*Diaspora Igbo tackles FG over IPOB
*Seeks synergy on Ebube – agu, ESN
By Ezeocha Nzeh
As tensions heightens over fearful and challenging insecurity in the South East, Governors and opinion leaders in the zone went into another a closed-door security meeting at the Government House, Enugu State yeserday.
The meeting which The AUTHORITY gathered was hurriedly convene by the South East Governor Forum chairman, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi state, few hours after the gruesome killing of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) commander, Ikonso, along with six members of the group, which was followed by a retaliatory burning of the Omuma country home of the Imo state Governor, Hope Uzodimma, as well as the killing of about six people at the premises
The meeting which had in attendance all the Five South East state governors also had some Igbo traditional rulers, yncluding he Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, leaders of religious groups, Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Anglican Province, Emmanuel Chukwuma, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, George Obiozor, as well as former Governor of Old Anambra state, Jim Nwobodo and Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, among others
This is the second security meeting called at the instance of the South-East Governor’s Forum in the last two weeks which might not be unconnected to the worsening security situation in the zone.
In the latest security breach in the region, hoodlums on Saturday attacked the country home of Imo governor, Hope Uzodinma, in Omuma, during which part of the building and some vehicles were burnt down. Also a combine team of Nigeria Army, Police, DSS and other security agencies had stormed the IPOB headquarters in Awomama, Oru East, where they faced a cruel battle with IPOB members that led to the killing of Ikonso and six other IOPOB members. Some officers of the security agencies were also said to have sustained various injuries at the gun duel
Also, in its response to the challenging insecurity in the zone, Ndigbo in diaspora, under the auspices of Igbo World Assembly , IWA has condemned the Federal Government’s position and declaration of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB)as a terrorist organisation.
This is even as the group urged the South East Governors to develop a synergy that could facilitate the understanding and embracing of Igbo Town Unions vigilance groups including Ebubeagu and Eastern Security Network, (ESN) to work together for the security of the Igbo communities
IWA in a statement issued at weekend and signed jointly by its Chairman, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, Vice Chairman Christian Onuorah and Secretary, General Oliver Nwankor, expressed its concerms on the disparity in the federal government’s handling of Boko Haram terrorists, Fulani herdsmen and the IPOB activities, regretting that while government may have spared herdsmen that are the real killers, murderers, kidnappers and rapists, it has continuously killed and attacked the harmless IPOB members
“These Fulani herdsmen terrorists who are the real terrorist are treated with kid’s gloves by the government while turning around to hound IPOB members who, as far as we are concerned, are not terrorists, but are freedom fighters agitating for a better deal for their people
“We support civil defense in every part of Igbo land in anticipation of nefarious activities in their respective areas of concerns”, the statement added.
IWA emphasised that it was time for diversification of strategies that would allow room for multiple options at all times.
“We should always put our “smartest” men and women that are skilled in diplomacy at the helm of Igbo affairs. These men and women must be ready and willing to genuinely represent Igbo interest at the center, Nigeria and the world at large.
“We need a wealth of knowledge in understanding of diplomacy and alliance building for the people of the Southeast to form coalitions and alliances with the people of the Southwest, South-South, Middle Belt regions and others.
“Because the great Zik and Awo alliance did not work out well in the past, does not mean that the Igbo and the Yoruba cannot achieve this alliance today. We need each other for the Yoruba and Igbo to survive in our journeys to justice. In politics there is no permanent enemies or permanent friends, only permanent interests”, IWA explained.
According to IWA, the Igbo extraction need multiple options at all times with one common Igbo Agenda that is tied into One Ohanaeze Ndiigbo perspective.
“We need a Nigeria where measured autonomy and self-determination is front, back and centre. Ohanaeze Ndiigbo should continue with a refocused push for restructuring Nigeria into an independent regional system”
IWA also called on Igbo youths to avoiding unnecessary in-fighting and rally behind Ohanaeze Ndi-igbo to actualize an enhanced viability and true freedom to broker the “Igbo agenda”
