AdminBy Blessing Amarachi Azoribe and Ugochi Okoro
Perturbed by the seemingly unabating instability in Nigeria’s South-East, state governors and other Igbo leaders have emphasized the need for synergy in tackling the menace of insecurity and achieving economic prosperity in the region.
They made the call during the grand finale of the 2023 Igbo Day Celebration in Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu on Friday, 29 September.
The event usually held annually, witnessed the presence of distinguished dignitaries who passionately spoke on the need to restore peace and stability in the region without which there would be no meaningful development and economic transformation that all earnestly yearn for.
They underscored the importance of “Igbo Kunie” as a rallying cry for unity in the face of diversity and also appealed to the Federal Government to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
READ ALSO: Release Kanu To Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu Archbishop Urges Nigeria Government
Speaking at the Igbo Day event, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, underscored the need for unity among Igbo people in pursuing economic prosperity. “Igboland is ready for business, let’s come together and get it done for our future. We’ll build a livable and prosperous homeland,” Soludo stated.
His counterpart, the Enugu State Governor, Barr Peter Mbah, also echoed the need for the Igbo people to see the entire Southeast as a single entity and form a common market and network of economic cooperation.
“It is extremely important that we see the South-East as a single unit and begin to take advantage to form a common market and have entities, corporations, and networks that allow us to take advantage of huge investments. This is what we must do, because, even though we have several dialects we are one people one Igbo nation, and must take advantage of that,” Mbah advised.
Speaking at the event, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, reiterated his call on the Federal Government to release Kanu.
He wondered why the Federal Government through the Department of State Services (DSS) continues to detain Kanu even when the courts have set him free.
Kanu has been detained by the DSS since June 2021 when he was brought back to Nigeria from abroad under controversial circumstances.
READ ALSO: Ohanaeze Charges Southeast Govs to Support Soludo’s Call For Nnamdi Kanu’s Release
He is being detained over his role in the activities of IPOB, whose members are agitating for an independent state of Biafra.
Despite court orders since 2022 for Kanu to be released, the Federal Government has remained adamant.
Igbo leaders believe that Kanu’s continued detention is partly responsible for the instability in the South-East.
They expressed optimism that if Kanu is released and appropriate security measures are adopted in the region, normalcy would return.
Chief Iwuanyanwu called for the establishment of state police to enable state governors to have control of security forces and be able to make effective decisions to boost security.
“Ohaneze Ndigbo supports the establishment of a well-equipped state police and until that is done, we cannot hold the state governors responsible as they don’t have control over the security forces,” Ohanaeze PG said.
“Most of those killing people claim that the reason is that they want Mazi Nnamdi Kanu released from detention. Ohaneze Ndigbo has carefully reviewed Nnamdi Kanu’s case and we cannot find any just reason why he cannot be released. Ohaneze has for several months pleaded with the federal government to release him.
“I hereby once again on behalf of Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide make the appeal to the federal government to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu more so when courts of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria have declared him innocent.”
“We need to adopt a non-kinetic approach. I strongly believe that if Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is released and a non-kinetic approach is adopted, we will be able to reduce and even stop the unnecessary killings and destruction of lives and properties,” he added.
The Ebonyi State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Patricia Obila, said the release of Kanu can be achieved if all South-East leaders unite in the struggle for that.
Anambra Business mogul, Prince Arthur Eze, who was chairman of the day, lamented that the level of insecurity in South-East has caused the region a lot of misfortune.
Dr Arthur Eze, who was represented by Ichie Sir Izuchukwu Nwabueze, emphasized the need for good leadership of the Ohaneze Ndigbo. He urged the Ohaneze leadership to continue engaging with the Federal Government for the release of Kanu.
“It is necessary that the leadership of Ohaneze should positively engage the federal government for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu whose reported health condition attracts huge sympathy. Indeed, no number of meetings with the federal government or political consultations on the matter will be too much.”
Arthur Eze also charged the South-East Governors to put more energy into combating insecurity and also work assiduously to improve the economy of the region.
Colourful Igbo Day
In an exquisite display of culture, tradition, and unity, people from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Delta, and Rivers came together to celebrate Igbo Day under the theme “Igbo Kunie,” which means “Igbo arise.”
The event was a captivating display of the Igbo heritage, embracing the essence of a community bound by its shared values and traditions, irrespective of the division by State. Igbo Day served as a platform for both reflection and celebration, emphasizing the collective identity and shared values that unite Igbos worldwide.
Despite the delay by heavy downpour, the event commenced with a colorful procession, featuring traditional Igbo attire, music, and dance. South-East governors, past leaders Ohanaeze Ndigbo Elders, and other notable dignitaries, were in attendance. Also, women and youths were present and proudly exhibited their cultural heritage as they participated in the match past and cultural dance, captivating spectators with their vibrant displays.
The event also had in attendance, Igbo intellectuals, movie actors, entrepreneurs, and residents from diverse backgrounds. The event served as a platform for attendees to exchange ideas and experiences, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual understanding.
The grand finale of Igbo Day 2023 was the giving of awards to grand Heroes of Igboland, and also the display of different cultural dances showcasing the richness of Igbo culture. It was indeed a day of cultural celebration, unity, and the reaffirmation of the enduring spirit of the Igbo people as they look forward to a harmonious future.
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