Igbos Are Not At War With The Yorubas – IPAN

By John Ndu

An international group, Igbos for a Progressive Nigeria (IPAN) has stated clearly that Igbos are not and will never be at war with the Yorubas or any other tribe in Nigeria.

This is against the insinuation by some tribal bigots who want to use the present crisis situation in the country to apportion blames to Igbos, to cause tribal war.

This was disclosed after an emergency meeting of IPAN, held recently, where they deliberated on the recent happenings in the country, most especially, in the South West.

IPAN in the meeting condemned in the strongest term the manner in which peaceful protests were hijacked by some hoodlums, which led to wanton destruction of lives, property and investments of fellow Nigerians.

In a release signed by the Leader, IPAN, South West Zone, Emeka Nwachukwu and the Secretary, Bar Arinze Odiari, condemned some spurious allegations peddled against the peace-loving Igbos, orchestrated by some unscrupulous elements, who do not in any way speak for the Igbos.

“For emphasis, Ndigbo are not and will never be at war with the Yoruba people, or any other tribe for that matter. We have learned from experience that any issue approached with war ends up like a tattered basket of a market woman.

“So, we will always be at peace with our host communities, states and tribes. And we will always use peaceful dialogue to approach any issue that may come up as we relate with them,” said Emeka Nwachukwu, leader of IPAN South West Zone.

“Igbos For A Progressive Nigeria (IPAN) South West Zone want to use this opportunity to commend the efforts of Joe Igbokwe, Lagos State Governor H.E Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland Otunba Gani Adams, and all other South West leaders, who in their wisdom, were able to douse the tension, dispel the rumours and restore peace and unity in the state.

“We noticed how these unprincipled elements were pushing hard to brand the recent sad occurrences, especially in Lagos, as a war between the Igbos and the Yorubas.

“Although, we are not surprised at their actions considering their past antecedents. But it still baffles us greatly that normal people, without mental problems, would be rejoicing over the loss of lives and property of fellow citizens.

We use this medium to commiserate with the families that lost their loved ones during the protests. We also commiserate with the government of Lagos state and all those who were affected in one way or the other.

As an organization tasked with the promotion of peace and unity in Nigeria, we will not watch as some people with destructive agenda turn this into a combat between the people of South East and their friendly South West hosts.

“IPAN also encourages all Igbos in Lagos State and other Southwest states of the country to complement and appreciate the efforts of the leaders of the region, so that an enabling environment will be created for the betterment of Igbos and others living in the region.

We therefore call on all Nigerians, especially the Igbo youths, never to be enticed by the overtures of those who are calling for war. At this time of our national life and in keeping with global standard, a roundtable discussion of issues affecting us remains a preferred alternative. Those who think otherwise should first start the war in their respective families.