"We shouldn't experience another civil war" - Ohanaeze Ndigbo

The apex Igbo socio-cultural group in Nigeria, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, yesterday stressed that the country should not be allowed to undergo another civil war. This came as the body also reinstated that Ndigbo are not interested in secession but equity and fairness from leaders of the country.

This is even as Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State, yesterday, told sponsors of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, to have a rethink.

Speaking when he led leaders of Ohanaeze on a courtesy visit to Governor Aminu Waziri at the Government House, yesterday, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nwodo, said although Nigeria was in trying times, the cohesion that existed over the years was worthy of being maintained.

“Yes, our country is going through a trying period but we should not under any circumstances experience another civil war. We should not allow personal emotions to undermine our national unity,” he said.

Mr. Nwodo who said the visit was at the instance of the South-East governors, assured of their cooperation for peaceful coexistence among the ethnic nationalities in the country. He commended the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad, for portraying himself as a father in the ongoing ethnic tensions by stating that "whoever wants to attack the Igbo, should attack him first."

“In the same vein, I came with the assurances of South-East governors that any Igbo who wants to kill a northerner, should first kill them.”

Responding, Governor Tambuwal observed that those looking for trouble lacked other ways of channeling their grievances.

“The recent quagmire is an act of people that do not understand any other way of channeling their grievances other than the way they have chosen."

“I assure you that we are at peace with each other and we shall continue to be because you cannot worship God or do business without peace,” he said.