Ohaneze Ndigbo has denied total support for the amnesty programme, insisting that victims of Boko Haram attacks must first be compensated before any meaningful amnesty programme can take place.
Reacting to the statement credited the group during its solidarity visit to Kano in the aftermath of the bus park bombings, that it supported amnesty for Boko Haram, Chief Nnachi Enwo Igariwey (the Ohaneze President General) described the statement as mischievous. Speaking with a group of clergymen under the aegis of General Assembly of all Igbo Christian Organizations and Ministers (GAAICOM) in Enugu on Saturday, the Ohaneze leader, told the religious leaders that his statement was that the Federal Government should do everything possible to bring peace to the land.
He said that the news tabloid which originated the mischievous information has already retracted it in another edition. He said that Ohaneze is still studying the recommendations of people on the issue of amnesty and will take a position at the next Ime Obi meeting.
He informed GAAICOM officials that he had told the Igbos in Kano to think “home” and ensure that as they invest in the North and do business, they should also invest down South to avoid a situation whereby there is nothing to fall back on in times of emergency. He said that Ohaneze is working out a defense option for Igbos in the North which may be applicable if the security situation deteriorates.
GAAICOM’s position is that amnesty cannot be given to people not ready to repent and amend their ways. The occasion of the briefing provided opportunity for the Ohaneze leader to clear the air.
GAAICOM gathered that the Emir of Kano provided the palace guards which provided safety for Ohaneze delegation throughout the visit. The Ohaneze delegation was led by its President General, Chief Nnachi Igariwey, accompanied by the Chairman South East Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, Senator Hope Uzodimma and Chief Emejulu Okpalaukwu while Senator Hope Uzodimma chartered the private jet which conveyed the Ohaneze delegation to Kano. The Emir of Kano told the delegation that he was also attacked by Boko Haram, and that Kano indigenes are not against the Igbos.