these groups that they failed to appreciate their limits.

    In Anambra State: “A tour round the city showed that Automated Teller Machine (ATM) points and markets were besieged by residents wanting to stock their homes with foodstuff for the period of the sit-at-home.”

     

    In Abia State:  “The Abia State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, said the command is ready to squash any attempt by anybody, or group, to cause trouble. Oyebade, who addressed reporters in Umuahia, said the fundamental rights of the people should not be trampled upon. According to him, nobody has the right to tell Abians to stay at home and not go about their lawful businesses, stressing that the constitution is very explicit on the freedom of association and movement.”

    In Ebonyi State: “Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu has advised that the sit-at-home order declared by some rights groups in the Southeast for tomorrow should be optional… “Individuals who operate private businesses and want to stay-at-home on that day should stay, while those who want to operate their businesses should be allowed to do so. I believe that civil and public workers should be ready to go to work on that day as I appeal that no group should force people to stay at home against their wishes.”

    Why do these rights groups think they have the right to disrespect the right of others to freedom of association and freedom of movement?  It is condemnable that they chose to heat up the polity on the anniversary of a secessionist project that heated up the polity 50 years ago.

    These separatist groups are entitled to their enthusiasm for separatism. But when their over-enthusiasm results in overreaching, they must be told in clear terms that there are boundaries. If they wanted a dramatic commemoration of Biafra’s anniversary, they failed by choosing the sit-at-home approach.  What they succeeded in dramatising was an absurd drama based on absurd thinking.