Some Igbo leaders have issued a 48-hour ultimatum to former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu to tender an unreserved apology and withdraw his statement expressing support for establishment of the controversial Ruga settlements for Fulani herdsmen in the South East geopolitical zone.
In a press conference over the weekend in Abuja, the Igbo leaders described Kalu’s stance on the matter as “unfortunate” and unbecoming of a prominent Igbo son.
Kalu, who described the controversy surrounding Ruga as unnecessary, equally maintained that marginalisation of the South East zone had ended under Buhari.
Read Also: Fawehinmi attacks FG over withdrawal from Goje’s N25bn corruption case
Kalu, who is presently the senator representing Abia North senatorial district, told newsmen on Friday that he donated large hectares of land in the state to Fulani cow dealers while he was governor between 1999 and 2007.
But the Igbo leaders from Abia State slammed the governor, describing his stance as a “betrayal” and an “insult” to the region.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Hon. Uche Okoroafor, said, “How can a self-acclaimed Igbo leader dismiss the brazen marginalisation of the South East as untrue?
“We are not surprised by the many anti-Igbo remarks by the former governor, and we have always seen him as a drowning man who is very desperate to do anything to free himself from the N7.6 billion fraud allegation hanging on his neck.
“His reported support for Ruga against the wish of our people has further vindicated us in our earlier position that the former governor was insensitive to the plight of the Igbo and should stop parading himself as Igbo leader”.