We Are In Dialogue With IPOB To Embrace Peaceful Methods Of Engagement – Ohanaeze Youth Wing

Ohanaeze South South Youth Coordinator, Chinedu Arthur Ugwa

Chief Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa, Coordinator of Ohanaeze Youth Wing in South South says the group was persuading Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to adopt peaceful means and embrace dialogue.

Arthur-Ugwa who spoke in an interview with newsmen on Monday in Yenagoa said that Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership was worried about the stigma resulting from the activities of IPOB.

According to the youth leader, IPOB had attempted to disrupt the may 21 rally on restructuring organised by Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Awka despite pledges made by IPOB when Ohaneze youth leadership met IPOB before the rally..

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is an umbrella body for all Igbos of all political persuasions and by implication, they are part of Ohanaeze, but we are worried about the stigma associated with their methods.

“We have extended an olive branch to them and we are still in talks to persuade them to change their tactics and embrace peaceful and civil means of venting grievances.

“Although we felt disappointed about IPOB’s failed attempts to disrupt the rally we put together in Awka, they are our brothers and we feel strongly that they not terrorists.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General, Chief John Nnia Nwodo has spoken out and it is our belief that if they show commitment to dialogue, IPOB could be de-proscribed.

“We are all committed to working against the marginalisation of Igbos, we in Ohanaeze and IPOB are unanimous on that but our methods differ, and we have made it clear that restructuring will achieve the aspirations of igbos.

 “We are canvassing the views that a restructured Nigeria will end marginalisation of any group and our leaders at the rally said that Biafra came about due to marginalisation,” Arthur-Ugwa said.

He said that Ohanaeze Ndigbo is embarking on enlightenment of its members across the federation on the essence of restructuring and its benefits to all sections of the country and to reposition Igbos in a restricted federation.