By Prince Eze
Following the seemingly intractable wave of insecurity in the South East Zone of Nigeria, elders of Igboland have sued for peace, urging the various warring parties to ceasefire.
Making this position known while briefing the press at the Glass House, Owerri Imo State, Chairman, Elders Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu said the elders at an emergency meeting, examined the security situation in the South East critically.
“Elders expressed concern over the deteriorating security, social and economic conditions in the region. Many school leavers including graduates spend so many years looking for employment without success. Many businesses have collapsed due to lack of infrastructure such as power. The elders resolved that the solution to this problem does not lie in bloodshed”, he stated.
Chief Iwuanyanwu expressed worry that this is the first time Igbos are killing their fellow innocent Igbos for no just cause, and recalled that over two million Igbos lost their lives during the Civil War.
He pointed out the magnitude of threats by aggrieved youths which include that there will not be elections in the South East, to kill all politicians taking part in the elections, to destroy governors and government houses as well as to attack and kill security agencies.
“I see no reason why we should shed more blood in Igboland. I plead with our people to allow peace reign by ensuring that the elections in the South East are peaceful”, he added.
Continuing, Iwuanyanwu disclosed that the elders believe that the solution to the problem is not bloodshed but in peaceful discussions and negotiations, saying that they have resolved to hold a Peace Summit.
The Peace Summit, he stated will give the “youths the opportunity to air their grievances and I promise on behalf of the Council of Elders to resolve the problems to the best of our ability.
Iwuanyanwu who holds the reverred title of Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo, said he had informed the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo as well as Chairman of South East Governors Forum as the governors are the Chief Security Officers of their respective states.
He revealed that “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and some of his supporters including Mazi Simon Ekpa will be expected to attend in person or send a representative” to the Peace Summit, adding that the Elders Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has been working tirelessly to ensure the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi KANU, promising that they will not rest on their oars until he gets freedom.
The Peace Summit is scheduled to hold after the 2023 general elections.
