The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Council of Elders, worldwide, has said it plans to organize a peace summit to discuss ways to tackle insecurity in the country and especially in the South-East.
The council said this in a communique issued by its Chairman, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, on Friday in Abuja at the end of its meeting.
The council called on the Federal Government to unconditionally release Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB leader.
“The council took a decision on the need to make a peace summit. It was with the desire that Nnamdi Kanu should be released.
“We want a dialogue with his participation so that we can have peace in Nigeria, especially in the South-East.
“The council is therefore calling on the Federal Government and all concerned to release Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally. He cannot be in jail when there is an important summit,” Mr Iwuanyanwu said.
He added that the security situation in the country was a matter of concern, saying the council was worried about how the situation was worsening in the southeast.
‘enough is enough’
Mr. Iwuanyanwu noted that lives were lost, innocent people were bled, and government properties and institutions were destroyed.
In addition, the State and Federal Governments are using huge financial resources to fight pointless wars instead of providing infrastructure, education and health.
“The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Council of Elders, Worldwide has confirmed that it is enough.
“We must have a peace summit where we will call on all stakeholders including the agitators and the youth to forge a new path that will lead to lasting peace,” he said.
He expressed concern that most people in the region are unemployed including graduates, adding that the government’s policy on employment without ensuring the security of the country is nothing.
He added that the council as part of efforts to curb unemployment has agreed to address the issue at the moribund Niger Cement Company.
Mr. Iwuanyanwu said the company has the capacity to tackle unemployment in the Southeast.
“The committee chaired by Okwesilieze Nwodo has been prepared to mediate between the landlord which is the Ebonyi State Government and the investors to ensure the reactivation of the factory in 2023.
“We have also decided to review coal mining activities in the zone. We encourage business leaders to exploit the possibility of reactivating Coal Mining. This will create jobs and also increase the country’s GDP.
“In the area of culture, the council has also agreed to approach the State Government to reactivate cultural and school competitions in the states with inter-state finals held in Enugu,” he said.
He said the council also relates to many African-Americans in the United States who want to reconnect with their roots.
The council agreed to discuss with the state governor of the area to provide villages for resettlement as they are ready to come to develop the area, he said.
On Ndigbo secession, Mr. Iwuanyanwu said: “We have seen with dismay that people are still using the threat of secession for the benefit of the zone. Igbos have invested in almost all localities in Nigeria in terms of business, services and building properties.
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“So the talk of separation is being peddled without honesty. However, Ndigbo are only interested in justice and equality. When governments or groups deny us the opportunities that belong to us, including political and employment opportunities, we will not be happy,” he said.
Mr. Iwuanyanwu officially announced, according to Ndigbo tradition and custom, the discourse of George Obiozor, president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Worldwide.
“Today marks the beginning of official mourning by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Council of Elders.
“This council will make a strong delegation including government officials who are members, captains of industry. Our members who are in academia, religious and traditional institutions, and others will represent us at the funeral,” he said.
He said the council also contemplated the death and burial of its leader, Mbazulike Amechi, saying he ensured peace returned to the country and Igbo land in particular.
The meeting was attended by Okwesilieze Nwodo, Achike Udenwa, Tim Menakaya, Ben Obi, Cletus Ilomuanya, Kema Chikwe, Eddy Onuoha and Julius Ucha among others.
(IN)
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