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Tag: Nnamdi Kanu

  • Group commends Ohanaeze for disowning Nnamdi Kanu

    THE Buhari Support Organisation (BSO), has commended President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, for coming to terms with how dangerous the hate and provocative speeches of NnamdiKanu, could be to Igbo interest and Nigeria in general. The group’s commendation was contained in a statement signed by its Enugu State Publicity Secretary, Eze Chibueze.

    The BSO spokesman said: “Until now, we were jolted when Ohanaeze was tacitly backing Nnamdi Kanu, a young man who has no fixed address in England, only to return to Nigeria to cause confusion. “We, the members of the Buhari Support Organisation, Enugu State, are glad to hear our dear senior brother and President of Ohaneze, Chief Nnia Nwodo, coming to terms with the danger posed by Nnamdi Kanu’s rhetorical hate speeches.

    “To be frank we are glad to hear Ohaneze publicly disown Nnamdi Kanu and his group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Chibueze called on other well meaning Igbos to toe the path taken by the Ohanaeze, by disregarding the divisive tendencies, provocative statements and hate speeches of Nnamdi Kanu and his movement.

  • Biafra: ‘Can Kanu lead Igbos to war?’

    Biafra: ‘Can Kanu lead Igbos to war?’

    Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu came under fire from many quarters yesterday for his belligerency, particularly his call for the boycott of the November governorship election in Anambra State.

    He has also been threatening that unless a referendum is organised to enable the Igbo determine whether they should have Biafra, the Southeast will boycott the 2019 elections.

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and politicians chided the separatist advocate.

    The Ijaw Youth Council also threatened action should Kanu disparage former President Goodluck Jonathan again.

    Okorocha who spoke at the State House in Abuja said Kanu does not represent or speak for the Igbo, describing him as a young man seeking relevance.

    “Kanu, a young man seeking relevance, agitating for whatever he believes in, what he stands for must be treated separately from the entire Igbo nation.

    “He should be treated as a young man agitating and seeking for relevance, these are two different issues. And he can ride on the back of supposed Igbo marginalization which has been said is not right, and ride on that sentiments and push his agenda but that does not mean that the entire Igbos are speaking with him.

    The question is does Nnamdi Kanu have the capacity to lead Igbo to war? Or lead me and the governors to war? So I will stand now and Nnamdi Kanu will tell me stand up let’s go to war? So, sometimes we over dramatised the issue just to make a big deal out of it and that has been the big challenge.

    “Like the gentleman that spoke for the Arewa youths, and these are not more than 17 young men speaking for millions of Arewa youths and it doesn’t make sense because if you ask any Arewa youth now if he is part of this he will tell you no.

    “I was in Chatham House and I remember how I was attacked by the IPOB boys when I was delivering my lecture. They walked up to me and they were shouting and I said calm down and the young man has never visited Nigeria. So it is our duty to call our younger ones to order but I want to assure Nigerians that they should not see that as a break but agitation given what they perceived that the South East has been neglected over time politically, economically, socially and all that.

    “Their roads are impassable, you cannot pass Port Harcourt road, Enugu road, Aba Road, Bayelsa road and all the roads. You can hardly see federal government presence in the South East, all the things you see are self-made things. Even the Onitsha bridge has been a theoretical talk, fabrications which does not represent reality.

    “So, he speaks his own and joins it to our issues and it now looks like a nationwide thing. That is not the issue.

    “We have called for unity and have agreed that we will remain united. Very soon, some of us have taken it upon ourselves to reach out to this young men talk to them. We must understand that our young men are frustrated, if they are as comfortable as we are, they will not be able to say those.

    Ohaneze Ndigbo said Kanu has no right to stop the Anambra governorship election.

    Its president, Dr John Nwodo, described the IPOB leader’s statement as provocative, misleading and unproductive.

    He said Kanu’s statement was against the agreement he reached with Ohaneze Ndigbo when he visited him, adding that the IPOB leader had breached the agreement with Ohaneze without consultation.

    Nwodo and his executive council members spoke during a visit to the Anambra State House of Assembly yesterday as part of its sensitisation in the South East. Speaker Rita Maduagwu, lawmakers and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, attended.

    Nwodo said:  “News that reached us in the past few days that Nnamdi Kami, had declared that there will be no election in Anambra in November is shocking and disturbing. I hereby countermand that declaration as President General of Ohaneze

    “Whereas Ohaneze understands the marginalisation and unfair treatment of Igbos which have given rise to self-determination movements in Igboland, leaders of these movements must not arrogate to themselves the supreme leadership of Igboland. Statements of the kind credited to Nnamdi Kanu are provocative, misleading and unproductive”

    “Why should Anambra people be denied the opportunity to choose their own leader? Why should any of us not from Anambra, no matter how highly placed, descend to the arena and dictate for Anambra people when to vote, whether to vote or who to vote for?

    “Anambra, nay Igbos, are still part and parcel of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Yes, we are not happy with our treatment in Nigeria”

    “Yes, some of us want Biafra. Yes, some of us prefer a restructured Federal Republic of Nigeria. But the fact remains that we are still part and parcel of the present Federal Republic of Nigeria, bound by its laws, no matter how repressive or unjust”

    Umeh said it was only the people who do not have Igbo blood in them that would allow anybody to tell them what goes on in the society today, adding that the current Ohaneze was making Ndigbo proud.

    Special Adviser to Governor Willie Obiano on legislative matters, Chief Chidozie Ezeugwa, condemned Kanu’s statement saying the government of Anambra state under Obiano was committed to the Igbo cause and would continue to do everything to support Ohaneze’s interest in anything in protecting Ndigbo in the country.

    Some politicians have also condemned Kanu’s call for a boycott of the Anambrapoll.

    They said the call was capable of derailing democracy in the state and expose the people to anarchy.

    Chief Sam Oraegbunam, Chairman of Hope Democratic Party (HDP), Anambra chapter, said although Kanu’s call for repositioning of Nigeria was popular, he must not use it to cause confusion in Anambra.

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has declared that further attack on former President Jonathan by Kanu, would be met with appropriate sanctions from Ijaw youths.

    IYC through its Spokesman Daniel Dasimaka, described as uncharitable and disrespectful, Kanu’s comments on ex-President Jonathan.

    The umbrella organisation of Ijaw youths said: “It is quite ironic and appalling that anyone will say ex-President Jonathan did nothing for the Southeast, when it is common knowledge in both informed and not-so-informed circles in Nigeria that the Southeast benefited even more than the Southsouth under Dr. Jonathan. It is on record that under the then President Jonathan, rehabilitation and expansion works were done on the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (SMICA), Owerri, Imo State, which he granted an international airport status.

    “In terms of appointment, Dr. Jonathan appointed the first female Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mrs. Rose Chinyere Uzoma (an Igbo). He also appointed the first Southeast Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika and first Southeast Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ogbonnaya Onovo, among others.

    “We are calling on the true Igbo leaders to caution Nnamdi Kanu and to bridle his tongue, lest his unguarded rhetoric may strain the good relationship the Igbo and the Ijaw nation, and by extrapolation, the Southsouth and Southeast geopolitical zones, have enjoyed over the years.”

  • Group commend Ohanaeze for disowning Nnamdi Kanu

    Group commend Ohanaeze for disowning Nnamdi Kanu

    The Buhari Support Organisation (BSO) has commended Chief John Nnia Nwodo, President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo for coming to terms with how dangerous the hate and provocative speeches of Nnamdi Kanu, could be to Igbo interest and Nigeria in general.

    BSO made the commendation in a statement Friday signed by its Enugu State Publicity Secretary, Eze Chibueze.

    Chibueze was reacting to a statement by Chief John Nnia Nwodo, disowning Kanu and his movement for making a declaration that governorship election would not hold in Anambra State in November and coronation of Kanu as superior Ochiagha Ndigbo.

    The BSO spokesman said until now, they were jolted when Ohanaeze was tacitly backing Nnamdi Kanu, a young man who has no fixed address in England, only to return to Nigeria to cause confusion.

    According to Chibueze, “it is never too late to make amends,” adding that “a stitch in time saves nine.”

    The statement reads further: “We of Buhari Support Organisation Enugu State are glad to hear our dear senior brother, Chief Nnia Nwodo president of Ohaneze coming to terms with the danger posed by Nnamdi Kanu’s rhetorical hate speeches. Kanu has put in contention Eze Igbo”

    “It is never too late to make amends. Otherwise we were jolted when Ohaneze was tacitly backing Nnamdi Kanu, a young man who has no fixed address in England, only to return to Nigeria to cause confusion.”

    “To be frank we are glad to hear Ohaneze publicly disown Nnamdi Kanu and his group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), via a terse statement by Nwodo, saying ‘News that reached us in the past few days that Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, has declared that there will be no election in Anambra State in November is shocking and disturbing. I hereby countermand that declaration as President-General of Ohanaeze’,” Chibueze said.

    He called on other well-meaning Igbos to toe the path taken by Ohanaeze, by disregarding the divisive tendencies, provocative statements and hate speeches of Nnamdi Kanu and his movement.

  • Group condemn Kanu’s call to boycott Anambra guber election

    Group condemn Kanu’s call to boycott Anambra guber election

    More condemnation have continued to trail call by the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, Mr Nnamdi Kanu on the people of Anambra to boycott the Nov. 18 governorship election in the state.

    The stakeholders in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) described the call as an attempt by Kanu to derail democracy in the state and expose it to anarchy.

    Chief Sam Oraegbunam, the Chairman, Hope Democratic Party (HDP), Anambra chapter said though his call for the restructuring of Nigeria was genuine, he mustn’t use it to cause confusion in the state.

    Oraegbunam said there was the need for economic restructuring, and empowerment of the states and regions to ensure even development of the country.

    He said time had come for us to look beyond oil that, which was causing confusion in the country.

    “Nnamdi Kanu has done enough to draw the attention of Nigeria and the world to the type of equity in the country and the plight of the Igbos.
    “But in terms of boycott of elections and issuing datelines for referendum, I think it is an overstatement on his part.

    “If Anambra does not hold election in Nigeria in November, it means that there will be a vacuum and what happens to the state in terms of administration.

    According to him, Kanu is from a state and there is an elected governor there, so he should allow us have our election because we are still a component of Nigeria.

    “My advice is that Kanu should consult, listen more and talk less, there are others who share his point of view, he should not derail democracy in Anambra,”he said.

    Also speaking, Chief Jude Emecheta, the National Chairman of Willie Obiano Support Group (WOSG) said Kanu’s call for boycott of the election was uncalled for.

    Emecheta said such call was why the South East poorly participated in the 2006 population census and the “result is what we are suffering today’’.

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) chieftain said Kanu’s call to boycott Anambra election was capable of plunging the state into political crisis.

    “This call is not needed, it is undemocratic and it is a show of youthful exuberance. That is why sometimes I get worried about issue of empowering the youth.

    “We have a supreme council of IPOB elders who should speak for the group; Kanu is head of publicity by virtue of being the head of Radio Biafra.

    “We are just talking about restructuring, we have not articulated our demand in that restructure and there is need for the Igbo man to be fully in the Nigerian project.’’

    He said that the statement did not come from the hierarchy of the party; “we know those we can take seriously on Anambra elections’’.

     

  • Kanu not Igbo leader – Umeh

    Kanu not Igbo leader – Umeh

    A former National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, on Wednesday urged Nigerians to disregard the threats being made by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, that the Igbos would leave the country.

    Umeh said Kanu’s comments did not reflect the opinion of people of South East.

    He described IPOB as a “mere association” with distinct agenda, adding Kanu is only a president of the association.

    The politician spoke to The Nation at the 241st Independence anniversary of the United States held at the American Consul-General residence in Ikoyi, Lagos.

    The ex-APGA chief said Kanu’s order asking people to boycott the Anambra governorship election was made in bad faith, noting that IPOB cannot prevent Anambra people from exercising their rights to choose their governor.

    He said: “Kanu cannot prevent people from exercising their civic rights. That election will come and go. For us in APGA, we take that election very seriously.

    “Kanu cannot direct me not to vote. Kanu is a leader of IPOB, a mere association. IPOB is not an umbrella body of all Igbo people. Kanu represents an association that chose to go by that name. That is what it is.

    “The Igbo are not asking for secession. What we are asking for is equity and fairness in the running of the country.”

    The politician said restructuring would bring about peace in the country, stressing that Nigeria would not disintegrate if it restructures.

    He said people who are afraid of restructuring are the real enemies of the country.

    Also, two Yoruba monarchs at the event cautioned people beating the war drum.

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, and Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, advised those calling for secession to desist from their activities.

    They said the nation’s unity is non-negotiable.

    Oba Adeyemi said: “I urge people calling for the breakup of our country to be cautious of their utterances. We don’t want another war. We are brought together by fate and we must not dismember the country because of parochial interest. We should continue to tolerate one another.”

  • IPOB members will boycott Anambra, 2019 elections if … – Kanu

    IPOB members will boycott Anambra, 2019 elections if … – Kanu

    The Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, warned on Wednesday his members and other eligible voters in Anambra State would boycott the state gubernatorial election slated for November if the Federal Government fails to hold referendum before the election.

    Kanu, who spoke at his father’s palace in Afara Ukwu Ibeku, Umuahia, Abia State, added that people of Southeast and others under the Old Eastern Region would not participate in the 2019 general election if the government ignores the demand for referendum.

    He also faulted his exclusion from the ongoing stakeholders meeting in Aso Rock, saying he would not relent in his agitation for Biafra.

    The IPOB leader 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.”

    He 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,” he added.

     

     

     

  • Nnamdi Kanu not a South East leader of thought- Presidency

    The Presidency on Sunday explained why the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was not part of the ongoing consultations with leaders of the South East.

    The main reason for his absence is that he was not considered as a leader of thought in the South East region.

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo last week started series of conversation meetings with leaders of thought, politicians, traditional rulers and the clergy over rising ethnic tensions in parts of the country.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, on Sunday, said that the IPOB leader was not invited because the Presidency does not regard him as a leader of thought in the South East.

    According to him, a window of possibility would be opened for Kanu to meet with the Federal Government for discussion should the need arise in the future.

    He said: “Well, the thing is that we were looking for leaders of the people, leaders of thought and we do not see him as a leader of thought in the East.

    “May be opportunity will come at one time or the other for him to be engaged.

    “But so far, what we have done is to look at people who have influence in the communities, whether it is religious, whether it is traditional, whether it is political, social or governance. These are the people we brought in for discussion.” he added

    He also said that the South leaders including Ohanaeze Ndigbo coming to see Osinbajo have neither asked for a referendum on Biafra or secession, saying that they have only complained about marginalization in appointments and harassment by police at road blocks.

    The Special Adviser assured that their concerns are issues that could easily be addressed.

    He said “Nobody has tabled that in all the discussions we have had. Nobody, I can tell you. Ohanaeze came with a prepared document. They never talked about referendum. They never. They never even talked about secession.

    “They made complaints about police harassment at road blocks. They made complaints about losing some key positions, not being appointed into security positions and all those kinds of things.

    “And these are things that can easily be addressed. Nobody canvassed secession at those meetings, nobody canvassed referendum.”

    Ojudu noted that the South East leaders that have met with the Acting President were all in support of one united, peaceful Nigeria.

    He said the federal government would tackle the perceived injustice in parts of the country through equitable distribution of resources and employment creation.

    He added: “So, for us, and that was the conclusion that everybody came to in the consultations we have had that we should all agree that we can live together peacefully. “

    “We should address injustice where we find it and the government should be equitable in the distribution of resources across the country and then, find solution to youth unemployment and the frustration that is confronting most of the young people across this country,” he stated.

  • Quit Notice: Al-Mustapha, MASSOB leader storm Kaduna to broker peace

    Quit Notice: Al-Mustapha, MASSOB leader storm Kaduna to broker peace

    Former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha and the leader of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) Chief Ralph Nwazuruike ‎ on Monday stormed Kaduna state to broker peace over the quit notice issued the Igbos to leave the northern region tagged ‘Kaduna Declaration’.

    The meeting which was organized at the instance of Major Al-Mustapha was apparently to intervene into the trending impasse threatening the unity and oneness of the country particularly with the recent quit notice on Igbos resident in the north by coalition of northern youths organizations.

    According to Major Al-Mustapha‎, the youths need to wear their thinking caps and use their brains and refused being used to ferment any form of crisis that could affect the unity of the country.

    He said that the development in Nigeria that is causing tension is not surprising, because same may have been sponsored by countries that envy Nigeria.

    He explained that in achieving their aims, they could even go as far as sponsoring stooges to leadership positions in the country, or backing rebels to stop countries with huge potentials from reaching their peak.

    Al-Mustapha while cautioning the youth from the North, from making statements that would further cause tension in the country, said that they youths actions may be borne out of frustration as a result of unpleasant comments coming from the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

    “We are appealing that our younger ones whom have been declared wanted should be set free, and the order of arrest should be rescinted ‎because it is not the solution.

    ‎Speaking also, MASSOB leader, Chief Nwazurike averred that the crisis in Nigeria is being manipulated and caused by politicians, stressing that “the youth must not allow that, the country must continue to exist as one nation but issues of marginalization can be disscussed.

    Nwazurike explained that when he founded MASSOB in 1999, it was purely meant to be a peaceful platform through which issues of perceived marginalisation of the Igbo’s in Nigeria could be discussed and tackled.

    He explained that even though it was right for any part of the country to seek self-determination, it was wrong to pursue same through violent means.

    “I handed over Radio Biafra which I created to Nnamdi KANU in London as the managing director and was hoping it would serve the purpose for which it was created, but was disappointed that politicians hijacked it and it became something else,” he said.

    Speaking further, the MASSOB leader assured the Northerners in all the Eastern part of the country of their safety, while thanking Major Hamza Almustapha (rtd) for assuring same for the Igbo’s in the North.

    “I want to assure northerners that your people in the South east are safe and nobody will harass them and am ‎happy that my friend Al-Mustapha has also given same assurance of the safety of our people in the north.

    “Self-determination without violence is a fundamental right, we must strive against sowing the seed of discord ‎but do all that will promoted peace and justice.

    “There is a gap of communication from our leaders which needs to be bridged hence we are meeting with notable leaders in the north to persuade them that there is no cause for alarm” he reiterated.

     

  • 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.’’

  • Global analyst rejects eviction of Ndigbo from North

    Global analyst rejects eviction of Ndigbo from North

    Global affairs analyst and All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief, Ayoola Lawal in a conversation with pressmen in Copenhagen, Denmark, has vehemently condemned the statement credited to the group named Coalition of Northern Youths “Ordering Igbo people to vacate Northern Nigeria within 3 months”.

    According to Lawal, issuing of threat statement to a certain tribe and ethnic group to vacate a region of the country is a threat to the unity of Nigeria.

    “IPOB group might be agitating for freedom of self-governance but they never issue a threat to any tribe to vacate their region.

    It is strange that the security operatives that arrested Nnamdi Kanu immediately he entered Nigeria are yet to call this group or leader for clarification on such statement credited to the group. I think we have passed the era when freedom of speech does not presume rationality and a restrained speech by a certain group of people.

    “The unity of Nigeria is already threatened by the current voices from different ethnic groups that constitute Nigeria and history might not forgive our leaders and elders if this is not resolved peacefully before history repeats itself, he observed.

    The APC Chief further said that the time to urgently revisit the togetherness and restructure Nigeria’ unity without violence might be now.

    “We are sitting on a keg of gunpowder if we allow the same agitation from different ethnic groups to fester for too long without resolving it once and for all,” he said.