Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on the people of the South East to preserve harmony and steer their young ones away from violent confrontation with the Nigerian state. He delivered this appeal during the burial ceremony of Sir Albert Ikechukwu Nnamani, former Administrative Secretary of the now-defunct Oil Mineral Producing Area Development Commission, held in Ikem, Enugu State.
According to a statement released to journalists in Abuja, Akpabio emphasized that progress can only flourish in a peaceful environment and urged the Igbo community to provide proper guidance to the younger generation. He stated, “For Ndigbo, I implore you to keep the peace and be mindful of today’s youth. They lack political understanding and awareness about development. Development is only possible where peace reigns.”
He further warned that attempts to seize power or achieve independence through armed resistance against the federal government are doomed to fail. “State power will always overpower you,” he cautioned. Akpabio assured that the National Assembly is committed to passing laws that ensure fairness for the South East, including the creation of an additional state to bring the region in line with other zones. “We are ready as a parliament to make the right laws, to dot the i’s and cross the t’s so that Ndigbo can have at least one more state. This is our promise and we stand by it,” he declared.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is determined to rectify historical injustices, citing appointments that reflect inclusivity for the Igbo people. However, he stressed that all demands should be pursued through negotiation. Akpabio expressed concern over the economic impact of the sit-at-home orders, particularly on markets like Onitsha. “The economy of Onitsha and Nigeria has been badly affected by the so-called sit-at-home. Ndigbo are known for enterprise. After the Biafra war, accounts were frozen; if you had two million pounds, you received only three. What can you do with three pounds?” He lamented that the South East and South South, where the war was fought, lacked reconstruction efforts, focusing only on reconciliation and rehabilitation.
In paying tribute to the late OMPADEC administrator, Akpabio highlighted his dignified service and the role he played in Niger Delta development. He remarked that in the past, broken pipelines symbolized broken promises, but such days are now behind us. Akpabio concluded with a prayer that justice would be done for Ndigbo in their lifetime.