DISTURBED by what increasing protests and agitation for a Biafra
Republic portend, leaders of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization,
Ohanaeze Ndigbo and some affiliate groups have resolved to embark on
wide consultations with all stakeholders to take a common position on
the issue.
This was one of the decisions the leaders took after a two-day meeting in Lagos, yesterday, sources at the meeting told Vanguard.
The leaders, including Ohanaeze President-General, Chief Gary Enwo
Igariwey; Professor George Obiozor; Second Republic politician, Chief
Guy Ikokwu; National Secretary, Ohanaeze Youths, Okwu Nnabuike among
others, when asked their view on Biafra, declined comments until the end
of the consultations “in a few days.”
However, to ensure harmonious relations between Ndigbo and their
hosts all over the world, especially in Nigeria, they prohibited the
crowning of Eze Ndigbo outside Igboland. They specifically
prohibited the use of the following appellations: His Royal Majesty, His
Royal Highness, His Highness and His Imperial Majesty.
This came as President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, said that in
spite of challenges, Nigerians are determined to remain together as a
united country just as the pro-Biafra protests continued in Umuahia, the
Abia State capital and at Nnamdi Kanu’s home. Nnamdi Kanu is the
Director of Radio Biafra, who is still being detained by the Federal
Government.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Army has vowed to crush any insurrection and
restore law and order, if called upon as Imo State Governor, Owelle
Rochas Okorocha, after listening to leaders of the Movement for the
Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, called for
urgent restructuring of the country to contain the widening disquiet and
discontent.
Ohanaeze consults on Biafra, outlaws Eze Ndi Igbo in diaspora
It was gathered that given the sensitivity of the Biafra matter,
Ohanaeze leaders have commenced consultations with prominent Igbo
leaders on how to have a common stand on the issue.
Said the source: “Ohanaeze and some statesmen in Igbo land are being
circumspect. But I can tell you that they are not on the same page on
this sensitive matter. The good thing is that they want the country
restructured in line with the recommendations of the National Confab.
“The South-East deserves an equitable share in this country, but as
things are today, the zone is obviously marginalised. That is what those
boys are protesting for. They want a country where every region will be
treated fairly. I can assure you that Ndigbo will speak with one voice
on the issue in a matter of days.”
In the interim, Ohanaeze Ndigbo outlawed the crowing of Eze Ndigbo
outside Igboland, warning that no Igbo leader in diaspora should flaunt
himself as a traditional ruler.
The group said at a forum jointly convened by the Igbo-speaking
Community Lagos State, Aka Ikenga, Otu Okaiwu and Ndigbo Lagos to
address the controversies surrounding the existence of Eze Igbo in
diaspora.
A communiqué signed by Igariwey; National Secretary of Ohanaeze Youth
Wing, Mr. Okwu Nnabuike and other Igbo leaders in attendance, warned
that any Eze found violating the order on the crowning of Eze Ndi-Igbo
would be sanctioned.
The statement read in part: “Under the leadership of Ohanaeze
Ndi-Igbo on November 15, 2015, it was agreed that the crowning of Eze
Ndi-Igbo outside Igbo land is hereby prohibited until the final
regulation and pronouncement by the apex body of Ndi Igbo leadership.
“None of the Ezes has any right whatsoever to use the appellations of
the title: His Royal Majesty, His Royal Highness, His Highness and His
Imperial Majesty. None of the Ezes has any right whatsoever to use such
titles on their complimentary cards and signboards.”
Our people want to remain together — Buhari
Speaking at the launching of the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem
at the Presidential Villa, Buhari said: “Today’s occasion reminds us of
the need to appreciate the noble contributions of our fallen heroes who
paid the supreme sacrifice to maintain national and international peace
and security.
“Our nation has recently celebrated 55 years of political
independence and continues to remain as one indivisible entity despite
several grievous challenges. Since independence, Nigeria has witnessed a
lot of internal strife, survived a civil war and has remained united.
“This feat achieved by the country is an eloquent testimony to the
determination of our citizens to remain as one people. The sacrifices
of our fallen heroes, heroines, and veterans who rose up to the security
challenges cannot go unnoticed.
Pro-Biafra group protest in Umuahia, Nnamdi Kanu’s home town
Pro-Biafra protesters, yesterday, carried their “release Nnamdi-Kanu”
protest to Umuahia and the home town of Nnamdi Kanu, marching through
the major streets of the city under the watch of security agents.
The protesters, who are members of the Indigenous People of Biafra
(IPOB) and MASSOB demanded the release of the promoter of Radio Biafra,
Nnamdi Kanu, who was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS)
over alleged anti-Nigerian Government comments on Radio Biafra.
The march in Umuahia was part of the threat by the pro-Biafra groups
to take the protest to all the states of the South-East before going to
Abuja, if Kanu was not released.
However, economic and social activities were not disrupted as
offices, markets and shops remained open as residents went about their
normal businesses. Numbering about 500, the protesters peacefully
marched through Isi Court in Umuahia South Local Council, through Aba
and Umuwaya, Bende and Enugu roads. They marched around the city
carrying the portrait of Kanu and the Biafran flag while chanting songs
of freedom.
Meanwhile, before the arrival of the protesters, a combined team of
security agencies including police, army and civil defence had mounted
surveillance at strategic locations in the city like the Government
House and Isi Gate even as convoy of heavily armed security personnel
patrolled the city with armoured personnel carrier.
Earlier, before the protesters surfaced, Abia Government had said in a
radio announcement that it received disturbing reports that some people
under the aegis of MASSOB had planned to disrupt the peace of Umuahia
on Monday, and alleged that it was being sponsored by an unnamed
politician.
Signed by the new Information Commissioner, Comrade Bonnie Iwuoha,
the government said: “While appreciating the rights of citizens to air
their views in a democracy, government will not condone lawless acts
that could impede the progress of the State.”
Release Kanu, Ibeku monarchs urge FG
Traditional rulers from Ibeku Ancient Kingdom have appealed to the
Federal Government to release one of their subjects, Nnamdi Kanu.
According to the traditional rulers, their appeal was based on the fact
that Kanu has the right to express his views in a democratic
environment.
The Ibeku monarchs who spoke through the chairman of their umbrella
union of Ibeku Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Henry Ezekwe, expressed
worry that they could lose an illustrious son like Nnmadi Kanu if
nothing is done urgently, saying Kanu has not committed any
extraordinary offence to warrant his long incarceration and warned that
if any harm befalls him, they would react appropriately.
The monarch lamented that the clan had lost prominent men in the past
such as General Aguiyi Ironsi, saying they would not want to lose
Prince Nnamdi Kanu.
In their contribution, Eze John Ibezim and Eze Chiabu Emelike urged
President Buhari to listen to the demands of the agitators and
international best practices on such issues instead of resorting to use
of force against them.
The traditional rulers called on the President to address issues of
marginalization and neglect which are some of the things the pro-Biafra
groups are complaining about.
I’ll be alive to actualize Biafra —Uwazuruike
Leader of MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, yesterday, charged members
of the movement to remain steadfast and focused in the revolutionary
struggle, saying the non-violence method adopted by MASSOB had become a
source of worry to the so-called northern socio-cultural group, Arewa
Consultative Forum, ACF, and the Nigerian military.
Uwazuruike insisted that there was no going back in his bid to
actualize Biafra now or never, stressing that he is in the struggle for
freedom not for any other person but for his own children who he said
desire a free country where their lives and property can be guaranteed
for security.
The MASSOB leader, who spoke through the Deputy National Director for
Information, Mazi Chris Mocha, weekend, at a special meeting of Enugu
West Senatorial District, in Nachi, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu
State, lamented that since Nigeria got her independence in 1960, it had
never guaranteed security of lives and property of Ndigbo, a situation
which he claimed persuaded him to seek independence of Biafra.
Army warns against felony, threatens to use force
The Nigerian Army, yesterday, said that it would not hesitate to use
necessary force within its Rules of Engagement, ROE, to suppress any
insurrection,if directed by President Buhari .
To this effect, it warned agitators for actualisation of Republic of
Biafra, saying that it would not fold its hands and watch them endanger
the security of the country,
Reviewing the Nigerian Army Rules of Engagement at the 81 Division
Officers Mess, Victoria Island, the General Officer Commanding 81
Division, Major General Isido Edet, said the Nigerian Army was
constitutionally obligated to, among other things, suppress insurrection
and act in aid of civil authority to restore order when called upon to
do so by the President.
He said: “It is in the public domain that certain elements are
agitating for seccession. Though they have been counselled by elder
statesmen that such exercise is not for the good of Nigerians because
we have gone through that lane before. We had a civil war and in some
areas we are yet to overcome the consequences of the civil war. For
people to start talking about the dismemberment of the country is the
most unfortunate thing at this point in time in our country.
‘’The Nigerian Army would like to send an unequivocal warning to all
and sundry, more specifically, to all those threatening and agitating
for the dismemberment of the country, those committing treasonable
felony and arson as well as wanton destruction of lives and property
that once the army is deployed, we shall apply ROE to the letter.”
He, however, wished that the present situation in the South-East
region of the country would not degenerate into a situation whereby the
army would be deployed, saying it could lead to the enforcement of its
ROE to the fullest.
He also warned officers and soldiers not to take sides in any
conflict or aid and abet any act of arson, vandalism or unprofessional
conduct, threatening that anyone found culpable would face the
consequences.
Major General Edet also assured Lagosians that there was no cause for
alarm over report on the influx of terrorists into the country,
disclosing that the 81 division was fully at alert.
Edet’s warning to the Biafran agitators was also re-echoed by the 82
Division of the Nigerian Army, which in a statement by Army Director of
Public Relations,Colonel Hamza Gambo, regretted that activities of
MASSOB, IPOB and other affiliate groups have led to an increased sense
of insecurity across the regions.
Also, the General Officer Commanding the 3rd Division of the Nigerian
Army, Hassan Umaru, said at a press conference in Maxwell Kobe
Cantonment, Rukuba, Plateau State, yesterday that “the Nigerian Army
would like to send an unequivocal warning to all and sundry, more
specifically to all those threatening and agitating for the
dismemberment of the country, committing treasonable felony and arson as
well as wanton destruction of lives and property.
“Once deployed, we shall apply the ROE to the latter. It is, however,
hoped that such circumstances would not arise that we should be
deployed on such operations because, within the ambit of the law, we
shall apply the ROE to the fullest,” he said.
FG must halt Pro-Biafra agitations —Makinde
Former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Rotimi Makinde,
however urged the Federal Government to halt the agitations because they
are politically motivated.
His words: “As a patriotic Nigerian, I condemn in strong terms the
potential threat to Nigeria’s unity as a result of the activities of
some pro-Biafra groups, which I believe is politically motivated by some
treacherous individuals.
“Nigerians have put behind them the ugly memories of 1967 to 1970;
Nigeria was the theatre of a cruel and bloody civil war that is commonly
known as Biafra War. The conflict allegedly originated from internal
crisis such as tribalism and political failures of the civil government
after the independence, as well from external influences by the
ex-colonial powers. The war, which ended with Biafra surrender,
confirmed the military as holder of power starting a long period of
political dominance in Nigeria history.
“Unfortunately, those who are currently behind the protests are
youths who have little or no idea of what the war cost Nigerians as well
as the collateral damage the country suffered as a result of the 30
months war. Although I believe very strongly that the campaign was being
driven by just a few people, though it is true that, majority of the
Igbo people do not share this secessionist view.
We must restructure Nigeria now —Okorocha
To curtail the pro-Biafra protests and other problems in the country,
Governor Okorocha called for the immediate restructuring of the
country. Okorocha gave the advice, yesterday, in Abuja while delivering a
lecture on “Managing Change in a Democracy” during the FRCN 2015 Annual
Lecture.
He said it was worrisome that since the nation’s independence in
1960, it is still battling with how to coexist as one nation devoid of
all the numerous problems of ethnicity and religion.
Okorocha, who also spoke of his meeting with leaders of the
secessionists MASSOB said Nigeria must wake up from its present
position, which he described as a sleeping giant to begin to do things
like most other nations of the world who take the issue of their
citizens seriously.
“There is a major issue that we must address urgently in Nigeria and
that is the issue of unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Today, I
must say that the only force holding Nigeria is God because all the
qualities and qualifications of nations that have broken, all of them
are here and all the characteristics of a broken nation are in Nigeria.
Look at the insurgency in the North-East, the crisis in the South and
the last election we had, yet we are still together, it means that God
is not done with us yet, we must thank God but we must also not take
this grace of God for granted.
“Our main problem is tribalism and sectionalism, some few months ago
when President Jonathan was in power. Some people from the South-South
and the Christians said it was their time. Today it is President Buhari
and some local Nigerians will say it is the time for northerners and
Muslims. No nation can develop in that manner.
“When the issue of MASSOB came, they ended their rally in Owerri
three days ago in Imo State and it was meant to be the main rally where
the catastrophe and destruction will happen. The information came to me
that MASSOB was coming to Imo State. With the consent of the President
and the Service Chiefs, I said no shooting, give them proper escort. So
they were followed with armoured tanks and military vehicles and they
went round, prayed at every junction and ended up in Imo State without a
drop of blood.
“But in the night, my chief of staff told me that he got a call from
somebody that the leadership of MASSOB wanted to see me, so I called Mr.
President and intimated him and he said I should go ahead and receive
them. So by 11 pm MASSOB arrived my house. When they came in you could
see people that for a very long time did not care to take their bath and
the first stood up to say ‘I am Late Dr. so, so and so, another said ‘I
am late Barr. Or Late Chief so, so and so’ and I told them that I don’t
communicate with dead people since they have ‘late’ attached to their
names. But they told me they have their reasons.
“They said that some of them were killed in the North-East and they
ran back home, they are not doing anything and most of them are orphans
and their children cannot go back to school and nobody cares to listen
to them. They also told me that they were part of the Niger Delta that
caused the problems there but when they gave them amnesty, they were not
given after surrendering their arms.
Third, they told me that in Lagos they locked up their shops and the
traditional ruler said they should jump into the lagoon. Number four,
that they have more than 160 corpses of their members litered all over
the country without burial. Number five, they said they want God to hear
them. When I asked if it is the reason they want to declare a nation,
they said they want everybody to know that the issue that led to Biafra
is still there. It is an ill wind that blows nobody any good, sometimes
our leaders have a role to play because every unemployed youth in this
country is a time bomb.”
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