The delay in launching the Ebubeagu security outfit by Southeast governors since it was announced many months ago, has been described as shocking and unacceptable to Ndigbo worldwide.
President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof George Obiozor who made this known on Monday in Enugu, quickly appealed to the governors to take urgent action in launching Ebubeagu Security outfit in the region without delay.
In a statement he made available to journalists in Enugu obtained by our Reporter on Tuesday, Obiozor said Ndigbo should do everything to end violence in the region. The statement was issued to mark the annual celebration of Igbo day billed for September 29, 2021.
His word “To the South-East Governor’s the delay in launching Ebubeagu security outfit is an embarrassment. I strongly appeal to the governors without further hesitation to consolidate and launch Ebubeagu security architecture, in the South-East.
“The security situation in the Southeast makes this call urgent and imperative. Our people must have a security networking agency that is under their control and capable of identifying both internal and external security threats in Igbo land”.
The Ohanaeze boss also called for a return to normalcy in Igbo land saying “Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, traditional rulers and stakeholders call for an end towards anarchy in Igbo land. Our youths particularly the leaders of IPOB, should take notice of the danger violence has posed in Igbo land.
“Ndigbo must avoid being a race that has voluntarily chosen to perish in violence and insecurity, and we must stop threatening ourselves and there must be a stop to violence and violence rhetoric. Something other than the initial objectives of IPOB is taking place and it is dangerous.
“Today, what we are seeing in Igbo land is not liberation but Ala Igbo destruction and devastation. It is a national tragedy for Igbos. The liberty and freedom of Ndigbo are threatened internally and externally. I call on IPOB leaders to reassert the authority and control of the organization.
“To our son Nnamdi Kanu himself, what good is it to have the greatest dream in the world, if others reap the benefit and glory. In history, there is only a thin line between a Hero and a villain. The greatest tragedy for any leader in history is to end up from a hero to a villain. Ndigbo must think again which way forward. Our Anger and disgust must be directed at leaders and fellow citizens, who do not want Ndigbo to become emancipated like themselves as Nigerian citizens.
“What Ndigbo want, is that we should become a light unto the world, like all good people in the world ought to be. That was precisely part of my critical message to His Excellency President Mohammed Buhari during his official visit to Imo State. For Ndigbo, the President and Federal Government, there must be evidence of increasing sense of belonging, equity, and justice for Ndigbo.
He declared, “Consequently, we thank Mr. President for his appointment to our Distinguished Son, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume and our Daughter as Chairman and member of the NNPC board respectively.
“We repeat our preference for dialogue instead of violence or military solutions to national problems. The dialogue should not be delayed further. For Ndigbo, the demand is simple, that the Nigerian Federation should be sustained and have a sense of stability; it must be a union of equals and the composite units must have the ability to survive without begging the centre.
“We must tell ourselves the truth or keep deceiving ourselves by ignoring the calls for decentralization and devolution of power in Nigeria. Ironically, in history, societies where truth comes last tragedy comes first. We must learn the lessons of history, particularly our own Nigerian history on how the story began. Nigeria must avoid being a failed state”.
Uche Nwosu is a two time Shell Petroleum PLC award winner in the year 2000;
He won the Shell Award on Investigative Journalism and Environmental Cleanliness.
