Igbo group to region's elders: condemn activities of IPOB

The Coalition of South East Professionals Network in Nigeria and Diaspora, (CSEPNND) has asked leaders of the region to condemn activities of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The group urged prominent Igbo sons and daughters, as well as groups, to denounce IPOB, its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and its violent inclination.

In a statement by its National President, Prof Madumere Chika and National Secretary, Mazi Anayo Uchemba, the group stated that condemning the activities of IPOB, will send a loud signal to the Federal Government and all Nigerians that the people do not approve of the separatist organisation’s violent agenda.

“In the same token, we plead with Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora, to rise in condemnation of IPOB and all the group stands for, saying the loud silence being maintained, would not augur well for the South East,” the group said.

It accused some elders from the region of pursuing their personal interests whenever they meet with President Muhammadu Buhari.

The group noted that the quest for personal interest as against collective will of the people, was detrimental to the success and development of the region.

They called on Igbo sons and daughters to support the Buhari-led administration in its quest to enthrone national unity, security and peaceful co-existence.

The coalition enjoined Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora, to disregard insinuations that President Buhari does not like Igbo, noting that the disposition of some elders from the zone, was detrimental to the collective interest of the people.

The coalition appealed to relevant organisations, interest groups and other stakeholders promoting and projecting the Igbo agenda, to do so in a non-violent manner.

The statement reads: “As a network of professionals, with interest in projecting the Igbo race, we make bold to say that never in the history of modern Nigeria, has the South East found favour in the side of a government like now.

“It is for this unparalleled allocation of developmental projects to the South East, that we send our words of congratulations to President Muhammadu Buhari who, unfortunately, is largely misunderstood.

“To buttress our point, may we respectfully draw attention to the never-before-attention that is being paid the East-West road, the second Niger bridge, Enugu – Port Harcourt road and other people-centred projects dotting the zone.

“To this end, we call on all sons and daughters, lovers of Igbo, to support President Buhari and other lawful authorities, with a view to uniting the country, which is a task that must be done.

“Equally, we call on some of our elders, who choose selfish interest over collective good, to desist forthwith, or be exposed.”