Mary Onyia
The Ohanaeze Nd’ Igbo on Thursday has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari, who was on a working visit to the state to inspect on-going projects and infrastructure in the state, on the need to set free countless numbers of Igbo youths detained across the country by security agents.
Speaking through its President, Professor George Obiozor, the apex Igbo socio- cultural group also implored President Buhari to give serious consideration to the dire security lapses in the state, while calling for a zonal and state security apparatus to compliment the efforts of the federal.
He said “Your Excellency, the most urgent and imperative need of Ndigbo today is security. The security of Ndigbo in Nigeria and beyond has become a compelling primary responsibility of serious concern for Ndigbo.
“Regrettably our South East Zone has recently become a theatre of conflict, negating the peace-loving nature of our people. In this context, Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls for the establishment of a zonal and state police apparatus to support and complement the existing Federal Security architecture.
“It is in this same vein that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, appeals to you, Mr. President, to see to the release of Igbo youths detained by various security agencies across the country.” Obiozor appealed.
Speaking on the unity of Nigeria, Professor Obiozor assured the President that Ndigbo are committed to Nigerian unity and there is news for those trying to push us out of Nigeria.” Ndigbo in Nigeria are like fish in the ocean, no matter how rough the storm is, it cannot drive the fish out of the ocean,” He stressed.
Obiozor explained to the President that, “in spite of all the threats of secessionism or separatism facing the country, there is no doubt that no secessionist element can succeed in Nigeria provided there is good governance based on equity, justice and fairness to all the citizens.
“Mr. President, it is in this context, that we see a new dawn in your distinguished presence in Igboland and believe that on your return to Abuja the significance and substance of this visit will form a new foundation of a platform for meaningful dialogue on critical issues of concern to the Igbo Nation,” the president of Ohanaeze stated.
Obiozor seized the opportunity to canvass for more infrastructural development in Igbo land besides the Niger bridge, appealing for good roads, railways, and ports to better-living conditions forthe people of the zone.