The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has welcome the plan by the United Kingdom to offer asylum to ‘persecuted’ members of the Indigenous People of Biafra {IPOB} and the Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra {MASSOB}, it deserves commendation.
The spokesman of the group, Chief Alex Ogbonnia stated this in an interview with journalists on Tuesday.
He said: “A major point of convergence is that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, IPOB and MASSOB are Igbo. The only point of divergence is approach to the agitation against the marginalisation of the people of South-East.
“So Ohanaeze Ndigbo owes it a duty to protect the Igbo wherever they are, call it IPOB, call it MASSOB or whatever nomenclature that is used, it is a duty of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to protect the Igbo.
“On a daily basis, we appeal to IPOB and MASSOB to come to us, let us discuss and hold dialogues and formulate a common approach to the issue of the state of Igbo in respect to Nigeria. It is an appeal which has been consistent by Ohanaeze Ndigbo. It is very regrettable that IPOB has not been able to come to terms with this appeal.
“IPOB approach of abusing everybody is the point of divergence but their grievances are very genuine. All the young people will graduate from universities, some make first class and are deprived of the opportunity of employment while somebody who barely passes, before you know, the person is giving a federal appointment. It is painful.
“So whatever favour done to an Igbo man deserves the appreciation of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Whatever favour that is extended to a disciplined Igbo man deserves the commendation of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.”
Ogbonnia however advised the Federal Government to call IPOB and MASSOB for dialogue instead of kicking against the UK’s gesture.
