We, Ndi Igbo, have marginalised ourselves, says Orji Kalu

Orji Kalu, former Abia state governor, says the Igbo have at some point been marginalised by their own people.

He also called for a cessation of the agitation for the Republic of Biafra, saying the break-up of Nigeria would not be in the interest of Ndi Igbo.

Kalu made the call in an interview with journalists on Saturday in reaction to the proscription of the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) by south-east governors.

He spoke on the sideline of the opening of the 2017 annual youth summit organised by Junior Chamber International, Ikoyi, in collaboration with Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation at his ‘Camp Neya’ country home in Igbere, Bende local government area of Abia state.

Kalu said given the huge investments of Ndi Igbo in different parts of the country, the people of south-east stood to suffer more than any other ethnic group, should Nigeria split.

“Ndi Igbo should stop boxing themselves to a corner. We are serious contenders and members of the entity called Nigeria,” he said.

He advised those agitating for the dissolution of Nigeria to have a rethink and work toward achieving peace and harmony in the country.

“The struggle for Biafra is not a serious one. Those agitating for the break-up of Nigeria should stop,” he said.

“Ndi Igbo should rather struggle for equity and justice so that they can feel safe to live and work in any part of the country.

“It is true that Ndi Igbo are marginalised but even our own people have at one time or the other also marginalised us‎.”