Ikenna Atanah
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Worldwide has reaffirmed its commitment and support to a united Nigeria, as it called for unity among all groups.
The call was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, by the president of its youth wing, Arthur Obiora in Awka, Anambra State.
According to the statement, this was in response to the activities of pro-Biafra groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, who have intensified their separation demands; following the #EndSARS protest.
According to the Ohanaeze youths, Nigeria would become great; when all the regions of the country work together as one people.
“We the young people of the Igbo Speaking Area under the auspices of the Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth Wing Worldwide; wish to use this medium to call for calm and restoration of law and order in the country.
“We state categorically that we are in total support of the #EndSARS protest demanding an end to police brutality; extortion; fortune; and also killings of innocent citizens’; especially young persons by different units of the police force, with special emphasis on SARS.
“There are numerous cases of our people who have fallen victims to police brutality and for that reason; we commend the initiators of the protests for providing an opportunity for young people to express their grievances concerning such acts.
“We commend Mr. President and the Federal Government; for accepting and granting the #5 for 5 demands of the young people during the protests.
“That none of the 5 points were dropped nor amended clearly shows that for once; young people have collectively gotten the government to listen to our sincere agitations on an issue.
“We also commend the state governments that have already set up their judicial panels of inquiry as part of the demands of the #EndSARS protests; and call on others to do same so that the panels can get to work and deliver on the directive of the Federal Government.
“We commiserate with our brothers and sisters of South-West extraction for the great loss suffered; most especially in Lagos State.
“Also, we also commiserate with the families of those who lost their lives; and all the State Governments that have suffered great economic loss due to the massive vandalism and looting that took place this past couple of days.
“We acknowledge that we are one people; with a common goal and destiny. Our greatness will only be realized when we work together as one people.
“Ohanaeze calls on every young person; to desist from acts and utterances that are aimed at plunging this country into chaos. We will not allow anyone to derail this country on its course to greatness.”