|
Listen to article
|
Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo has blamed the ongoing agitations in the South East on long years of deprivations and bottled emotions seeking expressions in different ways.
It acknowledged that there was a high level of insecurity throughout the nation, but claimed that the Igbo-specific insecurity could be divided into two major groups: conflicts between Fulani herders and farmers, kidnappings, and most recently, the invasion and occupation of Igbo ancestral communities.
When the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Enugu, Major General Umar Musa paid a condolence visit to the headquarters of the top Igbo socio-cultural organisation following the recent death of its President General, George Obiozor, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, made these remarks.
Ogbonnia explained that the second type of insecurity was, ‘youth agitations which have degenerated into IPOB, ESN, Unknown Gun Men, etc. Importantly, agitations are mostly a chain of prolonged bottled emotions seeking expressions in diverse ways.’
Read Also: 2023: Why South East Will Vote Tinubu For President – Onoh
He pointed that, while the former required prompt, aggressive, and decisive counter-security operations, the latter required tact, diplomacy, and elements of nation-building.
According to him, this is because one has economic and expansionist motivations, while the other is driven by the natural irrepressible human aspirations or yearnings to attain full potentials in life.
‘Invariably, the various forms of restiveness in the South East are simply the manifestations or the effects of orchestrated relative deprivations. Therefore, in handling these matters as they surely arise, it is necessary to exhibit the highest degree of empathy, humane considerations, global best practices, and permissible military public relations,’ Ohanaeze further stated.
Ohanaeze, then, asked for God’s grace and guidance upon the GOC as he discharged his duties at the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, adding that his tenure should not be trailed with controversies.
Major Gen. Musa described Obiozor as a worthy leader of the Igbo nation, saying that he discharged his duties and responsibilities diligently.
He said that Obiozor was a true Nigerian and an exceptional diplomat who had contributed positively in nation-building and representing Nigeria well in the international community.
