Igbo are co-owners of Nigeria, say Southeast governors, leaders

Igbo leaders yesterday restated their commitment to Nigeria’s unity and insisted that the third largest ethnic group is a co-owner of this country and cannot be put down by any other ethnic group. They called on Igbo who have invested in other parts of the country to replicate such investments in Igbo land to create employment and develop the zone.

These are part of the decisions of the meeting of the leaders organised by the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo. It was tagged Igbo Unity Forum. Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha hosted the meeting held at the Imo International Convention Centre.

Governors, former governors, prominent citizens, including former Chief of General Staff in the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida military regime, commodore Ebitu Ukiwe Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Okorocha, Enugu State Deputy Governor Cicilia Ezeilo, former governors of old Anambra State Jim Nwobodo and Chukwuemeka Ezeife – Imo State Deputy Governor  Eze Madumere and industrialist  Pascal Dozie attended the session. Also there was former Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Alison Madueke (retd.).

The leaders said the Igbo have what it takes to solve any problem that might arise in the region.

Ohaneze President-General Gary Enwo Igariwe, described the meeting as critical to the rebuilding of Igbo land.

He said: “We should come together and solve our problems. We are known for our resilience and industry. Thirty per cent of investments in Lagos and Abuja is owned by Ndigbo but now we are calling on our people to think home and build another Abuja in Igbo land.

“We should invest at home to create jobs for our people. So, today is a special day because we have decided as a people to close ranks and proffer solutions to our problems.”

Guest speaker Prof. Anya O Anya, called for a reorientation among Ndigbo. “The solutions to our problems can only be found within and not outside. We are the only ones that can solve our own problems,” he admonished.

He added: “We are preparing to rebuild Igbo land to meet with the Nigeria of the 21st Century. We have gathered because the time is critical so that we can chart a new course for our people. There has never been a time we are faced with a barrage of problems like now so we need our past to find solutions to our problems.”

Commodore Ukiwe urged the Igbo to forget the past and look forward, “We should forget about the past; there is nothing to regret about and we cannot be intimidated by anyone”

The meeting was still ongoing as at 9pm when this report was filed. A communique was being expected.