BEVERLY HILLS, October 06, (THEWILL) – President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, has stated that although South-East youths were justified in expressing their anger at the way Ndigbo were being marginalised in national affairs, they should moderate their comment on the social media.
Expressing dismay over the spate of hate speech on social media platforms by Igbo youth in the guise of agitating for Biafra, he stated that inciting speech will not solve any problem, stressing that “we must seek for peaceful ways of resolving the issues”.
The leader of the apex Igbo socio-political organisation made this known on Thursday during the inauguration ceremony of the newly elected officials of Abia chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Umuahia.
He said that making inciting speech was capable of causing crisis which could lead to mass violence in the country, adding that it was pertinent to respect constituted authorities.
Nwodo said that the first hand experience he had during the Nigerian civil war had given him an understanding of the throes of war, adding that no country had fought two wars and survived.
According to him, “There are 11.6 million Igbo people living in the North and it will be wise for Igbo people living in the South-East and elsewhere to put them into consideration while speaking or engaging in certain activities.
“I urged Igbo youths to desist from activities and comments that could spark violence in the nation. At the moment what Igbo people need to fight for is restructuring of the nation.
“Ohanaeze is in an era of transparency. I assure you that we have not relented in speaking for the Igbo people, especially in the area of restructuring for the benefit of Igbo people.”
In his speech, the Abia governor, Okezie Ikpeazu stated that the event was an indication that Igbo people had unanimously arisen to pursue the repositioning of Igboland for greater prosperity and development.
“We believe in justice, equity and fairness; I believe in live and lets live,” he said, pointing out that nobody takes delight in being oppressed.
The governor however stated that it was the responsibility of every Igbo person to respect Igbo leaders and support their efforts in campaigning for political and economic restructuring of Nigeria.
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