Ohaneze Ndigbo reinstates position of Igbos in Nigeria

The apex socio-cultural organisation of Nigerian citizens of South-East origin, Ohaneze Ndigbo  has restated its commitment to Nigeria’s unity amidst calls by some for the secession of the region from Nigeria.

Leaders of the organisation spoke at a meeting which held yesterday tagged the ‘Igbo Unity Forum’ which was hosted by Imo state Governor Rochas Okorocha at the International Convention Centre in Owerri.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo maintained that the Igbo constituted the third largest ethnic group in Nigeria and is a co-owner of the country which cannot be put down by any other ethnic group.

The leaders equally maintained that the Ndigbo have what it takes to solve any problem that might arise in the region. Ohaneze President-General Gary Enwo Igariwe, who described the meeting as critical to the rebuilding of Igbo land, said:

“We should come together and solve our problems. We are known for our resilience and industry. Thirty per cent of investments in Lagos and Abuja is owned by Ndigbo but now we are calling on our people to think home and build another Abuja in Igbo land.

“We should invest at home to create jobs for our people. So, today is a special day because we have decided as a people to close ranks and proffer solutions to our problems.”

The Nation reports that the meeting was attended by Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Enugu State Deputy Governor Cicilia Ezeilo, former governors of old Anambra State Jim Nwobodo and Chukwuemeka Ezeife – Imo State Deputy Governor  Eze Madumere and industrialist Pascal Dozie.

Other dignitaries at the meeting included former Chief of General Staff in the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida military regime, commodore Ebitu Ukiwe and former Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Alison Madueke (rtd).

Commodore Ukiwe urged the Igbo to forget the past and look forward, “We should forget about the past; there is nothing to regret about and we cannot be intimidated by anyone.”