The Archbishop of the Enugu Ecclesiastical Province of the Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma, described today that the recent pro-Biafra protests as misguided, misdirected and against the general interest of Ndigbo.
Chukwuma, an Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, had a chat with journalists at his Bishop’s court in Enugu.
He pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari to forgive Igbo youths for embarking on such protests.
He insisted that investigations showed that few selfish persons from Igbo land, both at home and in the Diaspora, were financing the protests to achieve their selfish motive and not necessarily to achieve Biafra.
He stated that agitation is nothing bad, but the Biafra agitation is misguided. He pleaded to the Federal Government not to see it as rebellion on unity of Nigeria we stand, to keep Nigeria as one is a task that must be done.
He added that the Igbo nation is not ready for any form of secession; our people have invested across the country; they have businesses here and there and all these cannot be wasted.
“Biafra agitation is not our priority now; all we ask for is equity and justice.”
He described the agitation as grievances being shown by the à youths because of frustration. Many of them have been used by politicians and dumped. There is no federal presence in Igbo land; that is the major problem.
Even though President Buhari may want say igbos didn’t vote for him but igbos in APC supported him; it is not enough to say that he appointed ministers from Igbo land; it does not translate to infrastructural development; he should temper justice with mercy and forgive the shortcomings of our youths who are engaging in these protests.
Our promise to him is that the youths shall be tamed and redirect them appropriately. The President should not be vindictive.
He pleaded with Mr. President, that since he said he was for nobody but for everybody, it should be translated into action. The poor state of infrastructure, including the power and agricultural sector should be addressed.
Speaking on the prolonged detention of Nnamdi Kanu, ArchBishop Chukwuma urged the President to release him unconditionally in obedience to court orders.
He emphasized that the church leaders are ready to direct Kanu on the right thing to do. He has not committed any act of felony, such charge is not acceptable he has not imported arms.
He pleaded with Mr. President to obey the order of court so that the international community can have respect for our country. Government should please forgive Kanu and forgive the recent agitations for Biafra.
