Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation,
has appealed to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to suspend its planned
sit-at-home order.
IPOB had announced that it will lock down the south-east if
Nnamdi Kanu, its leader, is not released from detention by November 4.
Emma Powerful, IPOB spokesperson, said the lockdown will be
enforced between November 5 and 10.
The governorship election in Anambra state is billed to take
place on November 6.
Commenting on the development in a statement issued on
Wednesday, Chiedozie Ogbonnia, Ohanaeze spokesperson, said the lockdown may
disrupt the election and cause “untold hardship” for the people in the south-east.
“The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide pleads with the Indigenous
People of Biafra (IPOB) to reconsider the 7 days’ sit-at-home order in the
south-east of Nigeria from November 5 to November 11. This is to enable the
governorship election for Anambra State scheduled for November 6 to hold,” the
statement reads.
“It is important to note that Anambra state is the economic
live wire of the south-east with an impressive steady growth trajectory. For
instance, Anambra state showcases the best rural road network and rural
community development in the south-east if not in entire Nigeria.
“Anambra is home to the greatest number of small, medium and
large scale industries in the south-east. Most recently, Anambra has added a
cargo airport to its resource base. Above all, Onitsha is the largest market in
West Africa.
“The implication of the above illustration is that Anambra
state is the melting pot of Igbo traders and artisans. It stands to reason that
Anambra is the big Iroko tree that provides a shade for most Igbos. Apart from
the shade, it also hosts the numerous birds that perch on the branches.
Therefore any harm to the Iroko tree will create untold disastrous chain
reactions and catastrophe for the Igbo.
“While pleading with the IPOB to rescind the lock down plan,
Ohanaeze Ndigbo requests the chairman, south-east Governors Forum and the
Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Dave Umahi to convene an emergency meeting of
Igbo stakeholders and the Youth Leaders to address the legitimacy crisis in the
south-east, especially as it relates to Anambra State election and the
political solution for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“It is important to point out that one of the causes of the
crisis of confidence in the South East is because of the yawning gap between
the Youths and indeed the masses, on one side and the political leaders on the
other.
“Therefore, the
leadership of the various youth groups should not be excluded in any meeting
aimed at resolving the current crises in Igbo Land. In other words, the Youths
want to be fully convinced of our commitment to their plight.”
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