Former Governor of Abia State and Senator for Abia Central, Theodore Orji says the Federal Government will only achieve lasting peace in the South-East geopolitical zone if it goes into dialogue with the leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
He stated this Sunday during an interview with journalists as part of activities marking his 70th birthday.
Orji said there was nothing wrong in negotiating with dissident voices if it will bring lasting peace to the region and the nation.
The ex-governor said it was “glaring” that the South-East is marginalised, hence the agitations for restructuring or secession.
“If there are dissident voices, the president should call them and discuss with them.
“He should find out the cause of their agitation and work out ways to address their grievances.
” He should see how he can bring them in and fully integrate them into the system.
“That is what will solve the problem of the country. Call the dissident voices to a conference.
“There is nothing bad in discussing with the IPOB. If you don’t discuss with them, they will continue to give you trouble.
“We can’t be happy when other regions have six states and we have five. It shows that we are marginalised and cheated. That is what is causing the agitation in the region.
“Some groups are agitating that the zone should be a country on its own. Others are demanding restructuring because it is glaring that the South-East is being marginalised.
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“If you treat me fairly like you treat other persons and I’m convinced that you are sincere, I will not complain. It is when I look around me and I see that I am being marginalised and treated like a second-class citizen that would make people be agitating,” Orji said.