The Ohanaeze Youth Council Worldwide , OYC, has backed South-East Governors over their decision and Position on the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
The OYC, however, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently commence the process of restructuring the country by marching words with action.
It could be re-called that at the heat generated by the launching of the Operation Pyhton Dance 2 and the subsequent clash between the military and the Biafra agitators, the Governors proscribed the IPOB.
In a communique they issued yesterday, which was signed by OYC President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Dr Arthur Obiora Dep National President, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike Sec General and Dr Kingsley Dozie, Barr Dikeadi John, the group described the decision of the Governors was “the need of the moment to avoid declaring state of emergency in South East.”
The OYC said though it was not averse to any action that would end the age-long marginalization of Ndigbo in Nigeria, it was totally against any such action that leads to loss of lives.
According to them, “we are saddened by the level of confrontation between the Nigerian Army and the Biafra agitators and the consequent death of many Igbo youths in the process.
“We are also sad over the reported death of a policeman during this unfortunate but avoidable incident. We say avoidable in the sense that but for the launching of the Operation Python Dance 2, there was already a reasonable level of discussion between us and the agitators.
“We are equally aware that the South-East Governors were also in discussion with the agitators before the military launched its action.
“However, considering the level of destruction and ruins that could have erupted, we applaud the South-East governors for rising to the occasion. It was indeed the need of the moment. We cannot afford to continue to lose the life of our people, in addition to over 3 million killed during the Civil war.”
The OYC, however, noted that proscribing the IPOB was a merely a temporary measure, stressing “if the root cause of these agitations were not addressed, it would not be any surprise if another group more daring than IPOB springs up in the future.
“To this end, we call on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to urgently march action with words by commencing a genuine process of restructuring this country and Total Withdrawal and suspension of Python Dance 2 and call for the release all biafra detainees.
“Why we affirm our belief in one and United Nigeria anchored on Justice and fairness , we insist that the country should be fair and just to all irrespective of ethnicity or religion. The Igbos are equally partners in the Nigerian Project and should, therefore, be treated fairly.
“We commend Gov Okezie ikpeazu of Abia State for his mature disposition in handling Aba crisis, and South-East National Assembly members led by Chief Ike Ekweremadu.
“May we also urge the President to pardon and release all the IPOB members arrested during the reported confrontation with the Military.”
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