In a bid to end the ongoing violence and unrest in the Southeastern region of Nigeria, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is set to dispatch emissaries to Western countries, including Finland, to engage in a dialogue with pro-Biafra activists.
News About Nigeria gathered that the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization’s move comes amidst escalating concerns over killings and arson attacks on communities by security agencies.
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President General of Ohanaeze, revealed the organization’s peace initiative during a church service held ahead of the 2023 Igbo Day celebration.
He declared his unwavering commitment to ensuring peace returns to the Southeast, stating, “I am ready to lay down my life.”
Expressing his distress at the current situation in the Southeast, Iwuanyanwu appealed to the Nigerian government and security agencies to adopt a non-violent approach to resolving the crisis. He emphasized that the killings must cease, stressing the need for peace.
“As the father of all Igbo people,” Iwuanyanwu asserted, “I’ll go to Finland and everywhere to see that there is peace in Igboland. I’ll go and cry to them. I pray to God that I achieve success.”
Iwuanyanwu acknowledged the socio-economic factors contributing to the unrest, stating, “Some of them are hungry. Some of them are unemployed.”
He called for a shift away from kinetic approaches and announced the forthcoming initiation of a non-kinetic approach during the Igbo Day celebration. The approach would focus on creating opportunities for the youth and ending the bloodshed.
“I am going to reach all these people by any means and I will talk for peace. I will beg them. I will even give them my life,” Iwuanyanwu added.
One of the key figures in the pro-Biafra movement, Simon Ekpa, resides in Finland. Ekpa has been associated with enforcing sit-at-home protests and advocating for Biafra’s secession. Iwuanyanwu revealed plans to set up a committee to engage with such individuals and appeal for peace.
