The Igbo socio-political group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has cautioned leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, over his agitation for Igbo nation, saying Biafra will only be needful if restructuring of Nigeria fails.
Ohanaeze insisted that a restructured Nigeria is better than secession for Biafra, adding that elders of the organization stand for a united Nigeria.
The group said Igbo elders believed that a restructured Nigeria will serve the Igbos better than a new country of their own.
In a statement released by the organization’s National Deputy Publicity Secretary, Chuks Ibegbu, the group said: “There is a raging debate on whether Igbo want Biafra, restructuring or referendum. Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s position has been constant and clear.
“It advocates that a restructured Nigeria with justice and equity will serve Ndigbo more than secession.
“It took into consideration the past, present and future before arriving at this crucial decision. Good enough, key voices in Nigeria are keying in to this mood.
“Referendum is not a bad idea, but it’s not a tea party either. It is an option that will be more potent, if restructuring clamour fails.
“Our children in IPOB and MASSOB, though with genuine grievances, need to be on the same page with Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Our son, Nnamdi Kanu, has done well in heightening the mood of Ndigbo in Nigeria, but there must be some caution and restraint on the strategy and methodology.
“Biafra of the mind is not a bad idea, but a physical Biafra at this point in time need a very deep retrospection, introspection and analytical brainstorming which is not decided in the market. It is only more plausible if the event of 1966 repeats itself in Nigeria.
“Chief Nnia Nwodo and the new Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership is poised to aggregate the diverse views and opinions of Ndigbo and synthesise an option that will ultimately give Ndigbo their desired leverage in Nigeria.
“While diplomatic tact and pressure is not out of place in this, superior arguments that will not jeopardize the position and future of Ndigbo will be more attractive.”
