Abia Lawmaker Decries Attacks On Igbo, Urges ‘Genuine Reconciliation’

The lawmaker representing the good people of Bende North State Constituency, Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe, has sounded the alarm on the persistent attacks on Igbo people across the country, citing historical injustices and negative narratives as major contributors to the problem.

During Tuesday’s plenary, the lawmaker raised a motion of urgent public importance as regards the persistent attack on Igbos across the nation on very slight provocations.

The Plight of Igbo People

Speaking to THE WHISTLER on Wednesday, the lawmaker explained that the Igbo people have been subjected to ethnic hatred, division, and killings, with little to no effort from the government to address these issues.

“Given the incessant reports and messages I received from my constituents, it is important that we bring this to the front burner,” the lawmaker stated.

The lawmaker pointed to specific incidents, including attacks on Igbo people in Denmark and the 2001 Yuthepa Giant incident in Nigeria, where narratives were twisted to negatively portray the Igbo people in bad light, which led to unwarranted violence and destruction of properties belonging to the Igbos.

Call for Reconciliation and Reconstruction

To address these issues, the lawmaker is calling for genuine reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation efforts, similar to those proposed by General Gowon after the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War.

“Reconstruction, reconciliation, and rehabilitation should be made a national policy and practical programme to give all Nigerians a sense of belonging,” the lawmaker emphasised.

The lawmaker also stressed the need for meaningful federal government presence in the Southeast region, beyond just militarisation.

“Let there be a meaningful federal government presence in the Southeast and not leave the Southeast as a militarised zone, which will also send the wrong signals psychologically to the people that they are still under siege,” he said.

National Implications

The lawmaker noted that the problems faced by the Igbo people are not isolated but have broader implications for Nigeria’s development and stability.

“Development cannot take place in isolation from peace, unity, and harmony, and above all, love for one another, no matter the ethnic group involved,” the lawmaker said.

The lawmaker urged the government to adopt core principles of peace and protection of ethnic groups, as outlined in the United Nations Articles, to promote national unity and integration.