After several peaceful rallies gone bad and loss of lives in Onitsha, Anambra State over the actualisation of a Biafra Republic, Igbos living in Niger State on Sunday disowned those behind the agitation.
Led by its Eze Igbo, Eze Pampas Wahiwe, the Igbos in Niger State said they have nothing to do with the proponents of the idea, including a Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
They said they are comfortable with the present Nigeria.
Wahiwe also joined in the call for those protesting and blocking the Niger Bridge, which had obstructed the free flow of traffic, to refrain from such illegal acts and tow the path of peace to seek justice.
Addressing newsmen in his Minna Palace, Wahiwe said: “My purpose of calling you people is to on behalf of Igbos in the state denounce the call for the actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra.
“It is no longer news that certain group of persons from the South Eastern part of the country have conspired to agitate for Biafra State.
“I am aware that every well meaning socio-cultural organisation in the South Sast has denounced this violence and disassociated themselves from the activities of these mindless agitators.
“I want to join them in denouncing and condemning the activities of these miscreants.
“Igbos all over the world are versed in knowledge, peaceful and highly industrious and have no place for violence in demanding for or asserting their legitimate rights.
“As far as they did not consult us, they do not represent us or our interest.
“I respectfully advice the Igbos in the state to continue to live in peace and go about their normal businesses with no fear of contradiction.”
Wahiwe stressed the need to douse the tension generated across the country by the agitation, hence they had to come out to state their position on the vexed issue.
He said: “Igbos in the Northern part of the country, especially those resident in Niger State, are living peacefully with their hosts communities.
“We the Igbos are peace loving people and must be appreciated.
“To douse the tension in the country, we need to be committed and our people will continue to be friendly and live in peace with other tribes in the entire country.”
The Eze Igbo however pleaded with the Federal and State Governments not to use force on those protesting in some parts of the country so as to avoid the situation deteriorating.
Wahiwe said: “The Federal Government needs to dialogue with the group so that everything can be resolved amicably for us to have sustainable peace in the country.”
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