The apex Igbo socio-political organization, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has described as suspicious, the nature and motives of the alliance being sought by the Northern leaders.
The National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prince Uche Achi- Okpaga, told Punch in Enugu that the alliance could be just for the purpose of the 2019 general elections.
The spokesperson, who stressed that Ohanaeze was not a political party, added that it would not enter into “any political alliance.”
He explained that the Northern elders and leaders should first advise President Muhammadu Buhari, their kinsman, to treat all Nigerians, particularly the South, as equals before proposing an alliance with the southerners.
He said, “Ohanaeze is not a political party and will not engage in any partisan political alliance. We have a mandate of protecting the interest of the lgbo , but that does mean we should dabble into partisan political alliance.
“In my opinion, any alliance without equality of the various regions will only breed misgivings and discontent.
“The present government has sharply divided the country, making it a replica of George Orwell ’s Animal Farm, where some animals became more equal than others.
“I wish they (Northern leaders ) would , first of all, advise the present government to see Nigerians as equal citizens before seeking political alliance.
“What kind of alliance would you seek from regions when the lives of cattle are valued over the precious lives of citizens?
“For now, the air of inequality and divisiveness strongly radiates Nigeria and the idea of alliance would be seen as a hoax bearing in mind that the 2019 elections is the target.”
He pointed out that the North may not abide by the terms and conditions of the proposed alliance, since the Buhari’s administration had continued to renege on promises made to Nigerians.
He added, “The present government made promises to some regions that were reneged on.
“The government jettisoned restructuring and claimed not to understand it. It promised to sell fuel at N40 per litre. Today, it sells for N200 and above.
“What is the guarantee that the alliance and the attendant conditions will stand after the 2019 elections.”
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