Following the military invasion of Oyigbo Local Government Area by soldiers on the orders of the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, resulting in the death of over 50 persons, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo and South East Governors met with Wike on Sunday in Port Harcourt.
Nnia Nwodo, the President-General of Ohaneze had in a statement last week decried the killings, adding that the Apex Igbo Socio-Political group will meet with Wike over the development.
Present at the meeting which held at the Rivers State Government House were the President-General of Ohanaeze, Nnia Nwodo, Governors of Abia and Ebonyi State; Dr Okezie Ikpeazu and Dave Umahi; Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Nkem Okeke and Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
Other dignitaries are: Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Mrs. Ipalibo Harry Banigo; former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia; the chairman of Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council and Amanayanabo of Opobo, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, among others.
speaking during the meeting, Nnia Nwodo said the meeting has reinforced the existing affinity between Igbos and the people of Niger Delta.
He said he was elated to hear from Igbo leaders that under the leadership of Governor Wike Igbo businesses have continued to thrive.
He warned that the issues which led to the 3-year Biafra war should not be repeated.
The Chairman of the South East Governors Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, said they were in Rivers State to ascertain the veracity of the news circulating in the social media over alleged killing of Igbo people living in the State.
Umahi, who revealed that he has huge investment in Rivers State, urged Igbos living in the State to respect the Government and people of Rivers State in order for them to continue to live and do business in the State peaceful. According to him, Ndi-Igbos cannot support any form of criminality
Governor Wike in his remarks declared that the state will continue to be home to people of the Igbo Ethnic Nationality.
He said that in the wake of the Oyigbo crisis, people peddled the rumour that he is chasing Igbos out of Rivers State which is not true because the state has an enduring relationship with the Igbos.
“Tell your people, Rivers people will continue to live together with Igbos. Don’t allow your sons to tell you lies. Igbos are innovative and hardworking. There can’t be Nigeria without Igbos. Nobody should take them for granted. But that doesn’t mean you must allow criminals to spoil your name.
“If I hate Igbos, I won’t appoint your son into my state cabinet two times. But you have to obey rules. Don’t allow criminals to dictate to you”.
Former Rivers State governor, Dr Peter Odili, lauded the Igbo leaders for the peace initiative and decision to visit Governor Wike.
He stated that every governor desires peace to govern and Governor Wike is no exception. He stressed that the people of the State endorse every measure taken by Governor Wike to ensure lasting peace in the State.
