Ndigbo are in support of a united Nigeria - South East leaders kick against Biafra
- South East leaders have shown their support for Nigeria to remain as one
- The leaders call the Nigeria government to however restructure the nation's governance
- The leaders further called for the implementation of the 2014 National Conference recommendations
South East leaders came together on Saturday, July 1 to announced their support for Nigeria to remain as one while calling for the country to be restructured.
The leaders met at Nike Lake Resort Enugu on Saturday night to deliberate on the agitation for secession coming from some part of the region.
In attendance at the meeting was governors from the region, National Assembly members from the zone, Ohaneze Ndigbo and selected Igbo leaders of thought.
The meeting was convened by the governor of Eboyi state, David Umahi, and the leadership of Ohaneze.
READ ALSO: Pastor Adeboye, Oyedepo, Kumuyi, others kick against compulsory Islamic studies in school
The communique reads: “Ndigbo are in support of a united Nigeria where peace, love, fairness, justice, equity and equality of opportunity are paramount regardless of creed, ethnicity, gender, or political affiliation”.
“Igbo leaders lend their full support to the restructuring of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the basis of fairness and equity.
"We therefore call on the Federal Government and all Nigerian leaders to commence a process of dialogue among Nigerians on the modalities of achieving this pressing question within a reasonable frame time.
“Ndigbo support the report of the National Conference of 2014 and urge the Federal Government to set up structures that will enable the implementation of same within a reasonable time."
While condemning hate speeches from any part of country, the Igbo leaders said henceforth only the governors, the South-east National Assembly caucus and the Ohaneze can speak for the zone on any political matters.
PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigeria’s #1 news app
The statement on who speaks for the Igbos appears a response to the increasing popularity of the indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
In their statement after the late night Saturday meeting, however, the south-east leaders said they “condemn all the hate speeches and constructs emanating from any segment of Nigeria.”
“The South East governors, members of the National Assembly from the South East and leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo should henceforth constitute the official organs that will speak on behalf of Ndigbo on political matters.
“The South East leaders in consultation with leaders from all parts of the country will engage the federal government on all areas of concerns to Ndigbo as a whole."
Meanwhile, the chairman of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya has vowed that the Igbos would not leave the northern part of the country due to the threats by some northern youth groups asking them to vacate the north.
Speaking at his palace on Friday, June 30, the revered monarch insisted that every Nigerian is free to live and do legitimate business in any part of the country he wishes.
He made the comments at two different events while receiving a delegation of the Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth Council (OYC), Imo state branch and the Association for Media Communication Development.
Watch video of NAIJ.com exclusive talk with Nnami Kanu on Biafra agitation: