IPOB’s Sit-at-home: Ohanaeze Makes Demands Ahead Of Anambra Election

The pan Igbo socio-cultural organisation Ohanaeze Ndigbo has urged the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to rescind its threat to impose a sit-at-home order in the South-east that will stretch from November 5 to November 11.

Ohanaeze said the appeal became necessary to enable the success of the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 6.

This was as it called on the Chairman of the South-east Governors Forum, and the Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief David Umahi to convene an emergency meeting of Igbo stakeholders and the Youth Leaders

The apex Igbo socio-cultural body stated that this meeting will be used to address the legitimacy crisis in the South-east, especially as it relates to Anambra State election and the political solution for the release of IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Ohanaeze stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Alex Ogbonnia, which was titled: ‘Ohanaeze pleads with IPOB for Anambra election’.

It pointed out that Anambra State is the economic live wire of the South-east with an impressive steady growth trajectory, adding that Anambra is home to the greatest number of small, medium and large scale industries in the region.

“It stands to reason that Anambra is the big Iroko tree that provides a shade for most Igbos. Apart from the shade, it also hosts the numerous birds that perch on the branches. Therefore any harm to the Iroko tree will create untold disastrous chain reactions and catastrophe for the Igbo,” Ohanaeze said.

The statement read further: “It is important to point out that one of the causes of the crisis of confidence in the South East is because of the yawning gap between the youths and indeed the masses, on one side and the political leaders on the other. Therefore, the leadership of the various youth groups should not be excluded in any meeting aimed at resolving the current crises in Igbo Land. In other words, the youths want to be fully convinced of our commitment to their plight.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo reiterates its solidarity with any group that protests the Igbo alienation in the project Nigeria with caution for restraint, maturity, and wisdom. It is based on the foregoing that Ohanaeze adopts the philosophy of dialogue, negotiations in coalition with other concerned groups that comprise the Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum led by Chief E K Clarke.

“It is also lamentable that the burial ceremony for the Afara Ukwu born Chief Mrs Victoria Aguiyi Ironsi, slated for November 5 in Umuahia, Abia State may be drastically affected by the prevailing Igbo social climate. General JTU Aguiyi Ironsi represents so many things to the Igbo and we owe his soul a duty.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willy Obiano to convene a joint meeting of the Anambra State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by Chief Emeka Udodeme and the Association of Town Union (ASATU) led by Barr. Titus Akpudo with a view to activating meetings in all the 181 towns of Anambra State. The traditional rulers, Archbishops, Bishops and the Clergy are also requested to brace up in their roles as the cultural and spiritual leaders of society.”