Biafra: Ohanaeze urges tactical change from violent agitation to constructive dialogue

By Praise Chinecherem

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Anambra state chapter on Wednesday make a case for tactical shift in Biafra struggle away from violent agitation to constructive engagements and dialogue.

The group also urged people of the zone to avoid viewing themselves as victims of post-civil war circumstances, but to rise towards changing the marginalization narratives.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after its monthly meeting in Awka, Ohanaeze-Anambra President, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalezeukwu restated the group’s willingness to support governments to ensure adequate security in the state.

He said, “We discussed extensively about the state of the nation, especially as it concerns security in Anambra, Alaigbo (southeast) and Nigeria at large.

“We’ve deemed it necessary as the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization to support the government at all levels to ensure that impact is maximized towards adequate security of lives and property in the state.

“We also resolved on the need to change the narrative of Biafra in Alaigbo, starting from Anambra from agitation to discussion.

“We also looked at need for adequate integration of Ndigbo in the scheme of affairs in Nigeria vis-a-vis continued marginalization and exclusion whenever important decisions and actions were taken.

“We’re doing these on the basis of the fact that security is everyone’s business and if our people will be willing to contribute immensely through intelligence, being their brother’s keeper, impact shall be maximized and purpose served.

“Ndigbo should seldom this victim mentality, but rather rise to the occasion and convert Biafra agitation to discussion.

Reacting on the protracted sit-at-home and its attendant losses, Okpalezeukwu said aggressive sensitization and engagement were ongoing by the body to cushion its impact in the region.

“Ohaneze is embarking on serious sensitization and engagement for our people to juxtapose between the loss and impact of the sit-at-home.

“Its purpose as it commenced when Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was arrested and detained was meant to be a way of protest, asking Federal Government to release him, hoping it shall send the right signal.

“But from our encounter and experience, the sit-at-home is absolutely counter-productive to its objectives. What was designed to be peaceful protest, turned violent and heightened insecurity, with many lives and property destroyed.

“We believe that the report of the huge losses is factual and we want to paint a different narrative that will cushion and address its impact in southeast,” he stated.