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”.
By Ismail Mudashir
