Chief Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa, Coordinator of Ohanaeze Youth Wing in
South South says the group was persuading Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to
adopt peaceful means and embrace dialogue.
Arthur-Ugwa who spoke in an interview with newsmen on Monday in
Yenagoa said that Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership was worried about the stigma
resulting from the activities of IPOB.
According to the youth leader, IPOB had attempted to disrupt the
may 21 rally on restructuring organised by Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Awka despite
pledges made by IPOB when Ohanaeze youth leadership met IPOB before the rally.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is an umbrella body for all Igbos of all
political persuations and by implication, they are part of Ohanaeze, but we are
worried about the stigma associated with their methods.
“We have extended an olive branch to them and we are still in
talks to persuade them to change their tactics and embrace peaceful and civil
means of venting grievances.
“Although we felt disappointed about IPOB’s failed attempts to
disrupt the rally we put together in Awka, they are our brothers and we feel
strongly that they not terrorists.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General, Chief John Nnia Nwodo has
spoken out and condemned the proscription of IPOB and vowed that the IPOB members killed during the military operation code named Operation python Dance get Justice by bringing their killers to book.
“We are all committed to working against the marginalisation of
Igbos, we in Ohanaeze and IPOB are unanimous on that but our methods differ,
and we have made it clear that restructuring will achieve the aspirations of
igbos.
“We are canvassing the views that a restructured Nigeria
will end marginalisation of any group and our leaders at the rally said that
Biafra came about due to marginalisation,” Arthur-Ugwa said.
He said that Ohanaeze Ndigbo is embarking on enlightenment of
its members across the federation on the essence of restructuring and its
benefits to all sections of the country and to reposition Igbos in a restricted
federation.
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