2023: What IPOB, Ohanaeze Reunion Means For Igbo?

By Chuks Ekpeneru

The people of the South-East heaved a sigh of relief recently when pro-Biafra pressure group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by Chief John Nnia Nwodo came together and put aside their differences.

This came at a time some prominent Nigerians outside the South-East were speaking in favour of the presidency being zoned to that region in 2023 citing the need to deepen nation building.

The support has come from notable figures such as Major-Gen Ishola Williams, former Kaduna State Governor Alhaji Balarabe Musa and Chief Ebenezer Babatope amongst others.

Williams opined that preventing the south-east from having it is definitely unpatriotic and is endangering the unity of the country, while Babatope queried why Ndigbo should not occupy the position, when other geopolitical zones have.

Therefore, IPOB pledging loyalty to Ohanaeze Ndigbo is an indication to work together to achieve this long elusive goal.

IPOB and Ohaneze had been on opposite sides with the former adopting a more militant approach to their quest for Biafra.

This year, Kanu ordered his followers to stone Nwodo to death anywhere they see him, saying he was working against Igbo Interest.

On its own part, Ohanaeze has constantly deplored some aspects of IPOB demand.

With the coming together of both groups, the malice and bickering that had in the past characterized relationship between the two groups is expected to be removed allowing a more conducive atmosphere for political expression.

Igbo politicians and businessmen who had in the past been cautious about expressing themselves may now come out.

It would be recalled that a number of them became apprehensive after IPOB last year attacked a number of high profile Igbo persons outside the country with a warning to attack more.

Now, the two sides can sit together and strategise as one.

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