Yesterday, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) announced that war has been declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) based on their recent ban of the transportation of Northern livestock to the East and singing of the national anthem in Southeastern schools.
As a direct retaliation to IPOB, the pan-Nothern socio-political organization have commenced plans to ban the movement of foodstuffs from the North to the Southeast.
Emmanuel Yawe, the National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, disclosed to newsmen that the plan which involves the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria is underway.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the foremost Igbo socio-cultural organization, has stepped in to mediate between both parties, appealing to the northern traders to drop such plans. The organization expressed disappointment that such retaliative plans would go ahead without the Arewa consulting them.
On Monday, the Igbo separatist group announced that festivities should no longer involve the use of Fulani’s cows and recitation of the national anthem in the Southeast. Chika Edoziem, IPOB’s Director of State, said only the Biafran anthem should be taught in schools and only cows native to Biafraland should be consumed.
No more sales of food items to Ndigbo- Northern Traders
The Chairman of Northern Traders, Muhammad Tahir, has said that members of the association would cease to sell cattle, grains, onions, and other foodstuffs to the Ndigbo.
A statement he signed read, “For us, we would always support the indivisibility of Nigeria; but if IPOB wants to secede, then so be it. Bilateral trade between us and them is all about wealth creation for the two regions; the cattle we take to them is food and not poison.”
The ACF described the actions of IPOB as unwarranted, noting that the consequent retaliative move is well justified, and would be grueling to upturn.
The ACF’s spokesman said, “The recent actions by IPOB amount to a declaration of war. It is difficult for the ACF to appeal to the union to resume supplies to the East with the pronouncements of the IPOB.
“The concerns of the union and their fears are justified. Somebody should call IPOB to order. We are still one country and not at war. Their pronouncements amount to an open declaration of war.”
Ohanaeze Kicks, flays proposed retaliation of Northern Groups
But Ohanaeze Ndigbo regretted that the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria would issue a threat to stop transportation of livestock and foodstuffs to the South-East without getting its (Ohanaeze) position on IPOB’s directive.
Chief Alex Ogbonnia, Ohanaeze spokesman, in an interview with newsmen said, “The Igbo are the most out-reaching and adventurous ethnic group in Nigeria. We are welcome in every state in Nigeria by all the ethnic groups and to that extent, we welcome other ethnic groups in Igboland. It is exchange of values; mutual reciprocity. The issue of banning goods for which an ethnic group is known is not acceptable. For example, we have goods for which the Igbo are known and are marketed in other zones in Nigeria, the same way we welcome goods for which other ethnic groups are known and marketed in Igboland.
“So, Ohanaeze Ndigbo philosophy is peace onto all. Is only when we identify any source of conflict, we try to manage it but for Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in fact, Igbo in general we welcome goods anybody will sell in Igboland.
“Importantly, the people who are acting on what IPOB said, they should know that we have many aspirations in Igboland, but Ohanaeze Ndigbo is the umbrella associations of all the Igbo groups. So, efforts should be made to listen to Ohanaeze Ndigbo before some final decisions will be taken on issues affecting entire Igbo.”
We shall boycott all Igbo Business and Political Interests- Coalition of Northern Groups
In another related development, the Coalition of Northern Groups called on all Northerners to boycott all Igbo-owned businesses that are operational in the North.
Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, The CNG’s Spokesperson, maintained that IPOB’s order poses a critical threat to the commercial interests of Northerners in the South East and by extension, the safety and prosperity of northerners living as minorities in Igbo communities.
Aside from the commercial ban, the group called for all Northerners to fully detach any support to political movements that involved the participation of Southeast politicians.
Suleiman said, “For the avoidance of doubt, the North while maintaining its tradition of tolerance and accommodation, shall however no longer be disposed to condoning further acts of irresponsibility in the form of deliberate threats of intimidation or harassment targeted at Northerners living and doing legitimate businesses elsewhere in the country.
“We warm that the North has had enough of the antagonism from the South- East and its attack dog, the IPOB and will no longer remain passive under such deliberate and sustained attacks and will henceforth be forced to react to every provocation and unwarranted abuse and violations.
“All those who have no other useful vocation other than attacking northerners under the slightest of pretexts, should know that our patience has reached its nadir.” he fumed.
