Igbos Won’t Support Secession – Okorocha

…Ooni challenges IPOB members                

BY RAPHAEL ONYEKACHUKWU, OWERRI – Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha says no reasonable Igboman will support the bastardization of Nigeria, insisting that all lovers of Ndigbo have condemned the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)’s activities that have created tension in the country.

He also said the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu should be treated as a single individual rather than throwing blanket tantrums at Igbo people that have dissociated themselves from IPOB and its divisive activities.

Speaking at the New Yam festival organized by the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers headed by HRM, Eze Samuel Ohiri in Owerri, Governor Okorocha said in raising their voice against IPOB, the Igbos have clearly demonstrated their commitment to a united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

Governor Okorocha, who spoke in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, reiterated his firm belief in the unity of Nigeria as clearly demonstrated at the estival held in Imo State.

“I say so because growing up as a child, I never knew where I came from because I found myself somewhere in Plateau State as a little boy and the only language I could speak was the Hausa language and I had no choice because that was where I was brought up. So, I grew up being born an Igbo man, but was reared in the North and was made financially buoyant in the South-West.

“So I have declared myself that in no way should I be found as a tribalized Nigerian. I will remain detribalized as long as Igbos gave me parentage and childhood, as long as North reared and nurtured me and for as long as South-West empowered me. My community and my identity is Nigeria” he added.

“I want to say that coincidentally all the traditional rulers that have indicated interest in coming for this Iriji festival, for fear of rumours ravaging the whole country, some of them could not make it. It got me worried, and I became a bit disturbed. The question that ravages my mind is that for how long shall we continue with these unwarranted hostilities and speculations and hate speeches which we have gotten from the past generation and we are doing nothing about it in this present generation and intending to transfer it to subsequent generations. That has become my worry and I think this generation of ours owe it to the rest of Nigerians to make this large nation better and united. 

“Some of you must have heard of the issues relating to the operation Python Dance and IPOB in Abia and Ebonyi States. That situation there for whatever it is, is a worrisome situation because, while we are talking about the economy of this nation, on how to get out of recession and make Nigeria better, we are busy talking about IPOB, Boko–Haram”.

“The Igbo business men have more real estates and more properties and assets outside Igbo land than in Igbo land. So, I want to dissociate Igbo from this very thing that Igbo want to go for secession. A man that wants to go for secession cannot build mansions in Lagos, Kano, Plateau and the rest of the States.

“Today, we can see the Ooni and Eze Imo sitting side by side. For our sons and daughters, it gives them a sense of unity wherever they are. I want to appeal to all of you to please remain together because we are one and only one nation. An injury to one is an injury to all. Iriji festival should kick-start the language of unity, to tell the world that Nigeria is one. Let’s talk more on what will unite us and talk less of Boko-Haram, IPOB” he stated.

However, in his remarks at the event, the Ooni of Ife, His Majesty Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi slightly differs from the Governor’s position, stressing that rather than condemn IPOB, their members should be enlightened and encouraged to channel their energy towards positive and productive engagements.

According to the Ooni, being passionate about Nigeria’s unity, he will support efforts at ensuring all citizens achieve their potentials in a united and peaceful country, adding, “The unity of our nation is something I am passionate about and something that I don’t joke with. I had so much pressure for the last four days not to come to this part of the country, but I said to myself in the interest of the unity of this country, I will come to Imo State and I will sleep over in Imo State. When I arrived, I saw raw-culture, I saw brotherhood; I am feeling our togetherness. It is about time for us to know that we are all cut out from the same cloth. It is one big happy family”.

“Nigeria is a very unique nation, different culture, tradition and heritage, yet our diversity is our greatest strength. We shouldn’t write it off like that, we should look beyond our different backgrounds. We should look at how to connect the dotted lines. What is common amongst all of us in this country is what we should look for; that should be our focal point as a nation and not things that divide us.

“I have watched quietly on how we have been entertained with the omenimo dance by young talented dancers, because of the sensitivity of this country, they said that there is another dance in Igbo land called python dance, I will not accept python dance. I will rather continue to enjoy the omenimo dance. Let us look at things that will bring us together rather than things that will further divide us. We must desist from hate speeches, it doesn’t do us any good. We shouldn’t look at our weakness, but we should look at how things will be better for us”.

Commenting on IPOB and its activities, the Ooni said, “I have a different perspective towards the IPOB group. I will not condemn them rather let us discuss with them, let us put positive energy in them. They can use their energy for positive things in this country and for the betterment of the entire Igbo land. It is very important for us to draw them closer, for us to actually preach to them that war does not actually help, war does not pay anybody”.

Also speaking at the occasion, Chairman, Cross River State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Etimyin Etim Okon Edet pointed out that the theme of the festival ‘Promoting National Unity through Cultural Orientation’ is apt considering the tension in the land.

He therefore commended Governor Okorocha for being an advocate of peace and encouraged all traditional rulers in the country to continue to preach the gospel of peace and unity to all their people.