Nwodo to Igbo: Let’s forget Biafra and insist on restructuring

John Nwodo, president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, says the Igbo should forget about Biafra and push for restructuring.

Nwodo said this on Thursday while speaking at the 3rd inauguration of the state and local government executives of the Abia state chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

The president-general said the realisation of Biafra was a “tall order” which would not be in the overall interest of the Igbo in their socio-economic and political relationships with other Nigerians.

“We should forget Biafra and insist on restructuring. We must seek for peaceful ways of resolving the issues,” Nwodo said.

He said the Igbo youth have a right to protest being marginalised but they should moderate their actions and words.

Advising members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to tone down their words, Nwodo said hate speeches would not resolve any problem.

He said the proscription of the activities of IPOB by south-east governors prevented bloodshed.

On his part, Okezie Ikpeazu, governor of Abia, advised aggrieved youth to complain to Ohanaeze “which would take the matter up with the appropriate authorities”.

“We believe in justice, equity and fairness. I believe in live and let live,” Ikpeazu said.

He advised Igbo youth to respect leaders and listen to advice of elders.

Chimaobim Ajuzieogu, the Abia state president of Ohanaeze, said the organisation would strive hard to restore the value system of Ndigbo through massive media campaigns.