Ethnic group frowns at inflammatory speech by Igbo youths

Chief Nnia Nwodo, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has expressed dismay over the spate of hate speech on social media platforms by Igbo youths under the guise of agitating for Biafra.

Nwodo made this known on Thursday during the inauguration ceremony of the newly elected officials of Abia chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Umuahia.

He said that making inciting speech was capable of causing crisis which could lead to mass violence in the nation ,adding that it was pertinent to respect constituted authorities.

Nwodo said that the first hand experience that he had during the Nigerian civil war had given him an understanding of the throes of war, adding that no nation had fought two wars and survived.

“There are 11.6 million Igbo people living in the North and it will be wise for Igbo people living in the South-East and elsewhere to put them into consideration while speaking or engaging in certain activities.

“I urged Igbo youths to desist from activities and comments that could spark violence in the nation. At the moment what Igbo people need to fight for is restructuring of the nation.

“Ohanaeze is in an era of transparency. I assure you that we have not relented in speaking for the Igbo people,especially in the area of restructuring for the benefit of Igbo people.”

In his speech, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, said that the event was an indication that Igbo people had unanimously arisen to pursue a venture that would reposition Igboland for greater prosperity and development.

Ikpeazu said that it was the responsibility of every Igbo person to respect Igbo leaders and support their efforts in campaigning for political and economic restructuring of Nigeria.

In his remark, Mr Rowland Ajuzieogu, the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo ,Abia chapter, said that the organisation would work hard to ensure that Igbo culture, traditions and language were resuscitated.

Ajuzieogu added that under his watch Ohanaeze would not hesitate in promoting any cause that would favour the people of Abia and Igbo land at large.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a lecture titled “Benefits of Practical Skills and Cultural Heritage in Igbo land” was delivered by Dr Chris Nwagbaoso.

Nwagbaoso, in his lecture urged Igbo people to equip themselves with skills that would make them key players in the socioeconomic advancement of Igbo land and the nation.