A coalition of Igbo groups, Eastern Consultative Assembly (ECA) Tuesday came hard on elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai over his recent utterances against the Biafra struggle.
The ECA made its stand known at its special session, attended by several Igbo leaders in Enugu where detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was elected as its new leader.
Others elected included Rev Fr. John Odey- Publicity Secretary, Evang. Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko- Secretary, Dede Uzor A Uzor- Assistant Publicity Secretary, while Chief (Mrs.) Maria Okwor, remains Matron and Deputy Leader. ECA Patrons remain, Prof Ben Nwabueze, Dr Alex Ekwueme and Archbishop Anthony Obinna.
In a communique issued after the election, signed by the Deputy Leader, Chief Mrs. Maria Okwor and the Publicity Secretary, Rev. Fr. John Odeh, the ECA described Yakassai’s recent outburst against Biafra agitation as misplaced.
The group told Yakassai that “your claimed annoyance over the agitation for secession by the great IPOB is misplaced.
“Alhaji Tanko should kindly provide answers as to why Zamfara State with NPC acclaimed population of over 5 million people should immunize only 74,000 under 5 year children during the anti-polio vaccination exercise, while Imo State with NPC population of under 3 million immunized over 300,000 thousand.
“JAMB and WAEC figures year after year also confirm the fraudulent census figures; Zamfara and Sokoto states with a combined NPC alleged population of over 11 million enroll only 40 thousand candidates while Anambra state alone with an NPC population of 3 million produces over 400 thousand candidates. Man’s inhumanity to Man.”
Insisting on restructuring, the ECA said, “the fraudulent and oppressive census figures is one of the reasons the East can no longer accept Nigeria as presently structured.
“The deliberate asphyxiation of our people with a very wicked state and local government creation based on land mass is another reason sir.”
“The refusal to peacefully restructure Nigeria sir is the reason the demand for secession is growing louder and louder. The demand dear sir will only grow louder until justice is done sir.
“As for Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu and his Northern delegate to the confab forum, we say your position by opposing the peaceful restructuring of Nigeria excites and fuels the secessionists.”
The Igbo group equally lauded the new Ohanaeze Leadership “for standing on the side of the people, a welcome breath of fresh air in comparison with past cowardly Ohanaeze leaderships.”
Meanwhile in his acceptance speech presented by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, represented by the new IPOB coordinator, Mazi George Onyeibehe said: ”I hope all the affiliate groups in this coalition will soon join hands with us in our peaceful and non-violent pursuit of a referendum that will allow the people decide their future.
“I commend the ECA and strongly believe that I will not let you down. Once again, I say thank you for this great honour”.
The post Igbo coalition flays Yakassai for chiding Biafra struggle appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.
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