By Chinonso Alozie

Owerri—The two factional leaders of Ohanaeze  Ndigbo World Wide have explained the reasons why  they decided to make peace.

The various groups spoke to the South East Voice, after their reconciliation meeting in Owerri, Imo State.

According to Gary Nnachi Enwo-Igariwey, President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo World Wide,“it is not that the leadership has been rocked by crisis; just that in every big organisation, there is always a kind of friction. The leadership of Ohanaeze is not an exception.

“With the Igbo people, big tribe, republican by nature, you always expect such differences in opinion.

“I am happy to announce to you that Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, brokered that peace by trying to bring harmony between the dissenting voices and today we have one voice and stronger Ohanaeze.

Gov. Rochas Okorocha

“Differences came up not necessarily from my leadership. Earlier, the Igbo race is a big tribe and in every large gathering, it is usually not easy to have a consensus opinion.

“Now that there is peace, we expect a strong and dynamic Ohanaeze. Ohanaeze that will live up to its responsibility of defending the Igbo cause.
Biafra

“Yes, we have spoken before on that matter. First, Ohanaeze was properly represented at the confab in 2014. Our emphasis was on the restructuring of the country.

“Ohanaeze believes that the process of restructuring of this country would bring answers to some of the nagging issues confronting the Igbo nation.

“We believe that the agitation of Biafra is as a result of the perceived injustices meted on the people by the Federal Government. I wish that these issues would be listened to.

Steps to take
“Yes, we will meet with the leadership of the Igbo people through a stakeholders forum so that we will all be on the same page when deciding on the best way forward on this serious matter. And the positions will be forwarded to the appropriate authorities.

“Meanwhile, we had earlier advocated for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, because we think that his release will ease the tension. Holding him will not solve the problem.

Imo State
“It was critical to the peace. All that was needed was a force that could appeal to the two persons. We expected that to have happened a long time ago from other sources. We appreciate his leadership.

“There is need for the Igbo people to be united. When people are united and strong, they can fight for their course. The greatest problem with Igbo people is unity. The moment we find it, we can overcome all problems we have.

“My message, specifically to the Igbo, is to remain calm and articulate and to be united in all of the things they do because as a large tribe they will benefit from their demographic strength once they are united. And we are ready to capitalise on that demographic strength to achieve our goals.”

For Chief Ralph Obioha, “I was up till the day of the reconciliation meeting, Ohanaeze Chairman, Careta-ker Committee, which in effect came to a close. Of course, the Igbo nation is waiting to hear how it happened. I can appreciate that.

“A lot of credit goes to Governor Rochas Okorocha, who, painstakingly, has been working and consulting the individual parties. At the end, both parties threw away those things that do not advance the core interest of the Igbo.”