Is Ohanaeze Ndigbo Really For The Igbos?

 Is Ohanaeze Ndigbo Really For The Igbos?

It is terribly disheartening hearing Ohanaeze Ndígbo laud the Nigerian army for securing the South-East. In the story, the said Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, on Wednesday 4th August 2021, commended the Nigerian Army for its sacrifice in restoring security and peace in the South-East region.

Professor George Obiozor, the President-General of the socio-cultural group, made the commendation when the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division, Major-General Taoreed Lagbaja, visited him in his office in Enugu, Enugu State. Obiozor expressed delight over the GOC’s visit to the Ohaneze House, saying “without peace, nations cannot progress. And without the Armed Forces, we will have more problems. They are the pillars of Nigeria’s unity.” According to the Ohanaeze leader, the Nigerian Army is one of the best in Africa and he urged the various armed forces to sustain their efforts towards ensuring peace and security across the country.

Responding, Lagbaja described Ohanaeze Ndigbo as a key stakeholder in managing the affairs within the division’s core Area of Responsibility (AOR). The GOC said, “Nigerian Army is an instrument of the state that helps to ensure peace, security and stable economic activities”, stating that the army chose to partner with all stakeholders to achieve its mandate. He commended the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo for advising against the threat by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which the Nigerian State tagged terrorists, to use force to enforce its planned weekly "Sit-at-home" order in the zone while assuring residents of adequate security. He further stated that the division would not tolerate any acts that would threaten the prevailing peace in the area.

With the stand of this Igbo group, one would ask, what is it's basic function/aim? Are the members there for their selfish reasons or for Ndigbo in general? How can a socio-cultural group that is meant to promote the socio-cultural identity of her people be celebrating the killing of same innocent people in the disguise of Unknown Gunmen?

Is the Ohanaeze and her President-General high on drugs? Why inviting the army in the first place? Why killing your own people who are agitating for their constitutional rights? Why not engage them in dialogue? Why the show of force? Do they serve the Igbos or other people?

Infact, Ohanaeze Ndígbo is a bunch of disappointment and members are never the true representatives of the Igbos as they were meant to be and as such, should never be trusted. These are really “enemies within”.

Written by Onyemachi Gabriel

Edited by Chukwuemeka Okechukwu

For Family Writers Press International.