Ohanaeze: Nothing demands separation of Igbo nation from Nigeria

George Obiozor, president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, says there is no reason for the Igbo to live separately from the rest of Nigeria.

He stated this on Wednesday in Enugu at a media briefing, where he explained the need to encourage peaceful coexistence among the ethnic groups in the country.

On January 10, 2021, Obiozor, former Nigerian ambassador to the US, was elected as the president-general of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, after defeating two other candidates.

Speaking at the media briefing, the president-general also urged Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), to avoid “actions and utterances” that can put the country in danger.

“The Igbo nation is not at war with the rest of the country and there is nothing that demands our separate existence from Nigeria,” he said.

“We have mutual responsibility in this matter and it is sacred in our hearts. All actions or utterances that put us in imminent or present danger must be avoided.

“Kanu should act and play his part well. There lies his honour.”

The former ambassador also noted that his leadership will address the perceived “vulnerability” of the Igbo, and ensure better representation for their interests.

“How we are perceived as a people is borne out of our feeling of insecurity in the country. Our leadership will find out how to reduce this vulnerability of our people,” he said.

“I am ready to provide leadership and we shall not disappoint.

“We must invent a well-defined common course for our people. We must unite our people. We need a leadership that will be progressive.

“I, therefore, call on our people to join hands with us to bring accelerated development to our place.”