Groups from eastern states of the federation unanimously condemned some northerners for levelling frivolous allegations against former Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd), to the effect that he sponsored Boko Haram insurgents during his tenure.
Among the groups are Igbo Youth Vanguard, Voice of the East Movement, Ogene Ukwu Ndigbo, Movement for the Emancipation of Ndigbo, Amalgamation of Associations of Eastern Youths and the Eastern Youths Solidarity Movement.
In a press statement in Onitsha, Anambra State, yesterday, and jointly signed on their behalf by Mazi Edenwachukwu Chukwudi and Echewodo Gregory, the groups noted that they were rattled by such a high level of allegation against Ihejirika, adding that it appeared the northerners were bent on attacking the easterners and Ndigbo in particular.
“While we want the northerners to desist from the allegation which they levied against Ihejirika that he sponsored Boko Haram insurgents, we also wish to promise them that their evil agenda will eventually become a nullity because we the youths will not allow them to destroy our future destiny,” they said.
The groups commended Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State for his efforts at uniting Ndigbo since he became chairman of South East Governors’ Forum.
The groups said they had gone round the state and discovered that the governor had made a lot of impacts in the lives of the youths in the state by creating jobs for them.
“Ochendo’s records have proved that Orji is a true son of Igbo land. He has done what Ndigbo needed by bringing peace and unity among different groups in Igboland. All his efforts towards bringing Ndigbo together is highly commendable and we are calling on other governors from South East and South South states to emulate him.
“We also felicitate with Ochendo for his concern and magnanimity to Igbo race. We are commending the Abia governor for his giant stride towards providing job opportunities for the youths of Abia State.
“After our visit to the state, we saw things for ourselves, the agricultural project, the cabs/taxi which he provided for the youths and even those who underwent training as barbers, tailors and shoe-makers, all of these youth empowerment programmes were organised by the governor.
”We commend his leadership style since he became the chairman of South East Governors Forum. We appeal to him to extend his magnanimity to the entire Igboland.
