The religious/tribal killings of southern [Ndigbo] Christians living in the northern part of Nigeria which appears to have continued unabated amidst silence within the leadership in the Igbo community may have found a voice in the recent call by the Senator of the federal republic of Nigeria representing Abia State in the person of Senator Chukwumerije and in the Roman Catholic Arch Bishop of the Owerri Diocese.
Senator Chukwumerije in a private chat with 247ureports.com indicated that the era of “running away” from the north each time the northerners turn violent is over. The Senator expressed sadness over the lives lost to the needless terrorist attacks by Boko Haram group. He called on the youths of Igbo decent to hold their grounds and not give – in to fear or to terror.
“It is a constitutional right to defend yourself” stated the Senator as he explained that the federal government has shown its inability to defend the people of Igbo origin against the callous might of the terror group. “This is one Nigeria. Igbos have the right to reside anywhere in Nigeria” added the Senator.
The Roman Catholic Arch Bishop of Owerri, Rt. Rev Fr. Obinna made a similar call in a chat with 247ureports.com. The Reverend Father indicated that the federal government has proved unable to defend/secure the lives of Christians in the north – that it has become necessary for the people of Igbo decent to rise to the challenge and defend against the incessant killings of Christians and Igbos. He pointed his called to the South East governors to ‘encourage’ the Igbo in the north to defend themselves.
The Reverend Father indicated that he has placed calls to the Governor of Imo State, Mr. Rochas Okorocha regarding ‘encouraging’ the Igbos living in the North to equip themselves in order to defend themselves. The Arch Bishop confirmed that the Governor indicate interest in the proposal. He did not provide the details.
Meanwhile, the apex organization of Ndigbo, Ohaneze Ndigbo Nigeria appear transfixed. This is as the organization have sent conflicting messages to the public regarding the killings of Ndigbo and the way forward. As gathered, the organization’s executives members and its chapter chairmen have privately sent out private ‘save our soul’ [SOS] messages to the five South East governors for them to send buses to the north to rescue Ndigbo from the north. One of the state chapter chairmen who pleaded for the governors to come and rescue Igbos living in the north was the Kano State chapter chairman, Chief Idika.
Chief Idika in talking to 247ureports.com revealed that he had spoken with the national chairman of Ohaneze, Chief Uwechue regarding the need initiate a rescue program – and the national chairman was said to have agreed and indicated that he will do his part as the chairman to affect the said rescue mission.
But the National Chairman reneged. He issued a press release, within 24hours, stating that the Igbos in the north should hold their grounds. The press release did not mention security with be provided for their continued stay.
stay tuned
