The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ohanaeze Ndigbo

  • Ohanaeze Ndigbo to decide on Iwuanyanwu’s successor

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo to decide on Iwuanyanwu’s successor

    The Ime-Obi caucus of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide will convene in two weeks to deliberate on who will complete the tenure of the late President-General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, from Imo State. 

    With Imo state’s leadership set to end in early 2025, the next President-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization will be chosen from Rivers State. 

    Speaking to reporters on Saturday in Awka, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, Vice President of Ohanaeze for the Southeast, dismissed claims of a crisis in the organization following Iwuanyanwu’s death, emphasizing its unity and stability. 

    “There is no form of crisis in Ohanaeze, what the people are seeing as the crisis is the creation of social media, Ohanaeze is not relenting in promoting the collective interest of Ndigbo”

    “Let me start by thanking all Nigerians including various socio-cultural organizations in this country for their support, collaboration and encouragement throughout the preparation and burial of the late Ohaneze Ndigbo President Chief Emmanuel Iwanyanwo.

    “We appreciate the well-deserved honour and respect accorded to him in recognition of remarkable and enduring legacies in nation-building and human capital development.

    “There is no doubt that his death has created a very vast vacuum but I can assure you that Ohanaeze Ndigbo as an Institution of repute remains intact as one indivisible entity with no leadership Crisis.

    “The leadership structure and processes of being, elected into any position in all arms and organs of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo are specified, in the Ohaneze Ndigbo constitution.

    Read Also: Ohanaeze Ndigbo faults Obasanjo over calls to sack INEC boss

    “All leadership positions in every wing and organ of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo are zoned to states, not individuals. Presently, the position of the president is zoned to the state because the late Chief Iwuanyanwu did not complete his tenure.

    “We are waiting for the Imo State Chapter of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo to elect or appoint a replacement for the Ime-Obi which is the highest decision-making body of the socio-cultural group to consider all possibly approve for the completion of Imo State.

    “I want to use this opportunity to appeal to all organs of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other stakeholders to remain calm and allow the Ime-Obi to handle the situation peacefully: according to the constitution of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

    “I equally want to use this opportunity to urge the Federal Government to take more proactive measures towards the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,

    “Effective security and stability are necessary for socio-economic growth and development.

    “I want to urge the southeast governors to synergize and collaborate more in putting in effective security apparatus that will enhance efficiency and sustainability in crime fighting.

     “Once again, we assure you that Ohaneze Ndigbo is not relenting in protecting and promoting the collective interest of Ndigbo” Okeke- Ogene said.

  • UPDATED: Ohanaeze Ndigbo President Iwuanyanwu dies at 82

    UPDATED: Ohanaeze Ndigbo President Iwuanyanwu dies at 82

    The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, is dead. 

    This is the second death the Igbo cultural organisation has recorded within three years. He succeeded Ambassador George Obiozor, who passed away in December 2022.

    Iwuanyanwu assumed office as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide on April 20, 2023

     Iwuanyanwu was chosen as the consensus candidate by the Imo State Council of Elders, led by Eze Ilomuanya, in a process that is not likely to play out this time around as the late elderstatesman’s tenure will end in December 2024.

    He reportedly died in Abuja hospital on Thursday after a brief illness. 

    Son of the business mogul, Jide Iwuanyanwu, confirmed his death in a statement. 

    According to the statement, the 82-year-old Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday after a brief illness.

    “The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta, in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State announces the demise of our patriarch, Engr Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu-Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo. 

    “Chief Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday July 25, 2024 after a brief illness. He was aged 82. Chief Iwuanyanwu before his death was President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly,” the statement reads.

    Read Also: Tinubu mourns death of Ohanaeze Ndigbo leader, Iwuanyanwu

    Iwuanyanwu is survived by his wife, Lady Princess Frances Iwuanyanwu, many children and grandchildren.

    The statement stated that the burial details will be announced later by the family after due consultations.

    The news of the business mogul’s sudden sent shockwaves across the state and Nigeria generally. 

    Reacting,  a legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria(SAN),  Chief Mike Ahamba expressed rude shock at the sudden death of Iwuanyanwu. 

    “I’m shocked and saddened to hear the news. Iwuanyanwu was very friendly person. May his soul rest in peace. 

    The leadership of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) said the death the  President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo”s was received with a devastative shock.

     Leader of MASSOB, Comrade Uchenna Madu expressed deep sadness. 

    “We received the death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu with devastating shock. 

    He was a devout and dedicated Igbo leader. Ndigbo shall miss him, his fatherly efforts and commitment for the release of  Mazi Nnamdi Kanu  shall never be in vain.

    “MASSOB and the people of Biafra mourns a gallant Biafra hero.”

     He attended New Bethel College, Onitsha, Anambra State. In 1960, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, with a select brilliant few, were offered admission into the Federal school of Science, Lagos, where he studied Pure and Applied Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.

    The Civil war fought 1967 to 1970, interrupted Iwuanyanwu’s studies. He was drafted into the Biafra Research and Production (RaP) Directorate headed by Professor Benjamin Chukwuka Nwosu, a nuclear physicist. Iwuanyanwu served in the Rocket Unit of RaP headed by Professor Gordian Ezekwe. 

    After the civil war, Iwuanyanwu resumed studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, graduating later in 1971.

    In June 1990, former Military President of General Ibrahim Babangida, lifted the ban on political activities. Chief Iwuanyanwu emerged the National Chairman of the unregistered Nigeria National Congress (NNC) which later fused into the National Republican  Convention (NRC) party. 

    He contested for the presidency under the NRC. Incidentally, General Ibrahim Babangida also lifted ban on old politicians of the first and second republics and Adamu Ciroma entered the contest. 

    He won in the NRC presidential primaries and the party decided that Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu would be his running mate.

    In September 1999, the leaders of the APP in the South-east, including Chief Iwuanyanwu, Chief Vincent Ogbulafor and Mrs. Joy Emodi and their political associates, decamped to the PDP. 

    Thousands of their supporters followed along. Former Abia Governor Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, commended the action, describing it as strategic for the Igbo. Chief Iwuanyanwu supported the Obasanjo government. 

    He declined being a minister, successfully recommending acolytes to such a position. Nevertheless, he has also been the Leader of the North-East Zone PDP Reconciliation/ Harmonization Team and the oldest member of the Board of Trustees of the PDP and coordinated the party’s campaign for the Southeast zone during the 2003 Presidential election. He was also a Member of the National Political Reform Conference in 2005.

    Chief Iwuanyanwu founded the Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club (now Heartland F.C.), which won several national and international championships. 

    He was the Chairman, National Sports Development Fund, and, Chairman, Nigerian Football Association USA “94” and Cup of Nations Fund Raising Committee and publisher of Champion Newspapers. 

  • Ohanaeze Ndigbo youth body hails Tinubu for SEDC Act

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo youth body hails Tinubu for SEDC Act

    The Youth Wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has commended President Bola Tinubu for signing the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill into law.

    The Acting National Youth Leader of the group, Mr Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, made the commendation during an interactive session with newsmen in Awka on Wednesday.

    Okpalaezeukwu said that Tinubu had finally ended the age-long civil war in the South-East with the creation of the commission.

    He expressed the confidence that the commission would not only heal the region, but add value to the collective struggle to restore peace and stability in the troubled zone and Nigeria at large.

    He said: “We commend the president for the boldness and patriotic act of assenting to the South-East Development Commission Bill.

    “I must commend all the stakeholders who played critical role to ensure this milestone achievement and making this dream a reality.

    “I thank particularly the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Chief Benjamin Kalu, and his colleagues, Southeast Governors, led by Sen. Hope Uzodinma of Imo, and the National Assembly.

    “By assenting to the bill to establish the commission, the president has finally ended the age-long civil war in Southeast.

    “Recall that the war ended on a treaty of Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, but successive governments did not implement that treaty.

    Read Also: ‘Ohanaeze Ndigbo purported leader flouting court judgment’

    “We are hopeful that the commission shall implement the treaty.”

    Okpalaezeukwu further expressed optimism that the commission would assist in healing the nation and Southeast on the basis of equity, justice and fairness.

    “We affirm our absolute support and solidarity to the Tinubu-led administration,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • ‘Ohanaeze Ndigbo purported leader flouting court judgment’

    ‘Ohanaeze Ndigbo purported leader flouting court judgment’

    President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State, Ambassador Solomon Ogbonna Aguene, has warned  the purported leader of the Igbo socio-cultural group, Sunday Ossai, against parading himself as its president, saying that Ossai is flouting a court ruling.

     At a briefing last Saturday in Lagos, Aguene said courtesy of a court judgment in Lagos, he remained the president of Ohanaeze till his tenure ends in 2026. He advised Ossai to go to the court and vacate the judgment if he is not satisfied with the ruling or wait till 2026 and vie along with others.

    Aguene, a business mogul, was reacting to a statement allegedly made by Ossai, claiming that he is the president of the Ohanaeze in Lagos. Describing Ossai’s statement as spurious, ‘’social media joke’’ and a disobedience of a court order, Aguene said Ossai and his group risked jail terms should he return to the court to complain against their action.

    Noting that after he was elected in July 2018, he was duly inaugurated at a grand ceremony attended by some notable Igbo leaders, Aguene challenged Ossai to tell Nigerians when and where he was elected and who inaugurated him. He also challenged Ossai and his group to tell Nigerians the secretariat of Ndigbo that he was operating from, adding that he (Aguene) holds the fort from the Robertson Street, Surulere Secretariat of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo. ‘  Aguene, a notable art collector, said: “When you are looking for a police officer, you go to the Police Station, not at a checkpoint. As you can see, this is the secretariat of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State, Yet, he is not here.’’

    Read Also: Ohanaeze Ndigbo president seeks unity among members

     Aguene said upon invitation, he had explained to the state government that based on the court judgment, he is the authentic leader of Ndigbo in Lagos and that they recognise him.

     Aguene explained that Ossai could never be a president as he is not an Eze Ndigbo, and that he belongs to the Council of Chiefs. “You can’t be an Onowu and be president of Ohanaeze,’’ he added. Also, that Ossai is a former foodstuff sellers’ leader in Ohanaeze, adding that he never went beyond that before he jumped ship.

     On why he is staying till 2026, Aguene clarified that at the beginning of his term, the leadership of Ohanaeze in Enugu tried to impose a candidate on the Lagos chapter. They took him to court to contest his election.

  • Ohanaeze Ndigbo president seeks unity among members

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo president seeks unity among members

    President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State chapter, Chief Solomon Aguene, has called for unity and cooperation among members.

    Speaking at a news conference held at the group’s secretariat in Surulere, Lagos State, Aguene noted that

    four years of his tenure did not count as a result of constant visits to courts.

    He said his tenure properly began as the president, after court judgment reinstating him as president was passed.

    Read Also: Power sector worse off 12 years after privatisation – NLC

    The president said all bickering had been addressed, adding that he had two more years in office.

    He urged the public to disregard any information aimed at creating disunity among the Igbo, noting that Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide leader, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, would not disobey court judgment affirming him as the president of the association in Lagos State.

    “Chief Iwuanyanwu’s visit is not all about addressing the issues hovering around Ohanaeze in Lagos. Instead, he showed interest in working with me to make things better,” he said.

    Political women leader of the group, Dr. Ugoeze Obi, described the president as a peaceful man, saying she would vote for him a million times.

    She added that the group was in support of his leadership since the court had ruled in his favour.

  • MASSOB disagrees with Ohanaeze Ndigbo on Obasanjo’s appointment of Igbo 

    MASSOB disagrees with Ohanaeze Ndigbo on Obasanjo’s appointment of Igbo 

    The leadership of Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has disagreed with Ohanaeze Ndigbo for positing that former  President Olusegun Obasanjo allegedly appointed some Igbo into sensitive positions during his tenure.

    While it hailed the efforts of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group towards ensuring the freedom of the detained Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, MASSOB, however, disagreed with Ohanaeze in principles, stressing that the agitation for Biafra was started during Obasanjo’s administration.

    Read Also: Ohanaeze Ndigbo lauds Uzodimma’s reelection

    It, however, appreciated the efforts of the MASSOB leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike and some political leaders in the Southeast for working  to ensure the release of Kanu, but urged them to do more to effect his immediate release .

    In a statement yesterday by the Director of Information,  Chris Mocha,  BIM/MASSOB recalled that for about 30 years after the civil war, Igbo nation had suffered internal colonialism, exploitation, apartheid, indignity, exclusion and marginalisation in silence, “hoping and praying to God that a Moses will emerge one day and tell Nigerian pharaohs let my people go.”

  • IPOB warns Ohanaeze Ndigbo over call for restructuring

    IPOB warns Ohanaeze Ndigbo over call for restructuring

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has warned Ohanaeze Ndigbo chieftains to be careful how they discuss the issue of restructuring.

    The group was reacting to a statement credited to one Abuja-based Ohaneze Ndigbo chieftain, Barrister Augustine Amaechi claiming that Ohaneze Ndigbo wants restructuring not a referendum.

    The group said that those calling for restructuring are not doing so on behalf of the IPOB, insisting that Biafra would not go back on its demand for a referendum.

    In a statement yesterday, the pro-separatist group’s Media and Publicity Secretary,  Emma Powerful, said no group should truncate the demand for a referendum as that would be a sure way to solve Nigeria’s major problems.

    He said:  “The attention of the global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been drawn to the unguarded statements credited to one Abuja-based Ohaneze Ndigbo chieftain, Barrister Augustine Amaechi claiming that Ohaneze Ndigbo wants restructuring not referendum.

    “IPOB members and supporters worldwide represent over 90% of Biafrans. We have made it clear to the Nigeria government and the international community that Biafrans want a referendum to democratically decide to either remain in Nigeria or exit Nigeria. This is our only demand.

    Read Also: INEC to parties: Stop malicious rumour mongering

    “We are not going back on our demand for a UN supervised referendum in Nigeria for the determination of Biafra Independence. Once the Nigeria government heeds our democratic demand for a Biafra referendum, Nigeria’s major problem will be solved.

    “The era of anyone with a redcap, claiming to be an elder speaking for Ndigbo is over and gone for good.  So Abuja politicians must take note and advise themselves properly.

    “The treacherous activities of some Igbo political jobbers surrounded by their urchins have endangered Alaigbo, our people, and the economic underpinnings of our culture.”

    He warned Ohanaeze Ndigbo to stop its anti -people’s politics that had denigrated Ndigbo in Nigeria.

    “These individuals in Ohaneze Ndigbo should stop their anti-people politics that have denigrated Ndigbo in Nigeria. Ohaneze Ndigbo group and every patriotic Biafran must understand that Biafra referendum and independence will end marginalization, nepotism, insecurities, and criminalities while ushering in fast development, rapid job creation for the jobless youths in a Biafra Nation.”

  • Ohanaeze, others back ban on herders’ movement in Southeast

    SOUTHEAST governors were at the weekend hailed for banning the movement of herders and cattle from one community to the other in their region.

    Stakeholders in Ebonyi, Anambra and Abia and Enugu states including the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, threw their weight behind the governors’ decision to restrict the herdsmen and their flocks in the Southeast.

    The governors, under the auspices of the Southeast Governors’ Forum (SGF) at a meeting in Enugu on Saturday with enlarged stakeholders, including religious leaders, announced the decision to restrict the movement of cattle and herdsmen across farmlands.

    Ohanaeze’s deputy spokesman Chuks Ibegbu said the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, being part of the decision to checkmate the movement of herdsmen in the zone, was in total support of it.

    He said: “It is a welcome development. We are not against their movement but there must be rules. Moving from one state to other without regulations is the main cause of the clashes between farmers and herders.

    “Ohanaeze endorses the decision. Nobody is stopping the herdsmen from carrying on with their business, but they should be regulated to avoid ugly clashes.”

    He said it would also guarantee safety of farmers and guarantee increase in agricultural products.

    Some of the stakeholders called for more proactive measures to nip the excesses of herdsmen in the bud in the zone.

    Read Also: Ohaneze Youths to FG: free El-Zakzaky

    Others, who pushed for the establishment of state police, argued that the federal security agencies have been overwhelmed in tackling the growing insecurity in the region.

    Speaking to our reporter in Aba, Gilbert Ezechukwu, a public commentator, said: “The only way to address this Fulani issue is by ensuring that state police is effective. If we rely on the police and other security agencies, we will still be getting the same result that we have been getting over the years.

    “For me, police, army, DSS are overwhelmed and can’t do more than they have done till date. Let us try state police; it will give the state government options of engaging more hands in our rural areas. What the state police will do is to compliment the federal security agencies.

    “This has been tried in the US and other advanced countries and it has worked. We should diversify our security strategy if we must make a positive impact with maximum impact.”

    Aba lawyer Emperor Ogbonna said: “I think the governors are right in their position. Nobody is against the Fulani in any ramification, but the problem is that the herdsmen are offending clear laws.

    “The anti-open grazing law is a law passed by almost every state in the Southeast, and the law prohibits taking cows around the place and constituting a nuisance. Despite the law, the herdsmen behave as if that law never exists.

    “So, the stand of the governors echoes the laws of the states that nobody should take cattle and be parading around the states and causing trouble.

    “The cows constitute a nuisance when they block the roads and eat up plants. Also, banning the herdsmen from carrying arms is a welcome development. It is in line with the law too.

    “No sane governor will sit idle and see his people being massacred and do nothing. The law of Nigeria says freedom of movement, but that does not cover the movement of animals. Nobody is banning Herdsmen in Southeast but we are banning their cows moving around. Ranching is the acceptable way of animal rearing all over the world and Nigeria should not be left out

    In Awka, Charles Amilo, a former Commissioner for Information under erstwhile Governor Chris Ngige, alleged that herders were using guns to terrorise their hosts.

    He told The Nation: “The Federal Government has not been tough on them and that is the reason they keep carrying guns. The Southeast governors are just implementing the existing law because the only people authorised to carry guns are the military, the police and other security outfits.”

     

  • Why we shunned peace meeting, by Ohanaeze

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo said it shunned the Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar roundtable on insecurity because the group and other socio-cultural organisations like PANDEF, Afenifere and Middle Belt Forum, were lumped together with Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) and killer herdsmen.

    A statement by its Deputy Publicity Secretary, Chuks Ibegbu, reads: “We are not against Gen. Abdusalami’s move to end insecurity in Nigeria, but proper things should be done properly. Apex socio-cultural groups in the country should not be on the same pedestal with an association of cattle breeders. Miyetti Allah should have a roundtable with fishers, farmers, goat breeders, poultry farmers and artisans who are in same category with them.”

    Read Also: Drones, CCTVs to fight insecurity in Southwest

    The group warned countries trying to destabilise Nigeria with religion to desist in their own interest, even as it warned against religious conflict and extremism in Nigeria.

    “Whether Arabic, European, Asian or even traditional religionists, we cannot compromise the secularity of Nigeria. Where one man’s rights end, another man’s own begins, and nobody knows it all in matters of religion,” the statement added.

  • Outrage over deadline on cattle settlement project

    Governors were calling for calm on Thursday, following the anger that trailed a 30-day ultimatum issued by some youths in the North, who said the Federal Government should implement the controversial cattle settlement policy before July 3.

    The Northern Governors’ Forum called for calm but the Ohanaeze Ndigbo urged its members residing outside the Southeast to defend themselves.

    Besides, some legal giants dismissed the ultimatum as illegal and of no consequence.

    Addressing reporters in Abuja on Wednesday, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, attacked Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for dissociating himself from the policy.

    Suleiman threatened that the hitherto unknown group will resort to a line of action after the expiration of the ultimatum on July 3. He did not specify the action, but the CNG also threatened to expel all non-northerners in the North if the president failed to do its bidding.

    In a communique, the group criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo over his Islamisation and Fulanisation remarks.

    Part of the communique reads: “Accordingly, we remind the nation that so long as the Fulani would not be allowed to enjoy their citizens’ right of living and flourishing in any part of this country, including the South, no one should also expect us to allow any southerner to enjoy the same in northern Nigeria.”

    But, the 19 Northern state governors cautioned the group to refrain from provocative comments following the suspension of the implementation of the controversial cattle settlement policy.

    The governors urged the CNG to engage stakeholders on a better way forward.

    President Muhammadu Buhari suspended the implementation of the multi-billion naira Ruga project aimed at ending incessant herders/farmers’ clashes following public outcry.

    NGF Chairman and Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong called for total restraint by the coalition.

    In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, the governor also urged the coalition to allow the government handle the matter, assuring it that the government will come out with a solution that will be beneficial to all.

    Read Also: Why Buhari suspended cattle settlement project

    The statement reads: “With the ensuing development following the announcement of the suspension of the Rug: resettlement initiative by the Federal Government yesterday, it has become pertinent for me as Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum to make clarifications on the true position in order to calm nerves.

    “We have acknowledged the varied responses that have been coming in throughout the hours after the announcement of the suspension, which we see as part of the beauty of democracy which allows citizens to participate in shaping and moderating the functions of government with regards to matters of public interest.

    “Meanwhile we urge all stakeholders and all shades of interested parties, especially from the North, to remain calm and air their views democratically and decently while allowing the government chance to handle the matter.

    “In the meantime, we are happy to announce that we are reaching out in engagement with major stakeholders in the matter, particularly in the North, after receiving the position of the leadership of the Coalition of Northern Groups with the hope of getting the public to fully understand the whole concept and the wisdom behind the decision by the government.

    “We acknowledge here the Coalition’s concerns and, in particular, its decency in urging the northern people to remain civil and resist the temptation to be drawn into anything untoward.

    “We are reassured that the leadership of the Coalition is genuinely and responsibly concerned with the betterment of the whole nation and with the well-being of the Northern region and people, in particular, and that it will continue to work for calm and understanding.

    “We assure everyone that at the end of the day, what is coming out of the suspension would tum out to be more beneficial and in the best interest of the whole nation. We are working on a complete package that comes with multi sectoral and multidimensional benefits that would serve the interest of all both in the short and long terms.

    “We once again urge for understanding and cooperation from all.”

    Ohanaeze warns

    The Ohanaeze Ndigbo issued on Thursday a fresh call to the Igbo to be ready to defend themselves wherever they are.

    In a statement, Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General Chief John Nnia Nwodo, said: “My attention has been drawn to a broadcast by Abdul Azeez Suleman, speaking for a Coalition of Northern Groups in which he had the audacity to give the Federal Government an ultimatum of 30 days to rescind its decision on the suspension of its Ruga settlements policy. Abdul went further to threaten the expulsion of southerners resident in the North at the expiration of his dateline if the Federal Government does not rescind its suspension decision.

    “This irresponsible, unlawful and provocative outburst reminds me of the quit notice from Northern Youths two years ago.

    “Ohanaeze insists that the Ruga policy is an Islamisation and Fulanisation policy. It is a violation of our constitution and Supreme Court decisions on the Land Use Act. Its suspension without cancelation leaves the Federal Government still in violation of our laws.

    “The threat to evict law abiding Nigerians from their places of abode in Northern Nigeria is treasonable and obviously like the gun trotting herdsmen will go unnoticed by our federally-controlled law enforcement agencies. Let Abdul, the Federal Government and others like them take notice that Ohanaeze has no objections to all Igbo in the North returning home so long as all Northerners in the East leave the East and we dismantle the federal structure imposed on us by the military and return to autonomous federating units.

    “The nepotism exhibited by this Federal Government, her duplicity of standards in law enforcement, her undisguised Fulanisation policy is repugnant to rule of law and good governance. We will no longer tolerate any further threats from these Northern war mongers.

    “After all, who should be the aggrieved under the circumstance?  The millipede that has been marched is whimpering, but the person that marched it is complaining that his foot has been soiled.

    “The South that is bearing the yoke of oppression from cattle herders are trying their best to co-exist with their aggressors, yet it is the aggressors that are threatening further mayhem. This cannot be. I call on all Igbo to be ready to defend themselves; enough of these threats!”