September 09, (THEWILL) – The Pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari to release Igbo youths in various detention facilities across the country.
Prof. George Obiozor, the group’s president, made the plea during his welcome address during Buhari’s visit to Owerri, Imo state.
Obiozor said that the Igbo would continue to be part of Nigeria as long as there is justice in the country.
“Mr. President, your visit and presence today in Igboland and Owerri, Imo State in particular, has more than political significance.
“In a manner of symbolism, this visit has thrown light into the cloudiness and doubts surrounding the perception of the relations between your government and Ndigbo.
“Your presence reassures us that there is still reason for optimism for Nigeria and Nigerian unity. I feel very pleased in my capacity as President-General Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide; and on behalf of the galaxy of Ndigbo leaders gathered here today, and the entire Igbo Nation, to welcome Your Excellency wholeheartedly to Igboland.
“It is also our firm belief that this visit will mark the beginning of a new chapter of dialogue, cooperation and understanding between Ndigbo and your administration.
“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 pleaded.
MASSOB Calls for Action
THEWILL reports that the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) had in a statement on Wednesday charged Igbo leaders to use President Buhari’s visit to revive the lost confidence and hope of the Ndigbo by speaking truth to power and pointing out the marginalization of the Igbo.
According to the statement released by the MASSOB Director of Information, Comrade Ederson Samuel, Igbo leaders must demand the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, as he represents the aspirations of Ndigbo.
“The leadership of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, hereby advises the political, traditional, religious and opinion leaders of Igbo land to demand the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from President Muhamadu Buhari during his state visit to Imo and Ebonyi states.
“It is imperative that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is being subjected to inhuman torture at the DSS detention cage because of Ndigbo. “He represents the aspirations of Ndigbo in Nigeria.
“MASSOB advises Igbo political leaders to use the occasion of President Muhamadu Buhari’s visit to revive the lost confidence and hope Ndigbo bestowed on them by telling Buhari that Ndigbo are not being treated as co-citizens,” the statement read.
About the Author
