The Igbo socio-cultural group in Nigeria, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said the Ndigbo cannot afford a civil war and so they would not allow the country undergo another civil war.
In a statement made by President-General of the group, Chief John Nwodo, when he led leaders of Igbo groups on a courtesy visit to Governor Aminu Tambuwal in Sokoto state.
The group acknowledged that although, country was in a trying times, the cohesion that existed over the years should be maintained.
“Yes, our country is going through a trying period. We should, under any circumstances, not experience another civil war. We should not allow personal emotions to undermine our national unity,” he stated.
He also commended Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, who according to him, portrayed himself as a father in the ongoing ethnic tensions.
The former minister said the Sultan recent statement saying ‘whoever wants to attack the Igbo, should attack him first,’ was worthy of commendation.
“We must remain partners in progress of our country, as we have seen how our own fathers and forefathers live to make it grow and develop to its present stage,” he said.
In his remarks, their host, Tambuwal commending the group also restated his government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and peaceful coexistence of all people residing in the state.
He described Nigeria’s peace and unity as solution to all challenges, noting that agitations should be channeled through proper discussions in the interest of the nation’s progress.
“Nigeria must remain one entity and its existence should not be questioned as God made us one from various tribes and dependent on one another.”