The apex Igbo organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has warned the Buhari-led administration to disengage from fighting an unwinnable war against nationalism and desist from the use of force in resolving the present national crises after it had learned of the “Shoot-at-sight order” issued to the Nigerian soldiers. This was made known in address issued by the organization’s National Publicity Secretary, Alex Ogbonnia, Ohanaeze in Enugu State who noted that such an order was capable of bringing another pogrom and genocide.
The organization which described the move as an unwinnable war against nationalism asked the federal government to refrain from the use of force in resolving the present national crises. The statement read, “The attention of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has been drawn to the “Shoot-at-sight order” given to the Nigerian soldiers on how to engage the Igbo youths in the oncoming week. The Sahara Reporters, May 8, elaborated on the new secret plan which by the grace of God has come to the public domain. The report further revealed that the exercise will commence from Orlu in Imo State, South East Nigeria. This is very disturbing.” He noted that “The pattern of deployment of northern military officers to the South-East lends credence to the above report.”
He noted that it was worrisome that some of the activities of the Nigerian Army was “truly worrisome!” He revealed that the Nigerian army has posted Northern Muslims as commanders over its operations and brigades in Anambra, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Benue, Edo, Delta and Rivers which the organization said was uncovered by Sahara Reporters. It mentioned that the Cantonment Commandant of the 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha, is Col Abdulsalam Abubakar Sambo, a Hausa-Fulani Muslim; and is charged with overseeing Imo State. The Brigade Commander of 34 Brigade, Obinze, is Brig Gen Ibrahim Tukura, another northerner; in Abia State, the Brigade Commander of 14 Brigade, Ohafia, is Brig Gen M. Ibrahim, still, a northerner; while in Akwa Ibom State, the Brigade Commander of 2 Brigade, Uyo, is Brig Gen Faruk Mijinyawa, another northerner.
Ogbonnia pointed ethnic militia, agitation for secession and insurgency are the major problems that have threatened Nigeria’s peace and the Igbo in particular were a product of sustained orchestrated injustice in governance. Ohanaeze quoted Its President General who had warned that, “History shows that military and violent means to solve the national question is bound to fail as it leads to further national fractionalization, anarchy and eventual or inevitable disintegration, as in all Empires or multi-national states or countries.” However, the apex Igbo organizations advised the Buhari-led administration to seek possible peaceful options that are the only solution that guarantees national unity and peaceful coexistence.” as “the dream of Nigeria unity is receding and fading fast with violence, crises and conflicts.”
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