The Ogbako Ndigbo Nile, as reported by the Vanguard on Sunday, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to tackle the root causes of agitation in Nigeria. The group also expressed disappointment with former President Muhammadu Buhari for not addressing these issues during his eight years in office.
Azunna Akpelu, the National President of the Ogbako Ndigbo Nile, spoke to reporters during the organization's inauguration in Owerri. He attributed Nigeria's current challenges to the previous administration's failure to address the underlying causes of agitation.
Akpelu emphasized the group's commitment to unifying different regions of Nigeria, stating that Ogbako Ndigbo aims to unite people from the North and South to speak with one voice. He stressed the importance of visibility and dispelling false narratives, noting that lies about the Igbo people hating Hausa and Yoruba are damaging and need to be corrected.
He also highlighted the widespread presence and cultural unity of the Igbo across Nigeria, explaining that Igbo people are identifiable by their cultural practices, such as observing the four market days. Akpelu pointed out that those seeking secession do so because they feel marginalized and unrecognized, emphasizing the need to correct misconceptions about the Igbo community.
Akpelu reiterated the group's mission to foster unity, urging Igbo people to embrace their cultural bonds and support one another. He noted that since the civil war, no Igbo person has held significant power in Nigeria, suggesting that the nation may be waiting for the Igbo to progress.
( Picture used for illustrative purpose )
In a direct appeal to President Tinubu, Akpelu stressed the importance of addressing the issues that have led to agitation in Nigeria. He argued that if former President Buhari had addressed these concerns, the current situation might have been different. Akpelu highlighted the deteriorating state of Nigeria's economy and called for immediate action to address it.
As per The Vanguard, He remarked, Ogbako Ndigbo is ready to bring all of us together, the North, South, to speak in one voice. Ndigbo wants to participate in everything that concerns us. The way it is, if you did not say this is the place you are, you will not be noticed. We must come out and stop the lies that are told about us. Again, we are being told lies that Igbo hate Hausa, Igbo hate Yoruba. It is not true. Those saying this are creating enemies in Nigeria, and it is part of the issue we will address and correct."
Ogbako Ndigbo Nile is out now to unite our kith and kin anywhere they are. Every Igbo man should love themselves. We should come back to those things that bind us together. Since after the war, no Igbo man has tested the seat of power. Maybe Nigeria is waiting for Igbo to move forward."