Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, stated at a news conference in Lagos on Sunday that the South East, led by Ohanaeze, has always been committed to Nigeria's unity, oneness, integrity, and progress based on equity, justice, and an inclusive society.

“January 15 was a very special and unique day in 2023 as it was 53 years ago and 40 days from today, Nigerians will be voting in an election that many regard as the most crucial and existential decision we have to make as a nation and particularly for our children and youths, given the sad state of our dear nation, Nigeria: alarming insecurity, unemployment, poverty, inflation, debt, hunger, disunity, hopelessness and many other indices of a failing state.

The thirty-month civil war that claimed millions of lives and ruined untold numbers of properties ended on January 15, 1953, a special day for Nigeria.

As we recall, Colonel Olusegun Obasanjo led the then-Biafran delegation to General Gowon to declare that the war was finished and that Biafran military colleagues should be deployed.

“Keeping Nigeria unified has provided the platform for the commitment of both mental and physical energies to the tough but noble mission of constructing one strong, united, and indivisible Nigeria. As indicated above, securing and uniting Nigeria for sustainable and inclusive development, especially for our children and youths, is our top priority.

“While we grieve the great losses during the war, pray for the souls of the departed, and thank God that it ended, we all must join hands with utmost sincerity and dedication to preventing any severe bloodshed in Nigeria, let alone another civil war! No more!

“Securing and uniting Nigeria should be our only option, and we can all agree that the leaders and people of diverse areas of Nigeria have done remarkably well, particularly in the years immediately after the war. Dr. Alex Ekwueme, a dedicated Biafran, was number two to Alhaji Shehu Shagari, a patriotic, modest servant-leader, fewer than ten years after the civil war.

“This democratic leap with its unifying symbolism was beautiful for Nigeria, and I greatly respect such route of fraternity and oneness created by Shagari/Ekwueme and truly feel that this path of inclusiveness and togetherness as one Nigeria we should continue today.”

Obi added that some young people were agitated by frustration and unfairness and could use anything to express their displeasure. He said some agitators are upset because government failed to create an inclusive and progressive Nigeria.

“Anyone who still harbours an agenda other than the realisation of a healthy and unifying people-oriented development vision is doing a grievous disservice to this generation and generations of Nigerians yet unborn. I can only think of the lack of good socio-economic and political policies and programmes that will unite and advance Nigeria.

“From what I know of the South-East, the Igbo nation, lead by Ohanaeze, has always been categorical about its commitment to the unity, oneness, integrity, and progress of Nigeria, based on equality, justice, and an inclusive society.

I, Peter Obi, a proud Igbo Nigerian, am entirely dedicated to one united, secure, and progressive Nigeria. Also, call a spade a spade. Unfairness, poverty, lack of chances, unemployment, and perceived marginalisation discourage Nigerian young. These kids might use anything to vent their anger. I think certain agitators are upset because we failed to create an inclusive and progressive Nigeria.

“A working Nigeria with equity, justice, and fairness will absolutely and efficiently checkmate radical groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP.

I think a carrot-and-stick method is best for dealing with ambiguous nationalism, bigoted patriotism, and religious bigotry. Nation-building and order are essential. We must create an equitable and just society that provides health, jobs, skills, and empowerment to wean those who can be weaned.

I believe that diverse agitation groups will halt their agitations when they witness patriotic leadership with fairness, equity, justice, and a desire for an inclusive and progressive society. A good cause can change any logical person. Incentives require the appropriate technique, effort, and time. It's unfair to stigmatise an ethnic group based on the actions of a few. It's wrong! I have frequently maintained that I will sit down and chat with all agitators, believing that we must keep talking and negotiating to get results.

“The civil war ended 53 years ago today. Accept the war's end. After fifty-three years, trying to "fight the civil war" would be a disservice to Nigeria and Nigerians, especially our heroes who worked hard to unite us.

“Though tribes and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.” "On this day 15th January 2023, I most sincerely pledge and commit that I will spend the rest of my life making sure that the civil war and the circumstances that led to it do not re-occur; and to ensure that we build an all-inclusive and progressive society where no individual or group will be estranged, marginalised, or excluded," he said.

(Source: www.sunnewsonline.com)