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Ohanaeze Ndigbo condemns killings in Enugu, Ebonyi, others; Commiserates with NEF over Unongo’s demise
By Victor Nwachukwu
Owerri, Dec. 1, 2022
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Igbo people, has condemned killings in parts of Enugu and Ebonyi states.
Chairman, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Council of Elders, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, condemned the killings while addressing newsmen in Owerri, on Thursday.
Iwuanyanwu, an elder statesman, frowned at the “wanton destruction of lives and property” in the South-East geo-political zone, adding that the attacks have made many Igbo people homeless in their ancestral land.
He condoled with affected families and communities and described the situation as a declaration of hostility against the Igbo people.
“Many Igbos, especially in the border with Benue and Kogi states, have fled from their homes and are now homeless, with many killed. There are similar experiences in some parts of Ebonyi, especially those near the border with northern states.
“The Ohanaeze Council of Elders views this situation as a declaration of hostility against the Igbos. Make no mistake about it, any attack on an Igbo man anywhere is an attack on all Igbos,” he said.
He, however, called on South-East governors and the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Amb. George Obiozor, to immediately convene a meeting of South-East leaders to proffer solutions to the ugly situation.
He added that Ohanaeze would set up a relief committee to support all Igbos who have recently suffered from armed invasion and flooding.
He appealed to business leaders of Igbo extraction as well as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and others to rally round victims of invasion and flooding to alleviate their sufferings.
“The burden of catering for the welfare of the affected Igbos requires the contribution and assistance of Igbo men and women in business.
“We also appeal to the Federal Government to take steps to stop this unwarranted violation of rights of our people,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has commiserated with the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) on the death of its former leader and second republic minister of the federation, Chief Paul Unongo.
This is contained in a release signed by the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mr. Alex Ogbonnia and made available to newsmen in Owerri on Thursday.
Ogbonnia described Unongo as a foremost patriot, astute administrator, bridge builder, moral edifice, elder statesman, courageous, and sagacious politician.
He further described him as an apostle of excellence, a social crusader and political activist with firm belief in Nigeria ‘s nationhood as evidenced by his donation of six shillings in support of the Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe led Zikist movement in 1946.
”Unongo was an embodiment of restructuring Nigeria for effective and efficient service delivery who, while remaining culturally and emotionally attached to his native Tiv ethnic origin, never lost his Northern orientation and the need for sustainable relationship with the other parts of the country based on equity, justice and fairness.
” The dispositions, mutual tolerance, elderly moderations of the Unongo quintessence in the NEF have no doubt added profound values to the Nigerian democratic dispensation.
” One is left to guess the feelings of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo that Unongo has departed at a critical point his wise counsel is most needed.
” Ohanaeze Ndigbo, led by Prof. George Obiozor, and indeed the entire Ndigbo (Igbo people), send our condolences to the immediate Unongo family; the Governor of Benue, Samuel Ortom and the good people of Benue.
” We also send our condolences to the Paramount Ruler of the Tiv Nation, Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse; Prof. Ango Abdullahi and the Northern Elders Forum; and indeed, the community of Nigerian patriots.
” It is our prayers that the Almighty will grant his soul an eternal rest in his bosom,” he said.
