Forget Biafra – Masari tells Ohanaeze

10/3/2016

Aminu Bello Masari

Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State has advised the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the North to shun agitations for Biafran republic to be carved out of Nigeria nation.
The governor gave the advice when the leadership of the pan-Ndigbo body in the 19 northern states and FCT led by Eze Pampas Nahiwe paid him a courtesy visit in Katsina.
Governor Masari, who stressed the need for the Igbo communities in the northern states to distance themselves from any pro-Biafra movement and ensure peaceful co-existence of all in their host communities for their different endeavours to flourish, appealed to agitators for Biafra to consider the aspiration of a large percentage of Ndigbo who prefer to earn their livelihood as bonafide Nigerians in every part of the country.
Masari said there is no village in katsina state that one would not find an Igbo trader, adding that the right of Nigerians of Igbo extraction to live freely in any part of the country with any encumbrance should be respected by all.

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On the internal crises preventing Igbo communities in Katsina and several northern states from choosing their leaders, the governor told the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to wade into the challenges.
Earlier, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo chieftain, who is also the Eze Ndigbo of Niger state, disclosed that the delegation was in katsina to resolve the crisis within the Igbo community in state, which had left it without a leader.
The Igbo leader said the delegation had already visited the Emir of katsina, Alhaji Abdulmummuni kabir Usman, to solicit his support and cooperation in reconciling the factions in the Igbo community.
He expressed appreciation over the prevailing peace in the state and the resolution of Katsina Ndigbo to have an interim leadership that would pilot their affairs for six months before they elect a new Eze to be coronated by the Emir of Katsina.
He also implored the governor to appoint an Igbo as either a member of the state executive council or a special assistant in the state to give them more sense of belonging.