Category Archives: Biafra

Biafra, News, Opinions

Claiming exclusive privacy right to Radio Biafra is a sign of madness-Ifeanyi Chijioke

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It appears Nnamdi Kanu has forgotten where he came from, whom he is, what extent he can go and his verbal limit. This guy took everything for granted, forgetting he is ordinarily the leader of a locally proscribed group called IPOB.

The support we gave him turned his head; little wonder he said he can play God and decides who lives and who dies. A man without a legitimate power; just because we thought he was capable and cleaned a once dirty guy up, the mad dog turned to bite its owner.

Biafra was born in 1967 and lived until 1970; between the period of birth and death, Nnamdi Kanu was not born, even if he was born before the war, he was an infant during the war. Then; there was a Radio Biafra anchored by Okokondem. Radio Biafra was an exclusive radio that belonged to the people of Biafra and nobody has privacy right over the radio, not even Okokondem.

Biafra was a name suggested by Frank Opigo; as at the time Frank was in his bed, having sleepless nights and stressing his brain to find a suiting name for the new nation, Nnamdi Kanu was not yet born. Nnamdi Kanu’s parents were somewhere making babies while real men were in the field working to get our nation on track. Finally; Frank came up with the name ‘Biafra’ and a product of cowardice at the very time of Frank’s bravery is laying futile privacy right to ‘Radio Biafra’.

After three years of war; Biafra surrendered- although surrender was a negotiated one and not forced upon us. We looked elsewhere and thought about rehabilitation. Many years after; precisely in 1999, Ralph Uwazurike led the resurrection of Biafra. Biafra that was verbally criminalized became common again and we began once more from where we abandoned it.

Uwazurike led MASSOB brought back some of the abandoned strategies and Radio Biafra was one. It is crucial to know that Radio Biafra began off air broadcast since 1999 and in 2000s, Radio Biafra began on air broadcast. Nnamdi Kanu was nowhere to be found during the time of this new beginning for Biafra. Men took the risk; shook off the fear and embraced the battle to give us right to be called Biafrans once more. We might today take the efforts of those men for granted because someone can now rant from anywhere, but it was uneasy feat.

Nnamdi Kanu came into the picture early 2012- even if he was in it before 2012, he was more of an Igbo campaigner than a Biafran activist. Uwazurike released funds when Radio Biafra was being set up and through Steven Ikpa who convinced Emeka Emekesiri and others, major funding was done for the purchase of Radio Biafra equipments. It was to be the media arm of the struggle for Biafra; Nnamdi Kanu was appointed to anchor the radio and the rest became history.

Abnormally; a media coup happened and Radio Biafra was hijacked. The man on the microphone declared himself a leader. Uche Mefor officially registered the radio when he left with Nnamdi Kanu and broadcast began fully. Breakthrough happened; the people of Biafra absorbed lies and we gave the traitor ladder to climb. Now where he wanted to be; not only has he made it clear that he has exclusive nomenclature right to ‘Radio Biafra’ he also announced to us that he is a supreme leader that can decide who lives and who dies. He boasted that he can play ‘God’; he can do whatsoever he wants. This ‘God’ we made what he is today; a ‘God’ that forgot his creator.

There is definitely a trace of madness in the claim that only his company has right to the nomenclature ‘Radio Biafra’. Nnamdi Kanu has become fond of constituting a nuisance because few idiots have given him the opportunity. But it is funny that a man that doesn’t know or have anything to do with the coining of a name can start laying claim to it and threatening people. A man can lay claim to an historic name- an history that was recorded even before his birth? While it is crucial to take Nnamdi Kanu to any nearest psychiatric hospital, people around him should keep an eye on him to avoid going full blast. Madness starts like a joke and turns into something serious.

‘Radio Biafra’ is not the property and can never be the property of Kanu’s family. We all know where we can find the properties belonging to Kanu’s family. One storey building in a plot of land located in Afaraukwu Ibeku is one of the properties of Nnamdi Kanus’. if anyone nears that property; such person is trespassing and should be ready to face the consequences. The SUV Anambra State governor gave Nnamdi Kanu that his younger brother is cruising in the town with is Nnamdi Kanu’s property; if you dare the black SUV, you face the consequences but as for ‘RADIO BIAFRA’ Nnamdi Kanu has gone mad and should be ignored.

Radio Biafra ‘nomenclature’ does not belong to the registered company in UK and whenever you like, as long as you are talking about Biafra and you are a Biafran, you have incontrovertible right to the nomenclature ‘RADIO BIAFRA’. Forget about the threats the traitor issued; he is nobody and he cannot do anything. If anyone threatens you or approaches, make a report in the nearest police station and sue the person. If you are rugged; if anyone threatens you, use bottle or machete and face him. If you have gun; if anyone threatens you, aim a headshot. Nobody is behind the traitor; he has nobody and has no mind. A dog barks because it can’t bite.

Ifeanyi Chijioke, an Independent/Investigative Journalist writes From Enugu.

Biafra, Human Rights, International, News, Niger Delta, South East, South-South

Barr Emekesiri’s CG-IPOB appoints President, Secretary for Bilie Human Rights Initiative (BHRI)

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The Customary Government of the Indigenous People of Biafra (CH-IPOB) has appointed a new National President and National Secretary for its human rights and legal department, the Bilie Human Rights Initiative(BHRI).

Vision Bearer of the CG-IPOB, Barrister Emeka Emekesiri announced the appointments during the annual General Meeting of the organization at Awka.

Barrister Pius Nwabueze Okoro was appointed National President of the human rights group, while Frank Nwapa Esq. emerged National Secretary.

BHRI is the accredited human rights advocacy group for the Biafrans. It is the human rights organisation that has presented the Biafran case to the United Nations and the African Union. It has engaged the Nigerian Government in a hydra-headed battle of wits using legal, diplomatic and political strategies. It is one of the sister organisations under the CH-IPOB, the umbrella body of the Biafran struggle as was envisioned by Biafran lawyer, Barr Emeka Emekesiri, the Solicitor for Indigenous People of Biafra.

Emeka Emekesiri is the Vision Bearer of the Legal Method of Self-determination.

Biafra, Breaking News, International, News

BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu arrested by Singaporean police, to be extradited to Nigeria to face trials

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Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu has been arrested by the police in Singapore.

According to exclusive information from inside sources, Kanu was arrested 15 days ago, when he visited the country, and that is why he has not been able to broadcast for ove two weeks on Radio Biafra.

The controversial Biafran activist, who claims to be the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) was arrested after too many petitions were written against him, the latest being that where he asked his members to kill security forces, burn down police stations and take their guns during the #EndSARS protest.

The source read in part: “Nnamdi Kanu is currently detained in police custody in Singapore. His extradition request has been approved by Singapore government, reason why his trial was activated back on 26th of November.

“Uche Mefor and others IPOB leaders quickly resigned for fair of been extradited. Currently, Nnamdi Kanu is in terrible situation. 14 petitions were received on him. The petition that nailed him was the audio he made on aftermath of that peaceful protest where he encouraged IPOB to burn down people’s businesses and properties across Lagos State e and even attempted to kill top politicians and Governors”, the source stated.

Biafra, National, News

MASSOB blasts Arewa Youths over attacks on Enyinnaya Abaribe

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The leadership of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) have blasted the Alhaji Yerima Shettima led Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) to shut up their mouths forthwith, especially as regards attacks on Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.

MASSOB said AYCF did not have the honour to speak in the presence of Abaribe, as their only goals in life is destruction and confusion.

Uchenna Madu, MASSOB leader said this in a Press Release it made available to Jungle Journalist Media Ltd.

It said; “AYCF’s stinking vomit against Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe is an expression of sadistic and tribalistic ethnic group in Nigeria. The northern Youths are always willing tools of destruction in the hands of their primitive leaders.

“Senator Abaribe’s stand as surety to Nnamdi Kanu was totally different from the one Senator Ali Ndume stood for Maina Abdulrasheed. Maina was a corrupt criminal that shamelessly looted public fund when he was the chairman of the defunct National Pension Task Team. He laundered money mearnt for aged pensioners. He can never be compared with Nnamdi kanu of IPOB.

“Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe’s standing as surety for Nnamdi kanu was a unanimous decision of Ndigbo, it was not a personal venture. The baseless treasonable and felonious court case against Nnamdi Kanu is closed because Nigeria government knows they have no evidence against Kanu. Any attempt or arrest on Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe will be resisted by Ndigbo.

“MASSOB warns Alhaji Yerima Shettima led Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) to stop their systematic and calculated plan to blackmail the personality of Enyinnaya Abaribe, Nigeria’s most distinguished Senator in the Red Chambers. MASSOB will never allow Arewa people to play their hypocritical game of pulling down the best leaders of Ndigbo because of politics.”

Biafra, Obituary, South East

Foremost Biafran activist Clifford Iroanya to bury late father

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A foremost leader of the Biafran struggle, Engineer (Dr) Clifford Iroanya will be committing his late father to Mother Earth.

Late Iroanya’s dad, Ichie Ezinna Bernard Nsidinanya Iroanya was born in 1932, and passed on in July earlier this year.

He will be laid to rest on Saturday, November 28, 2020.

The solemn ceremony will be performed at the Iroanya-Achi compound, beside St Paul’s Anglican Church, Aro-Ndionyemobi autonomous community, Oguta, Imo State.

His son, Engineer Iroanya is one of the leaders of the Biafran struggle, having steered affairs in Radio Biafra, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Lower Niger Congress and a host of others.

He is an oil and gas engineer in the United States, where he lives with his family.

Biafra, International, News, South East

Nnamdi Kanu’s Deputy Uche Mefor Floats New Radio Station After Leaving IPOB

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Uche Mefor has resigned as the deputy leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) led by Nnamdi Kanu.Apart from resigning as the IPOB deputy leader, Mefor, who was Nnamdi Kanu’s right hand-man, has also floated a new radio station called “Biafra Human Rights and Freedom Radio (BHFR)”.This was disclosed in a tweet on Twitter by Emeka Gift, a top IPOB member and pro-Biafra activist.It said; “Breaking: Mazi Uche Mefor resigns as deputy leader of Indigenous people of Biafra, floats new radio station “Biafra Human Rights and Freedom Radio” (BHFR) More details soon,” Emeka Gift tweeted.The development is coming nine months after Kanu had said Mefor cautioned him on his claim that President Muhammadu Buhari was dead and had since been replaced by Jubril Al-Sudanni from Sudan.“I keep saying this every time, my Deputy, Uche Mefor will say don’t say it, don’t say that Buhari is dead”, Kanu had said during one of his broadcasts on Radio Biafra in February.Mefor had called for a change of approach and attitude among IPOB members but his appeals were met with verbal assaults from members of the group.The estranged IPOB deputy leader is said to be having a feud with Nnamdi Kanu which culminated in a very serious war of words between the duo IPOB leaders.Meanwhile, before Mefor’s resignation, Nnamdi Kanu was accused of being autocratic, arrogant, and fraudulent by some of his former allies. It is believed that the IPOB leader is running a profit-driven freedom fighting movement.

Biafra, Interviews, National, South East, Violence

How IPOB Used #EndSARS To Attack Igbo Muslims- Mallam Okonkwo

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The Director, Islamic Centre, School of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Anofia, Afikpo, Ebonyi State, Mallam Isa Friday Okonkwo, was a former Director of Administration of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).

He told Daily Trust how the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) used the #EndSARS protests to attack Igbo Muslims at the centre and the region. He also spoke on how they were ‘caged’ at the centre for days at the height of the crisis.

Before the #EndSARS, let me take us back to 2017, when one of our brothers, who used to be a Muslim, and by name Muhammed Nbono, submitted the names of about 26 Muslims in Igbo land to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as those sabotaging the interest of having their country and thereby marking them for death.

For over a year, there were threat calls coming to all of us from all over the world, from members of IPOB. But after some time, it stopped.

During the #EndSARS protests, the names were re-published on their Facebook pages and the calls resumed. Daily, we get up to three calls from strangers, threatening to destroy us. So, this is on one side. On the other side is this Islamic Centre in Afikpo, which is a unique Islamic school in the eastern part of the country and the whole country.

It has been in existence since around 1953 and it took a new shape in 1983 and from 1983 until date, it has always been graduating scholars from that part of the country.

It is also important to mention that in 2006, there was an attempt to bomb this place. They came and raided the place. Eventually, the destruction was not too much.

So, this time around, they send messages after messages that they will be coming to attack the Islamic Centre. So, all this while there were protests, we have been living in fear. I could be attacked as the person of Isa Okonkwo and the centre could be attacked as the Islamic Centre.

What was your experience during the #EndSARS protests?

We were under siege throughout the protests. We could not even go out. We were in the school with all the students and there were about 300 student boarders from different parts of the country. We could not move anywhere.

So, when the threat was getting too much, we attracted the attention of the IGP, the director of DSS and even later, the governor of the state. That was when we started to have security agencies coming to protect us in the school. So, we first had some policemen who came to stay with us in the school. Later, the GOC of 18 Division instructed the commanding officer of Nkwangu Cantonment and they sent about seven soldiers. So, both the police and seven soldiers are presently with us on the school premises, 24 hours of every day.

How then are the students and the teachers feeling coming to the school to study with policemen and soldiers around?

It was when we saw the policemen that we even felt comfortable to teach and learn. It was so horrible when they were not there. Let me tell you one shocking incident that happened. The chief of the village used to park his cars in the compound of this school because of the cordial relationship between us and the village. So, at a stage, the chief decided to remove his cars. So, I asked the driver, why the sudden removal. He said that the chief said that IPOB is going to attack any moment from now. And that they said that the director is the first they will make sure they eliminate, so, he didn’t want his cars to be damaged because they could mistake his cars for the director’s.

So, you did not receive any support from the people that you are living with as neighbours or did you think this was something beyond them?

When the chief of the village removed his vehicles from the school, we didn’t want to wait for anybody else to tell us it is the right time we looked for security, because from the chief’s statement, which I will later confirmed, it was obvious that the last man that was supposed to protect us is the one running from being attacked or being mistaken for the director.

How many Muslims are in the area and what is the population of all the people?

The village is over 30 per cent Muslim. I cannot say for sure what the population is, but for sure, I think it is the second-highest population of Muslims within a locality in Igboland. After Nsukka, the next is that village, Afikpo. I am talking of indigenous Muslims, who are the citizens of the area.

What are your plans now, considering that the protests have subsided but the tension is still there?

We have a kind of think tank from the Eastern part of the country as Muslims. I have presented this to them. I am one of them, we have a series of meetings on how to intervene.

We have written letters to the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), intimating them of our problems; we have written letters to the IG of Police, to the DG of DSS, the National Assembly. We have also written letters to all the five governors of the south-eastern region.

So, we are planning to address a press conference. But we don’t have the press here in the east. So, we were thinking of coming to Abuja to do that, to let people know how we are living. Because the Americans will always say that the Christians are being victimized in Nigeria. When, they are the ones dealing with every other part of this country, but nobody tells our story, nobody hears us even when we want to shout. So, we are planning to go out and do the shouting. I am one of those persons that used my contacts to reach out to so many places and they started narrating our case.

We also intend to write to the Ohanaeze Ndigbo that have always vilified the Muslims in the east, so they would note what is going on.

They close their eyes as if they don’t know what is going on. So, we also intend to officially write to them. We also intend to write CAN in the eastern part of the country. So that all this will be on the record. So, some of us are planning to have a congress of all the Igbo Muslims all over the world.

But because of fear, we would not want to have a congress where we could all be wiped out at a time. So, these are just some of the thoughts and activities we are having presently.

But IPOB wanted to establish a country for the Igbos and you are Igbo, why do you think they are attacking you then?

People are mistaken their antics. It is not a tribal war. It is a religious war. They claim they are using is that of Biafra and the main actors of the Biafran Civil War were majorly Christians from the north. People like Yakubu Gowon. Today Yakubu Gowon is a chief in the east with red carpet reception because he is a Christian. T. Y. Danjuma is a chief in the east with red carpet reception because he is a Christian. Now, we have never said we are in support of Biafra, or we are against it, so why must we be the first target? It is just because we are Muslims, nothing else.

*Now, the 26 names of the people they published to kill are all Muslims. They’ve never listed any pastor or reverend. What does that show you, it shows that if you are a Christian from the north, you are safe in the hands of Biafra; if you are Muslim from the east, you are unsafe in the hands of Biafra.*

What message do you have for the politicians and the leaders in the region who are the ones that are supposed to protect you?

Our message to the federal, state and local governments in the region is that we are citizens of Nigeria, we are not foreigners, it is just by the design of our creator that we decided to profess a faith in a country that has a Constitution, which states that everybody is free to choose their association. We have chosen Islam as our religion and Allah as our God and we feel strongly that we have not committed any crime by doing that. And they owe us the protection of our lives and properties.

Biafra, News, Niger Delta, South East, South-South

Rivers State will always be home for Ndi Igbo, says Wike

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Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the state will continue to be home to people of the Igbo Ethnic Nationality.

Governor Wike gave the assurance during a meeting with South-East Governors, the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo and the Igbo community in the state at Government House, Port Harcourt on Sunday.

The governor said 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”.

The Chairman of the South East Governors Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, has warned Igbos to be weary of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) because the outlawed group is trying to instigate another civil war.

He 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. According to him, their findings has proved otherwise.

Umahi after listening to Governor Wike’s narration of the atrocious activities of IPOB in Oyigbo that culminated in the imposition of curfew in the entire Local Government, warned Igbos to be wary of IPOB as the group was bent on instigating another civil war that will result in the murder of Igbo people.

The governor said he finds it nauseating that IPOB could go to Benue and Rivers State to foist its flag and claim the territories belong to the Igbo people. According to him, Igbo leadership are opposed to this stance by IPOB.

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.

Also speaking, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo said the meeting has reinforced the existing affinity between Igbos and the people of Niger Delta.

He described Governor Wike as a champion of restructuring of Nigeria and a man who loves justice.

He explained that the leadership of Igbos cannot remain aloof while some misguided few who did not experience the brutal reality of the last civil war continue to fan the ember of disunity.

Nwodo, said he was elated to hear from Igbo leaders that under the leadership of Governor Wike Igbo businesses have continued to thrive.

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.

Present at the meeting were the Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Nkem Okeke, 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.

Biafra

Nnamdi Kanu’s Deputy Uche Mefor Deletes Facebook Page, Goes Underground

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The former deputy leader of the proscribed Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), Uche Mefor has suddenly deleted his Facebook page and disappeared into the thin air. This recent development has finally collaborated the crack ElombahNews had earlier reported in August.

The estranged deputy leader, Uche Mefor who became very vociferous called for a change of approach and attitude among the members of the movement but his appeals fell to the wrong ears. Instead of resolving Mefor’s outburst diplomatically, Nnamdi Kanu ordered his attack dogs to shred Mefor’s personality into pieces.

Kanu even boasted on his malicious radio that any principal officer of the rogue movement that shares contrary view with that of his own will be automatically dismissed from the organization and punished severely.

ElombahNews had reported about a feud between Mefor and Nnamdi Kanu which culminated to a very serious war of words between the duo.

Sources who are very close to IPOB DOS told ElombahNews that Kanu who could not condone the overbearing nature of Uche Mefor secretly dismissed him from the hierarchy of the organization. His removal was done clandestinely to avoid raising unnecessary eyebrows which could further whittle the scant patronage currently enjoyed by the crooks in charge of the outlawed organization.

Though when ElombahNews probed another source concerning the whereabouts of Uche Mefor and why his Facebook page was taken down, the source said that Mefor took that very decision because of security reasons.

Another reliable ally of Mefor said that Nnamdi Kanu crossed the red line after he disgraced their former African representative, George Onyibe who was a strong hitman of IPOB out of office. What will befall Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB in no distant time will be shocking. Any ear that hears it will tingle, the ally said.

Nnamdi Kanu, who is running a salary driven freedom fighting movement has been accused of being autocratic, arrogant and fraudulent by some of his former allies.

However, IPOB is on the verge of drowning. Many are deserting the rogue movement after discovering how irresponsible and insincere the leaders have been.

ElombahNews

Biafra, News, Niger Delta, South East, South-South

“IPOB’s Plan Is To Instigate Another Civil War” – Gov. Umahi Warns Igbos In Rivers State

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Governor David Nweze Umahi of Ebonyi State has warned Igbos in Rivers State to be wary of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) because the outlawed group is working to instigate another civil war.

Umahi spoke during a meeting of the South-East governors with the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo and the Igbo community in the state at Government House, Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Sunday.

Umahi, after listening to Governor Nyesom Wike’s narration of the atrocious activities of IPOB in Oyigbo that culminated in the imposition of curfew in the local government area, warned Igbo to be wary of IPOB as the group was “bent on instigating another civil war that will result in the murder of Igbo people.”

The governor said, “I find it nauseating that IPOB could go to Benue and Rivers states to foist its flag and claim the territories belong to the Igbo people. Igbo leadership are opposed to this stance by IPOB.”

Umahi urged Igbo living in the state to respect the government and people of Rivers State adding that Ndi-Igbos cannot support any form of criminality.

Also speaking, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nwodo, said the meeting has reinforced the existing relationship between Igbos and the people of Niger Delta and described Wike as a champion of restructuring of Nigeria and a man who loved justice.

Nwodo, said he was elated to hear from Igbo leaders that under the leadership of Governor Wike, Igbo businesses have continued to thrive.

A former Rivers State governor, Dr Peter Odili, lauded the Igbo leaders for the peace initiative and decision to visit Wike.

Earlier, Wike said the state would continue to be home to people of the Igbo ethnic nationality.

“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 Igbo, 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,” Wike stated.

Also, present at the meeting were the Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Nkem Okeke, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr Ipalibo Banigo; and former governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia, among others.