My Adeniyi Yusuf
The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has said Southeast Governors should provide free transportation and security for Igbo people coming home this festive season.
The call was made in a statement signed by the Deputy President General of the association, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and the National Spokesman, Chief Chinenyeze Ohia shared with the New Daily Prime.
According to the statement, Nigerians face an economic downturn that has resulted in unprecedented hikes in transportation fares.
It added that this unfortunate circumstance rendered numerous intending Igbos in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and other regions in Northern Nigeria unable to return home to the Southeast to reunite with their families.
The statement read, “Even those Igbos capable of affording the exorbitant travel fees are filled with trepidation, driven by the pervasive concerns surrounding unresolved security issues throughout the nation, particularly in the Southeast.
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“It is, therefore, the responsibility – indeed, the moral obligation – of the Southeast Governors to respond with urgency and empathy to these pressing challenges confronting our people.”
Ohanaeze called on the Southeast Governors to take immediate action by facilitating the return of our people stranded in various parts of the country.
It further read, “We call for the provision of at least 250 free buses (50 buses from each Southeast state) to transport our citizens back to their homes this festive season. Such an initiative would serve as a gesture of goodwill and solidarity, reinforcing the bond of our Igbo heritage and culture during this joyous yet challenging period.
“Furthermore, we extend our commendation to the Federal Government for its commendable efforts in mitigating insecurity in specific communities within Igboland. The collaborative actions of the Nigerian military and allied security agencies have significantly restored normalcy, allowing many Igbos to reclaim their territory after a prolonged absence due to security threats. It is with this newfound safety that we can once again gather with our loved ones to celebrate the Yuletide season.
“We stress that security must remain a paramount focus. Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges the Southeast Governors, in their roles as Chief Security Officers of their respective states, to enhance security measures, particularly around border communities in Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imo States. This is a crucial step toward safeguarding lives and preventing any potential terrorist incursions, especially from fleeing Northern bandits.
“Let it be known that any Governor failing to take appropriate measures—be it the provision of free transportation or the fortification of security—will face the ire of the Ndigbo people. In contrast, those who heed this call for action shall be recognized and celebrated for their dedication to the welfare of Ndigbo.
“Finally, Ohanaeze Ndigbo enthusiastically acknowledges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s establishment of a military training depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State – a significant development that represents a departure from practices historically restricted to the Northern regions since Nigeria’s independence in 1960. This military installment is pivotal in reshaping the mindset of Igbo youths, encouraging their participation in military recruitment initiatives, and ultimately contributing to enhanced security in the Southeast.
“We stand firm in our commitment to advocating for the interests of the Igbo people and advancing their welfare. As the festive season approaches, let us endeavor to work together for the greater good of our region.”
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