OHANEZE NDIGBO RETREAT: DEMANDS RELEASE OF NNAMDI KANU, IMPROVEMENT ON SECURITY, ECONOMY
REPORTER: EMEFIENA OKONKWO
The Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization “Ohaneze Ndigbo,” has called for an end to insecurity in the South-East Zone and Nigeria at large.
The group made the call at the end of an extra ordinary retreat, which was held at old Governor’s lodge, Enugu.
Ohaneze Ndigbo urged state governors in the zone to evolve robust security architecture that would integrate local vigilantes with regular security agencies and condemned wanton destruction of lives, agriculture and public infrastructure.
Participants in the retreat took out time to harp on the need for sincere dialogue, reconciliation and harmonious co-existence among the various ethnic groups that make up the country.
As part of the submissions, the President-General Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, noted that among other committees, the group had instituted the committee on reconciliation and peace building in the country, headed by a scholar, Dr. Dominic Okechukwu.
This he said was to ensure harmonious co-existence between Igbos and other ethnic groups in the country.
Chief Iwuanyanwu appealed to the Federal Government to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and called for an end to the insecurity in the South-East Zone and the country at large.
In her submission, the President, Umuada Igbo Nigeria and in the diaspora, Lolo Kate Ezeofor, appealed for peace in Igboland.
She urged youths to shun violence and embrace dialogue as a way of resolving differences with government and multinational companies.
Earlier in a keynote speech, the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Ifeanyi Osai, who represented the Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, highlighted the economic importance of of rail transport integration in the South-East, development of inland water ways and ports as well as resuscitation of the coal industry and its value chain.
Two of the clergmen that attended the retreat, Monsignor Obiora Ike and the most the Reverend Emmanuel Chukwuma, reminded the people, especially youths of the sanctity of human life.
Other eminent personalities, who made submissions, including a former Chief of Naval Staff, retired Admiral Allison Madueke; a former Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo; Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, FUTO, Owerri, Imo State, Professor Nnenna Oti; Professor Okey Ikechukwu and Dr Nnaemeka Obiaraeri as well as renowned business man, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, lamented that the insecurity in the South-East zone had significantly affected agriculture and commerce.
The called on youths to imbibe wisdom in their every day life and not ignore the wise counsel of elders, as well as embrace industry and creativity.
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
