The self acclaimed Biafra Leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has suffered a shocking blow and humiliation, as South-East Leaders have rejected the call for secession of Ndigbo from Nigeria, as championed by pro-Biafran agitators.
It was gathered that the South-East Leaders have decided to abandon Nnamdi Kanu to his fate, by calling for the restructuring of Nigeria, and seeking for appointments and contracts, to be given to Ndigbo.
Recall, that Nnamdi Kanu and his separatist groups, have championed secession from Nigeria.
Addressing Newsmen on the outcome of an interactive forum of stakeholders, on Sunday, the Chairman of South-East Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, said that the region was in full support of the 2014 National Conference report, and urged the Federal Government to set up structures for implementing same, within a reasonable time.
“We are also in full support of the clamour for the restructure of the country, and call on the Federal Government to start a dialogue with Nigerians, on the modalities for achieving it”, Umahi said.
A seven-point Communiqué read by Umahi, states: “That Ndigbo are in support of a united Nigeria, where peace, love, fairness, justice, equity, and equality of opportunity, are paramount regardless of creed, ethnicity, gender, or political affiliation.
“That Ndigbo support the Report of the National Conference of 2014, and urge the Federal Government to set up structures that will enable the implementation of same, within a reasonable time.
“That we condemn all hate speeches and conducts emanating from any segment of Nigeria.
“That the South-East Governors, members of the National Assembly from the South-East, and the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, should henceforth, constitute the official organs that will speak on behalf of Ndigbo, on political matters.
“That the South-East leaders are taking steps to ensure the safety of lives and properties of our people in all parts of Nigeria, just as we guarantee the safety of people and properties of all other Nigerians that are living within our domain, that is, the South East.”
“That the South-East leaders, in consultation with leaders from other parts of the country, will engage the Federal Government on all areas of concern to Ndigbo, and to Nigeria as a whole.”
All the South-East Governors – Umahi (Ebonyi), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Willie Obiano (Anambra), and Okezie Ikpazu (Abia), had earlier met at Government House, Enugu, to harmonise their position, before moving to Nike Lake Resort, Enugu, for the extended stakeholders’ meeting.
The meeting, which commenced about 9 p.m. on Saturday, ended about 12:30 a.m. on Sunday.
In his opening remarks, Governor Umahi, stated that individually and as a Forum, they have been deliberating on burning national issues, both on regional and national levels, especially as they relate to Ndigbo, but now felt it was necessary to expand the scope.
He said that as leaders, they must discuss how best to tackle escalating challenges of security, development, welfare of both workers and the general population, youth restiveness, the unity of Nigeria, unemployment, stagnant economy, and Igbo culture, that was in a painful state of flux.
“However, part of the central issues we must consider, is the manner in which the group, led by Nnamdi Kanu, has gone about its agitation. It is an agenda point which I believe will dovetail into the equally sizzling political topic of the moment – restructuring”, he said.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the host, Ugwuanyi, stated: “Moments like this in history, call for unity and statesmanship, and I therefore, call on Ndigbo to unite and love themselves. I call on our leaders to exhibit the highest standards of statesmanship, in confronting the problems at hand.
“Nothing will please Enugu better than to be recorded in history, as the venue where all Ndigbo gathered to resolve their differences, and achieve peace and unity among themselves.”
