March 19, (THEWILL)- The pan Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has issued a stern warning to President Bola Tinubu to exercise extreme caution with the northerners and their leaders over the recent abduction of 280 innocent Kaduna school children.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who recalled how the northerners employed the kidnapping of 276 Chibok schoolgirls to the discredit of the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who commended the stance taken by President Bola Tinubu for refusing to pay the exorbitant N1 billion ransom for the release of the 280 Kaduna school children, said Tinubu should beware of the insidious coaxing to pay the ransom because it is a slippery slope that will enslave his government to the whims of Northern bandits and terrorists until 2027.
The statement reads: “In response to the despicable abduction of 280 innocent Kaduna school children on 7th March 2024, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo organisation, issues a stern caution against falling prey to the nefarious tactics of the North.
“The echoes of 2014’s treacherous plot, the kidnapping of 276 Chibok schoolgirls, should serve as a stark reminder of the devious schemes employed to unseat Southern President Goodluck Jonathan and usher in a Northern presidency under Buhari.
“President Tinubu, do not underestimate the gravity of the situation. The audacity displayed by Northern political elites in orchestrating large-scale abductions is an affront to the safety and security of our nation’s children. You must take decisive action to penalise any Northern state involved in such heinous acts.
“The stand taken by President Bola Tinubu in refusing to pay the exorbitant N1 billion ransom for the release of the 280 Kaduna school children is a commendable stance. The pressure from the Northern Elders Forum and Sheikh Ahmad Gumi to engage in dialogue with terrorists must be met with unwavering defiance. Negotiating with these malevolent forces would only embolden them and imperil more lives.
“The echoes of history are unmistakable. The trap set in 2014 ensnared the noble intentions of former President Jonathan, leading to dire consequences. President Tinubu, you must not be swayed by duplicity. Use all available means, both forceful and strategic, to combat the security challenges facing our nation.
“Beware the insidious coaxing to pay the ransom, for it is a slippery slope that will enslave your government to the whims of Northern bandits and terrorists until 2027. Do not succumb to this dangerous precedent that threatens to repeat the Northern dirty game plans of the past.
“Southern Nigerians stand united in solidarity with you, President Tinubu. Embrace your role as a protector of our nation, a guardian of our future. Do not relent in your resolve to safeguard our children and our nation from the clutches of malevolence.
“Remain steadfast, resolute, and unyielding in the face of adversity. The future of our nation hinges on your actions. Choose wisely, act decisively, and lead with unwavering strength.”
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