Bishop Condemns Attacks On The Igbo, Says Intimidation Must Stop

By Ayodele Oni

The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Umuahia Diocese, has flayed incessant attacks on the assets of Ndigbo in other parts of the country in the presence of law enforcement agents.

This was contained in the communiqué released after the annual Synod of the Diocese.

The Synod noted that “The suppression, intimidation, harassment of Ndi Igbo has gotten to its peak. How can markets and properties be burnt down in broad day light without anybody being arrested?

“How can hoodlums parade openly across Lagos, Abuja and other cities, going after people for voting a candidate of their choice, even to the extent of intimidating people against voting for a particular candidate during the just concluded general elections?

“This is madness and arrant nonsense. It is very worrisome by the open and fearless threats of violence at some quarters in times like this and the helpless stand of those who should maintain peace and order in the society. Most worrisome is using state security outfit for the violation of our constitution.

In the state of nation address by the Bishop of the Diocese, His Lordship, the Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Ibeabuchi, the synod expressed sadness that the Igbo have become endangered species among other tribes in Nigeria.

“How long will this continue? They are killing us and at the same time, we are helping them to kill ourselves. We must say no to this ugly development.

“We call on our elites and political leaders including, religious leaders to immediately commence bridge-building among Igbos and Igbos and between the Igbo and the rest of the country, Bishop Ibeabuchi queried.

The Synod also reviewed underdevelopment in the south east, noting, “The South Eastern part of Nigeria can be the Japan of Africa if given the right attention. Unfortunately, our people prefer the development of other regions rather than the East.

“We call on all well-meaning sons and daughters of the South East to look homeward. We can do it. The insult and intimidations are getting out of hands. Please, come home and let us re-build the economy of the South East to the glory of God”.

The Synod called for immediate release of the Leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention, stating, “Clearly, the present administration of President Mohammadu Buhari carefully excluded this Region from the affairs of the nation and at the same time forcing everyone to remain silent. We want to advise the Federal Government to kindly release our son, especially, now that he is in dare need of medical attention”.

The urged the Federal Government to critically look into the petroleum subsidy removal cankerworm and make the right decision for the entire country, advising that measures must be put in place urgently in order to alleviate the suffering and hardship on Nigerians, adding “Petroleum products must be made available for citizens.”

The Synod vehemently condemned calls for interim administration in Nigeria as “the worst democracy is better than the best Military Government”.

It also condemned Security Agencies for their “Attempt to blow issues out of proportion in order to defend the Government in power or to silence the opposition is grossly unacceptable.”