OYC warns leaders against excluding Igbo youths, Biafra agitators from meetings

Why groups decided to work together, by MASSOB

The Igbo youths have warned that they might be moved to revolt against leaders in the South-East zone should there be any summit in the zone in the future without their participation and those of Biafra agitators.

The youths, under the aegis of Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) led by Okechukwu Isiguzoro, warned that they may not fold their arms any longer to watch gatherings of Igbo leaders where issues are discussed without their input.

The declaration by the youths followed the Igbo summit that was disrupted in Enugu two days ago by pro-Biafra agitators.The Ohanaeze youths, which condemned the invasion of the summit called by the Eastern Consultative Assembly (ECA) led by Elliot Uko, said it was a threat on the security of the state.

In a statement in Enugu yesterday, leader of the group, Okechukwu Isinguzoro, stated that it was disheartening that members of the group could carry their agitation to an event organised specifically to honour outstanding Igbo leaders and in the process caused injuries on certain Igbo personalities.

Meanwhile, the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has said that the leadership problem that has reduced South-East Zone to “near nothing” was responsible for the coming together of the pro-Biafra agitating groups.

An Australian-based leader of the group, Arinze Omeje, told journalists that the development was what Ndigbo needed to reclaim their rightful place in the affairs of the country as well as realise their Biafra quest, which he said, was long overdue.

No fewer than 18 pro-Biafra groups met in Nnewi, Anambra State last week and agreed to work together for the actualisation of Biafra, restoration and unity of purpose for Biafra.Omeje said the renewed unity would provide the platform for them to discuss and take far-reaching decisions on issues affecting the struggle for Biafra actualisation and restoration.

However, the MASSOB, which in a statement signed by its National Director of Information, Samuel Edeson, distanced its members from the disruption of the meeting, has asked Governor Ugwuanyi to intervene and ensure the immediate release of all those arrested by the police for allegedly participating in the disruption of the meeting.