By KEMI KASUMU
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo, rather than being anti-progress, will continue to stand with whatever effort Federal Government of Nigeria is making towards the security, peace, unity and development of the country. We are ready to work with other tribes in ensuring the success of this.,” Ohanaeze Ndigbo said.
The appointment, on Tuesday April 6, 2021, of Alhaji Usman Alkali Baba as the Acting Inspector-General of Police in Nigeria has gladdened the heart of Igbo socio-cultural organization and apex body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo General Assembly Wordwide.
In appreciating the development, the group described the appointment as timely and thanked President Buhari for using it to save the South East region from being turned to the theatre of war by terrorist group Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
The group made the commendation while disclaimers bg a reported statement purportedly issued by a certain person condemning the presidential appointment of the new Acting IGP.
In a statement titled, “APPOINTMENT OF NEW IGP: OHANAEZE NDIGBO DISSOCIATES SELF FROM CONDEMNATION”, signed by Ambassador Obizoba Chiemelu Tony, Director General Strategic Planning and Implementations, Ohanaeze Ndigbo General Assembly Wordwide, made available to the press on Wednesday April 7, 2021, the Igbo’s most powerful group said it issued no such statement and that, if it did, it would be to appreciate the President for his quick intervention effecting the appointment of the new IGP.
“Our attention has been drawn to an online media report that certain person purportedly speaking for Ohanaeze Ndigbo reacted on behalf of the group with condemnation of the appointment Tuesday April 6, 2021 of Alhaji Usman Alkali Baba, by President Muhammadu Buhari, as the new Acting Inspector General of Police.
“We make bold to inform the general public that, as far as the only constitutionally recognized Igbo socio-cultural organization and apex body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo General Assembly Wordwide is concerned, there has been no such reaction and, if there could be one, it would rather be in appreciating the president for his timely intervention saving the South East region from being turned to theatre of war by a group already proscribed and declared terrorist group by a court of competent jurisdiction in the country.
“We therefore call on all Nigerians, especially our fellow tribes, the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba peoples of our great country to disregard the unfortunate reaction.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo, rather than being anti-progress, will continue to stand with whatever effort Federal Government of Nigeria is making towards the security, peace, unity and development of the country. We are ready to work with other tribes in ensuring the success of this.
“For Igbo to be given a vantage position in the administration of Nigeria, it will come naturally by our patriotic participation and so we cannot do otherwise,” it said.
