By Uzo Ugwunze
The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Anambra State Branch, has expressed deep concern over the escalating war of words, vitriolic attacks and unsubstantiated accusations between two of Anambra’s most respected sons and former Governors, His Excellency Mr. Peter Gregory Obi and His Excellency Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR.*
According to a press statement issued to Newsmen in Awka Anambra State endorsed by Evangelist Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme and Comrade Chidi Mbah Chairman and Secretary themed “Let us love one another” we appeal for immediate and urgent reconciliation of two giant political leaders through sincere forgiveness, tolerance and respect for one another.
Our attention has been drawn to the recent exchange in the public space and across media platforms, bordering on allegations of inherited debts, unpaid gratuities and financial records of Anambra State. While accountability is a cardinal principle of democracy, the CLO holds that the present manner of engagement – through press wars and counter-accusations – does not serve the interest of Anambra State, nor does it serve the greater Igbo nation.
This feud is becoming a source of embarrassment to Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora. Only yesterday, a concerned friend called from outside the South-East to asked me: “What is happening in Anambra? Are Igbos now problems unto themselves?” We felt deep shame. At a time when Ndigbo need unity, strategic cohesion and a common front more than ever before, two of our finest leaders should not be seen to be tearing each other down in public.
The CLO, as a foremost human rights and pro-democracy organization, therefore makes the following passionate appeals:
- A CALL FOR CEASEFIRE:
We appeal to His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi and His Excellency Prof. Charles Soludo to, in the interest of peace, decorum and the common good, immediately cease further public accusations and counter-accusations. Both leaders have served still serving Anambra meritoriously and have made, still making indelible contributions to the development of our state. History will judge them more kindly if they choose dialogue over discord.
They should as well call their supporters to stop any discussions or accusations over the above subject matter for peace to reign.
2. A CALL FOR ELDERS AND FATHERS OF FAITH TO INTERVENE:
We appeal to our revered religious and traditional leaders and elder statesmen to rise to the occasion and reconcile these two illustrious sons before this rift causes irreparable damage.
Specifically, we call on:
a) His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha;
b) His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, the Catholic Bishop of Awka; to deploy their moral authority as Fathers of Faith to broker peace.
c) His Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, CFR, mni, the Obi of Onitsha and HRM Igwe Iweka Chairman of Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers;
d) Chief Emeka Anyaoku, GCON, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth; and
e) Chief Simeon Okeke, former Chairman of the Police Service Commission;
These are men whose voices command respect across Igbo land and Nigeria. We urge them to intervene quickly to restore peace, normalcy, reconciliation and tranquility.
It is disheartening that Lates Dr.Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu,Professor Ben Nwabueze,Dr.Pius Ezeife, Chief Mbazulike Amachi and others will be extremely unhappy in their grave over the unfortunate but avoidable brotherly feud.
- A CALL FOR UNITY:
As the Great Zik of Africa, Chief Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe once admonished: “We must make friends, not enemies, think best, not the worst of others.”
It is instructive to note that united we stand, divided we fall. The Igbo nation cannot afford a house divided against itself. The world is watching us. We must unite more than ever before, if we are to actualized the Igbo nation and the Nigeria of our dreams, hope and aspirations.
Anambra is bigger than any individual. The Igbo project is bigger than any political ambition.
Let reason prevail, forgive,reconcile, unite in other to make our good better and our better best
Signed:
Comrade Evangelist Vincent Ezekwueme AMBP-UN
Chairman,
Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO),
Anambra State Branch.
Comrade Chidi Mbah Secretary Civil Liberties Organization (CLO)
Comrade Sir Ik.Onyekwere.
Chairman Peace/Conflicts Resolution.