The Deputy Senate
President, Ike Ekweremadu, has urged Ndigbo not to allow themselves to be
provoked into any armed struggle, but to continue to sustain peaceful agitation
for equity and justice within the Nigerian commonwealth.
He reiterated that
the minimum Ndigbo demand from Nigeria was the restructuring of the Nigerian
federation to enable them enjoy equity and actualise their potentials
Ekweremadu spoke
at the World Igbo Congress (WIC) summit in Enugu yesterday.
“The minimum Ndigbo demand of Nigeria is a
restructuring of the federation so that every component part of it can
substantially harness its resources, cut its coat according to its cloth, and
develop at its own speed.
“Instructively,
the ill-fated Aburi Accord was about restructuring, even if it is not exactly
as we want it today. But it was breached and discarded, plunging the nation
into an avoidable fratricidal war. Yet, 50 years after, the need and call for
restructuring and return to a true federal state have only persisted.
“Although the call
initially fell on deaf ears, it is heartwarming that the right quarters are
beginning to listen and the call is gathering traction daily, even from
hitherto improbable quarters, “he said.
He commended
Ndigbo for eschewing violent in their struggle for a better deal within the
Nigerian commonwealth.
“No matter the
intimidation, harassment, and marginalisation of our people, we must never be
provoked into an armed struggle. It is an ill wind that blows no one any good.
“But we must
consistently continue to say a loud, ‘No!, until we get to the promised land of
an equitable and just society. Let no man be tired and let no woman give up.
The night may be long, but the day will surely break”, he said.
He urged the Federal Government to seek and
sustain peace in all parts of the country through equity, justice, and fairness
as “a man that is unjustly treated will never be interested in peace”.
“The rights of
Ndigbo to peaceful and democratic engagements must be respected. Those who try
to muffle and subdue democratic engagements by citizens are only playing into
the hands of anarchists.
“Importantly, the marginalisation meted out to
Ndigbo in appointments, especially in the commanding heights of the security
sector is unacceptable; and must be redressed”.
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