Factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu lsiguzoro has raised concerns over the prevailing security challenges in the country especially, in the Northern region.
Isiguzoro, while calling on the Northern Elders forum to collaborate with President Bola Tinubu led-federal government in eradicating insurgency and terrorism in the region.
This was contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to OsunDailyNG on Monday, while reacting to the recent remarks by former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.
General Gowon had recently made the assertion during a book launch authored by Ambassador Abdullahi Shehu, that Boko Haram had been a primary threat to Nigeria’s development since the civil war.
The statement read, ” The relentless surge of violence across Nigeria has understandably raised concerns among Nigerians and Ndigbo alike. We cannot disregard the urgent need for heightened efforts by all levels of government to address the prevailing security challenges, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
“In light of Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon’s recent remarks during the book launch authored by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Russia, Professor Abdullahi Shehu, it is evident that Boko Haram poses a significant obstacle to the peace and progress of our nation.
“General Gowon’s assertion that Boko Haram has been a primary threat to Nigeria’s development since the Civil War underscores the gravity of the situation.
“We are deeply troubled by the statements attributed to Salisu Mohammed, Deputy Director of the Northern Elders Forum, regarding alleged harassment and assaults on Northerners engaged in lawful activities in the Southeast.
“OHANAEZE NDIGBO calls for a thorough investigation to ascertain the veracity and origin of the circulated video depicting this reported harassment.
“Categorically denounces any form of violence or intimidation against fellow Nigerians, be it in the East or North.We urge the Northern Elders Forum to exercise prudence before making weighty allegations against the Southeast, considering that security challenges are a national concern requiring unified efforts to combat these threats effectively.
“Segmenting insecurities, violence, and banditry to specific regions only serves to exacerbate the existing challenges. We caution against escalating tensions and baseless accusations, particularly amidst the overarching threat posed by Boko Haram to Nigeria’s stability and security.
“Ohanaeze affirms the organization’s commitment to investigating the truth behind these allegations. We call on security agencies to conduct a comprehensive inquiry to determine the video’s authenticity, location, and timeline. We implore the Northern Elders Forum to provide accurate details to aid in identifying and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
”OHANAEZE NDIGBO extends a plea to the Northern Elders Forum to collaborate with President Tinubu in eradicating insurgency and terrorism in the Northern region. Inconsistencies and retractions in statements only sow confusion and skepticism, hindering the pursuit of truth and national unity.
”As Nigerians and Ndigbo collectively address the complex challenges facing our nation, let us foster understanding, cooperation, and transparency. Together, we can overcome these hurdles and strive towards a safer and more prosperous Nigeria for all.
