… As Sultan, Emirs assure Ndigbo of safety
By Brown Chimezie
The leadership of Igbo World Union (IWU), led by its President General, Sir Mishak Nnanta, recently toured some states in North West and North East, preaching the message of peace.
The group first visited the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar in his palace in Sokoto.
In his address, Sir Nnanta commended the Sultan for denouncing hate speech and the quit notice issued to Ndigbo by an Arewa youth group. He assured the Sultan that the Igbo, residing in the North would stay and continue with their lawful businesses in the region.
He noted: “This is a federal nation. We strongly believe in a Nigeria that is free from marginalisation, tribal sentiments, nepotism, hate speeches and intimidation. Igbo as nation builders want a Nigeria that can stand shoulder high among the comity of civilised nations.”
He added that Igbo have invested trillions of naira in the Nigerian economy and it would be foolhardy to abandon such huge investment because of hate speech and threats from anybody.
While describing Igbo as Nigeria’s first son, Nnanta said no first son would abandon the father’s throne. He maintained that Nigerians were now closely bonded by intermarriages across cultural and religious divides.
In his remark, the Sultan, who was honoured as the royal patron of IWU, explained that Islam preaches peace and brotherly love.
“God never makes mistake and that is why He made Nigeria to be inhabited by Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba and other tribes. Having respect for people’s belief and culture is a way of promoting peace. In Sokoto, we have respect for people and their culture. We teach peace and we give peace. We guarantee the right to worship, right to life and freedom to associate according to Islamic injunctions. Islamic teachings do not support nor aid extra judicial killings. Before God, every life is precious. Those using bombs and weapons to terminate people’s lives are not practising Islamic teachings but rather are after their own selfish political interests,” he said.
He warned that people should avoid being used as guinea pigs by members of the political elite who would fly their children and wives to safety whenever there is a crisis. The Sultan urged parents to inculcate discipline in their children by urging them to shun violence.
On the threat of attack on Igbo on October 1, the Sultan said he would protect the Igbo. He warned that anyone planning attacks on the Igbo should first attack him.
From Sokoto, the IWU train moved to Dutse, in Jigawa State. The delegation was received by the Emir, Alhaji Nuhu Muhammed Sanusi, Deputy Governor, Ibrahim Idris, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Angus Ibezim and other government functionaries.
At the meeting, the IWU leader named Emir Sanusi as a Royal Patron of Igbo World Union. He also appealed to the Emir to help Igbo children and wards to overcome challenges facing them in the area of education and appointments in the state.
The Emir, in his response, commended IWU for standing up for unity. He charged the Igbo to feel free in all parts of the North.
The entourage also visited the Emir of Machina, Alhaji Bashir Albisher Bill Machinama. They were received by the Emir and other leaders of the emirate.
The Emir advised people to shun violence and embrace dialogue as a means of resolving conflicts. He called for more understanding and peaceful cooperation between Nigeria’s ethnic groups. He informed the visitors that Machina is home to the Igbo.
The delegation also visited Yobe, Nguru Emirate, as well as other states in the North.
At the Gwandu Emirate, the delegation was received by the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammed Illiyasu Bashir and chieftains of the emirate as well as the Eze Igbo, Eze J.N Nwosu.
The Emir told the visitors that his career started at Enugu, noting that he was always at home with the Igbo. He charged the group to educate Ndigbo to be law abiding and to ignore insinuations that Boko haram was part of Hausa agenda to destroy Nigeria. He promised to cooperate with IWU to promote peace in the country.
At Argungu, the group also met the Emir, Alhaji Sunmaila Mohammed who assured Igbo of their safety in his emirate.
The Emir said: “It is bad for people to say and do negative things against our collective aspirations as a nation. It hurts me to hear of separation because many family lines will be distorted.” He prayed for the continued peace and unity of Nigeria and promised to always protect Ndigbo in Argungu.
Other members of the delegation were Rev. (Mrs.) Kate Uzuegbunam, National Women Leader, Chief Peter Uyaelumuo, Secretary General, Chief (Mrs.) Fidel Orji, North Zone Women Coordinator, Chief (Mrs.) Jessy Abalogu, FCT Women leader and Mrs. Vero Odimba, FCT Welfare officer.