A group, Igbo Delegates Assembly (IDA), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for addressing insecurity in Igboland, which it said had previously caused fear and unrest among residents.
In a statement yesterday in Bauchi by the president-general of the Assembly, Chief Kenneth Okeugo, the group lauded Tinubu for checking the menace of unknown gunmen,“ which has destabilised the region in recent years.
„It was an ugly development that came into existence during the last administration, and was seen as a deliberate state-sponsored covert operation to destabilise the region and destroy its economy,“ the IDA president general, stated.
The IDA called on President Tinubu to further strengthen Nigeria‘s security architecture to ensure total victory over criminal elements, not only in the Southeast but across all endangered areas of Nigeria.
They also urged governors of Igbo states and heads of security agencies to intensify efforts to safeguard lives and property.
Expressing deep concern over the recent killings in Yelwata, Benue State, the Assembly called on relevant authorities to respond swiftly and effectively to such attacks. It also sympathised with the victims of the Mokwa flood disaster in Niger State.
Meanwhile, the Assembly reiterated its full support for the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, commending Senator John Azuta Mbata‘s leadership.
“The congress unanimously agrees that Ohanaeze Ndigbo is on the right path under Senator Mbata’s leadership. We encourage them to continue in their strategic consultations, reconciliations, and bridge-building efforts, as seen in the just concluded Ohanaeze retreat,“ the statement noted.
IDA also condemned the recent demolition of a property belonging to an Igbo businessman, Ndibe Obi, in Lagos, describing it as political victimisation.
“We see it as a targeted attack on Igbo interests in Lagos State. Such actions discourage investment and should be stopped immediately,“ Okeugo said.
He urged the Lagos State Government to prevent any form of unprovoked attacks on Igbos, warning that such actions could provoke unintended consequences.
Okeugo called on Igbo entrepreneurs to relocate and expand their investments to the Southeast.
“They must prioritise the industrialisation of Igboland to create employment opportunities and spur regional development,” he added.
The Assembly also urged leaders of Igbo communities in Northern Nigeria to continue promoting peace and unity in their host communities.
