The President of apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, has explained why Igbo people cannot afford to go to war again to resolve differences in the country.
He made this known in an address on Wednesday at the 2018 Igbo International Leadership and Good Governance Retreat held at Abagana, Anambra State.
He said that despite large-scale marginalisation that the Igbos were being subjected to in Nigeria, dialogue would better serve their purposes in addressing the issues.
Nwodo added that it was not in the interest of Igbo people to fight another civil war because of the level of suffering encountered during the first one between 1967 and 1970.
He cited the creation of states and local governments as an area where the Igbos were shortchanged, but added that war was not a good way to address the issue.
He said, “The military created states and local governments and gave the North the highest numbers, not because our population was the smallest but was just part of marginalisation.
“But we should be patient and continue to do what we have already started, knowing that the battle is no longer the type that will be fought with guns but with intelligence.
“We have suffered so much and that is why we should apply diplomacy. One of such diplomatic moves is the planned handshake across the Niger in which Igbo leaders will be negotiating with Yoruba leaders in Enugu in the coming week.”