The Campaign for Democracy (CD), South-East has urged the Federal Government to disband the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and Association of Igbo Youths (AIYO).
“The call for their disband is in tandem to the continuous deadly clashes between the two groups in Onitsha and its environs; where at least 10 lives had been lost so far,’’ CD said in a statement on Wednesday.
The statement, which was issued to newsmen in Onitsha, Anambra, was signed by Dede Uzor A. Uzor, Chairman, CD South-East Region.
The statement said that the latest clash by the two warring groups on Tuesday in Onitsha led to 15 persons seriously injured; while 10 persons reportedly stabbed to death along Silas Works Road, Onitsha.
“There were also clashes between the both groups in the Main Market, Onitsha and Sokoto Road on the same day; which led to traders losing millions of naira and some also got injured.
“It took the intervention of a combined security team made up of the Army, Navy and police to quell the disturbances; while some of the members of both sides are reportedly missing even at the time of issuing this statement,’’ it said.
The statement said that the group and their disturbances were not in the best interest of Ndi-Igbo; adding that Chief Raphael Uwazuruike led MASSOB and Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka led AIYO should settle their differences.
It noted that there activities show that the groups had lost focus of projecting and protecting the interest of Ndi-Igbo; noting that they had degenerated to “a gang of hooligans and social misfits’’.
“CD urges Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo as well as South-East Traditional Rulers’ Council to look into the continuous crisis and bring lasting peace to both youth groups and settle the differences of their leaders.
“This restiveness by the youths of Igbo land is uncalled for especially the use of dangerous weapons such as AK47 rifles, cutlass, knives and acids against their follow Igbo brother is sacrilege, which would not go down well with Igbo-land,’’ it said.
The statement further said that the development would surely affect the up-coming Anambra governorship election if not check in good time.
CD, however, urged South-East governors to create jobs for the teaming number of unemployed youths, who are swayed to be used for social disturbances and roguishness.
“The governors should pay a monthly stipend of N20,000 to each unemployed youth in the region; while they should endeavour to create employment for at least 20,000 youths in the next three months.
“South-East governors have all failed in the aspect of human capital development and job creation and they must start acting fast in these directions to safe the region from criminality, hooliganism and wastefulness among the youths,’’ CD said.
