From CHARLES ONYEKWERE
Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has demanded a probe into the extra-judicial killing of 50 Igbo youths, whose bodies were found floating in Ezu River in Anambra State on January 9, 2013.
Ohanaeze made the demand in a press statement issued Monday and signed by the factional Deputy President-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro.
The Igbo group justified making the demand as a commitment to truth, justice and accountability.
Ohanaeze said it was disturbing for the then governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, not to have furnished the public about the circumstances surrounding the killing of the 50 youths over a decade after he left office.
“For over a decade, there has been conspicuous silence surrounding the events that transpired during your tenure.
“As the chief security officer of Anambra State and the governor at that time, the gravity of your position necessitates a transparent disclosure regarding this heinous act.
“Your reticence in providing clarity around whether you authorised or had knowledge of the unlawful death sentences and subsequent execution of these valiant youths raises profound concern about your accountability and moral compass in leadership,” Ohanaeze said.
The statement added that Obi had evaded private invitations extended to him to explain his role in the killings, adding that “Ohanaeze Ndigbo firmly asserts that your repeated avoidance of private discussions and inquiries on six separate occasions, dedicated to elucidating your role in this tragic narrative, is untenable.
“The families of the victims and the global community deserve to know the truth. Therefore, we demand immediate clarification from you, not only as a matter of public interest, but as an ethical imperative.
“The suspicions surrounding your complicity in these egregious acts must be addressed with the urgency and seriousness they unequivocally warrant.
“In the coming days, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will officially communicate with pertinent authorities to instigate an inquiry into the Ezu River incident of 2013.