Igbo Group Moves To Resolve Crisis

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The Igala/Igbo socio-cultural group of Kogi and Anambra states have commenced moves to resolve the lingering crisis over claims of ownership to the oil field at Anambra River Basin.

The group said there was need to urgently resolve the crisis because of the wanton destruction of lives and properties of Igala and Igbo speaking people in the two states.

The Obi of Awka, HRM Gibson Nwosu, Eze Uzu1, dropped the hint when the Igala/Igbo socio-cultural group, Kogi State chapter, led by its co-founder and state general coordinator, Goodman Akwu, paid a courtesy visit on him.

The group which was also accompanied by Anambra State general coordinator and co-founder of the group, Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, was received by the Obi of Awka and  the  leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the state and former governor of old Anambra State, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife.

In his comments, the traditional ruler regretted that violence had never produced anything positive, urging the people to stop resorting to war and violence over issues affecting them.

Nwosu, who said he was among the first trained fighters that brought about the establishment of the Nigerian Air Force and an active participant in the Biafra struggle in the 60s, posited that by his experience in the civil war, issues are better resolved peacefully rather than through violence.

“I was among the Nigerians that started the Nigerian Air Force in 1962. We broke apart during the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War. During the war, I found myself fighting my colleagues and course mates; it was  not a good experience. I pray we will not witness such incident again”, he said.

While commending the initiative of the founders of the Igala-Igbo group, he noted that  stakeholders and other interest groups would support the idea and stop the carnage among brothers living at the Anambra River Basin in Anambra and Kogi States.

In his remarks, the National President of Igala Cultural Development Association (ICDA), Deacon Idechu Ikani, said Igala speaking people of Kogi State and Igbo speaking people of Anambra State have a  historical link that could not be ignored.

igbo culture and British colonization

He said while other options were being explored to find solution to the crisis in the basin,  the socio-cultural connections of the two tribes in  the past should be explored for a lasting solution and for peace to return to the area.

Comrade Ikani, who said he was happy that history was  being made by the  visit to Obi of Awka, stated  further : “We are aware of the history of our people. We are out for peace. My people have a saying that anyone that embraces peace will have peace following him.”

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