IPOB, MASSOB Will Be Part Of Southeast Security Outfit- Ohanaeze Ndigbo

The Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu State chapter, Chief Alex Ogbonnia has said the Igbo socio-cultural group is in support of the move by governors of southeast states to establish a common security outfit in the zone, stressing that all volunteers would be recruited including members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB).

IPOB and MASSOB are secessionist movements in the southeast of Nigeria, associated with Igbo nationalism, which supports the recreation of an independent state of Biafra.

Ogbonnia who spoke in an interview with THE WHISTLER in Enugu, said the fears being expressed in some quarters that the proposed outfit would be hijacked by pro-Biafra agitators were misplaced, adding that such could not happen.

He said: “They are not Hausa or Yoruba people. They are south easterners with Igbo blood. The issue of hijack does not arise. We are interested in volunteers, which is all about heroism and patriotism. Whether it is MASSOB or IPOB, we have a common interest on this issue.

“Our interest is to move Igboland forward. We want equity and security. Whatever nomenclature is immaterial. We are comfortable with what the governors are doing. If we are secured, our entrepreneurial potentials would manifest. An environment that is not secured is an antithesis of development. So, it is service above self.”

Governors and leaders of the southeast on Sunday resolved to establish a security outfit to safeguard lives and property in the zone.

Ogbonnia said Ohanaeze and the governors ‘are on the same page’ on the issue, adding that both were working in synergy to address security challenges in the zone.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is working in synergy with the governors of the southeast. What we want is what they want. Just that the vigour of Ohanaeze is for the masses, while that of the governors is government.

“Everybody in Igboland is on one page. Our governors are united on this project, and the due process will be followed in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in getting this security project done. It is only in a secure environment that development can take place.”