Favour WinnerỌhaneze Ndigbo Worldwide has debunked the rumour that it plans to send emissaries to beg Fulani people over the January 1966 military coup.
A rumour that went viral claimed that the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation resolved to send a delegation to pacify the Fulani over the 1966 coup that led to the death of Sir Ahmadu Bello and some other leaders of the first republic.
However, the Ohanaeze National Publicity, Dr Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, said the rumour was a “typical falsehood” fabricated with the intention of creating mistrust and tainting the leadership of the Ọhaneze Ndigbo.
The retreat chaired by former Chief of Naval Staff and ex-governor of old Anambra and old Imo States, Admiral Allison Amaechina Madueke, among other things gave the dignitaries that attended, the opportunity to comment on and clarify the false information that has been flying around. During the meeting, it was discovered that one Dr Harford Ugwu was the manufacturer of the falsehood. According to the statement, Dr Ugwu, who claimed it was a slip of the tongue, has duly apologized. He claimed he was half asleep, half awake when he informed Prof Obasi Igwe of the alleged plans to beg the Fulani.
The Ohanaeze spokesperson said the worst of it all came from one Prof Nwankwo Nwaezeigwe of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), who alleged that the Ọhanaeze Ndigbo received a 100 billion naira bribe from the Fulani for an apology.
Ogbonnia further explained that the retreat was also held to talk to Ndi Igbo on the need to change their ways and avoid fighting themselves.
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Igbos, especially the intellectuals like professors were advised to verify any information before disseminating them because false information can escalate and cause harm to society. The Igbos were advised to stand as one body in order to survive the diversity of Nigeria.
“One of the reasons for the March 27, Retreat was to talk to ourselves; for an insightful reflection on our attitudes towards each other; to remind the Igbo “Professors” that the enviable rank of a professor in a university imposes on him a moral rectitude; that a professor should verify the information before escalating it; that in other climes, it is the duty of scholars to redeem an not to inflame passions in society; that expletive cantankerous and unscrupulous professors have caused more harm to the Igbo; and that a professor should portray an exemplary life,” it stated.
The President-General of Ohanaeze, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanywu had also addressed a press conference where he said Igbos owe nobody an apology over the 1966 military coup, adding that he never intended or canvassed begging the Fulani.
