From CHARLES ONYEKWERE
Youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has asked northern politicians to tender an unreserved apology to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, over remarks by a prominent northern leader, Ango Abdullahi.
Professor Abdullahi, representing the Northern Elders Forum, NEF, made a statement on November 12, asserting that Nigeria’s federation ceased to be viable since 2014.
But Ohanaeze youths said Abdullahi’s call for Nigeria’s renegotiation was one of the factors leading to Kanu’s arrest and detention by the federal government under former President Muhammadu Buhari, who shares Abdullahi’s regional affiliation.
In a statement issued yesterday by the Ohanaeze Youth Wing’s National President, Comrade Igboayaka O. Ogboayaka, the youths noted that the declaration by the Northern Elders Forum regarding Nigeria’s looming expiration date had legitimised the self-determination efforts and referendum advocacy led by Kanu.
It noted that the recent report revealed that Omoyele Sowore, leader of the Revolution Now Movement and presidential candidate of African Action Congress, AAC, posited that the Igbos could only realise their full potentials if they secede from Nigeria.
Ohanaeze stated that Nigeria’s current structure had sparked varied perspectives which Mallam Aminu Kano aptly described its advancement as one step forward and two steps backward, a prophetic statement made more than 50 years ago.
“Throughout Nigeria’s various political periods, the notion of disintegration persists. However, colonialism’s powerful presence continues to obstruct Nigeria’s independence from European influence and political exploitation.
“The oppressive strategies utilised by British interests and politicians to maintain control over Nigeria may drive the country’s young leaders and progressive elements to adopt extreme measures, echoing Jerry Rawlings’ methods in pursuit of national survival.
“Nigeria political profiteers, leech and scavengers should earnestly wake up before the spirit of Jerry Rawlings of Ghana possess Nigerian youths,” the statement said.
While lauding Professor Abdullahi’s boldness in speaking truth to power, the youths encouraged him to issue a formal statement calling for Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release from DSS detention.
