President Ohanaeze Ndigbo:Forget Biafra, insist on restructuring--- Said Chief John Nwodo

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PRESIDENT-GENERAL of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nwodo, explained yesterday that the agitation for the restoration of Biafra is not Igbo agenda, noting that the restructuring of the polity is and remains the position of Ndigbo in the ongoing debate about the future of the country. Nwodo said this in Umuahia at the third inauguration of the state and local government executives committees of the Abia state chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. According to the Ohanaeze President General,

the restoration of Biafra was a tall order given the constitutional road-blocks, saying pursuing Biafra’s restoration will not be in the overall interest of the Igbo in their socio-economic and political relationships with other sections of the country. Youths’ anger justufied, but… “We should forget Biafra and insist on restructuring,” Nwodo said, adding, however, that no Igbo is happy with the situation of things in Nigeria, noting that “we must seek for peaceful ways of resolving the issues.”

Nwodo said while the youths were justified in expressing their anger at the way Ndigbo were being marginalised in national affairs, they should moderate their actions and words, pointing out that hate speech will not resolve any problem. The Ohanaeze leader explained that in their engagement with IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu and his followers were urged to tone down their words and desist from denigrating people and groups. Ikpeazu’s comments In his remarks, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State said Nigeria and the world at large were passing through perilous times, hence the need to seek for amicable ways to resolve issues.

“We believe in justice, equity and fairness; I believe in live and lets live,” Governor Ikpeazu said, pointing out that nobody takes delight in being oppressed. The governor advised Igbo youths to learn to respect leaders and listen to advice of elders instead of embarking on agitations to express their frustrations.

Ikpeazu said that henceforth, youths and any Igbo person or group that has grievances should complain to Ohanaeze, which would take the matter up with the appropriate authorities.