Appoint Igbo man as IG, clergymen tell Buhari

With less than two months to the retirement of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, clergymen of Igbo extraction have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint one of their kinsmen as his successor.

They also called on Buhari to reach out in person to Fulani herdsmen in the country so as to end attacks against farmers and other innocent people.

The clergymen under the aegis of Rehemi Foundation and Association of United Igbo Gospel Ministers, at a press briefing held on Saturday in Abuja, stated that the President should appoint the next police boss from the East.

Spokesperson for the group and President of Rehemi Foundation, Air Vice Marshal Robert Konye Ekezie (retd.), said it was time for Buhari to “right the wrongs, as the tenure of the present indefatigable Inspector-General of Police comes to an end in June. It is about time the Igbo man enjoyed his inalienable right as a Nigerian, without the constant harassment and vilification from other tribes.”

Ekezie added, “It is not news that the Igbo is the favourite for attack by any group of mercenaries or disgruntled elements in Nigeria. The recent attack on Nimbo Community, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State by suspected Fulani herdsmen follows a pattern. It is a continuous war on Igbo’s man existence.

“The constant attack on the Igbos by mercenaries, religious fundamentalists, and other disgruntled groups must stop. An Igbo cannot go to another tribe to wage war against the natives. If he’s ever there, it is for commercial purpose.”

The clergymen therefore called on President Buhari to appeal to Fulani herdsmen to shun violent attacks against Igbo people.

“Our dear president, who is the number one father, should treat every Nigerian, irrespective of tribe and religion as his children, with the same responsibility to all,” Ekezie said.