By Ruth Oginyi
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Thursday informed President Muhammadu Buhari, that the most imperative and urgent need of Ndigbo currently in the county is security, calling on him to do the needful in addressing the challenges.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo noted with regret that the South East Zone has lately become a theatre of conflict, negating the peace-loving nature of the zone and called for the establishment of a zonal and State police apparatus to support and complement the existing Federal Security architecture in the region.
President General Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Professor George Obiozor, who made this known during the visit of President Buhari, President to Owerri, Imo state also called for the release of Igbo youths detained by various security agencies across the country.
“The most urgent and imperative need of Ndigbo today is security. The security of Ndigbo in Nigeria and beyond has become a compelling primary responsibility of serious concern for Ndigbo. Regrettably, our South East Zone has recently become a theatre of conflict, negating the peace-loving nature of our people.
“In this context, Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls for the establishment of a zonal and State Police apparatus to support and complement the existing Federal Security architecture.
“It is in this same vein that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, appeals to you, Mr. President, to see to the release of Igbo youths detained by various security agencies across the country.
“Mr. President, we appreciate the infrastructural work being undertaken by the Federal Government in the South East such as the 2nd Niger bridge. It symbolizes unity and a bridge across the various regions of the country. However, the southeast zone is in dire need of more infrastructure sponsored by the Federal Government amongst these are roads, bridges, railways, and ports.
“It is the considered view of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, one that is also shared by the Igbo people that federal investments in these critical areas will revitalize the economy and will have the tangential effect of dousing the youth restiveness and unemployment in the zone.
“In this context, Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls for the establishment of a zonal and state police apparatus to support and complement the existing Federal Security architecture. It is in this same vein that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, appeals to you, Mr. President, to see to the release of Igbo Mr. President your visit and presence today in Igboland and Owerri, Imo State, in particular, has more than political significance.
“In the manner of symbolism, this visit has thrown light into the cloudiness and doubts surrounding the perception of the relations between your Government and Ndigbo. Your presence reassures us that there is still reason for optimism for Nigeria and Nigerian unity.
“Mr. President, it is in this context, that we see a new dawn in your distinguished presence in Igboland and believe that on your return to Abuja the significance and substance of this visit will form a new foundation of a platform for meaningful dialogue on critical issues of concern to the Igbo Nation.
“Mr. President, nothing is more important to the Igbos in Nigeria today, more than the restoration of a serious sense of belonging and the spirit of Nigeria’s founding fathers based on one nation, one destiny. And we believe this is possible through Devolution of Power ensuring a sense of balance in our political system,” he concluded.