ANAMBRA: Ohanaeze Calls On IPOB To Retract Sit-At-Home Order, Give Reasons

Recall thst the separatist group had threatened to embark on one week sit at home from November 5, if their lesder, Nnamdi Kanu is not released on or before November 4, 2021.

In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Alex Ogbonnia, noted tat the sit at home would affect the November 6 election in the state.

The statement titled: 'Ohanaeze pleads with IPOB for Anambra election' read in parts;

"It is important to note that Anambra State is the economic live wire of the South East with an impressive steady growth trajectory. For instance, Anambra State showcases the best rural road network and rural community development in the South East if not in entire Nigeria.

"Anambra is home to the greatest number of small, medium and large scale industries in the South East. Most recently, Anambra has added a cargo airport to its resource base. Above all, Onitsha is the largest market in West Africa. The implication of the above illustration is that Anambra State is the melting pot of Igbo traders and artisans.

"It stands to reason that Anambra is the big Iroko tree that provides a shade for most Igbos. Apart from the shade, it also hosts the numerous birds that perch on the branches. Therefore any harm to the Iroko tree will create untold disastrous chain reactions and catastrophe for the Igbo."

"It is important to point out that one of the causes of the crisis of confidence in the South East is because of the yawning gap between the youths and indeed the masses, on one side and the political leaders on the other. Therefore, the leadership of the various youth groups should not be excluded in any meeting aimed at resolving the current crises in Igbo Land. In other words, the youths want to be fully convinced of our commitment to their plight.

"Ohanaeze Ndigbo reiterates its solidarity with any group that protests the Igbo alienation in the project Nigeria with caution for restraint, maturity, and wisdom. It is based on the foregoing that Ohanaeze adopts the philosophy of dialogue, negotiations in coalition with other concerned groups that comprise the Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum led by Chief E K Clarke.

"It is also lamentable that the burial ceremony for the Afara Ukwu born Chief Mrs Victoria Aguiyi Ironsi, slated for November 5 in Umuahia, Abia State may be drastically affected by the prevailing Igbo social climate. General JTU Aguiyi Ironsi represents so many things to the Igbo and we owe his soul a duty.

"Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willy Obiano to convene a joint meeting of the Anambra State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by Chief Emeka Udodeme and the Association of Town Union (ASATU) led by Barr.Titus Akpudo with a view to activating meetings in all the 181 towns of Anambra State. The traditional rulers, Archbishops, Bishops and the Clergy are also requested to brace up in their roles as the cultural and spiritual leaders of society.