A coalition of Igbo Leaders under the auspices of Eastern Consultative Assembly (ECA) on Tuesday in Enugu took a swipe on elder-statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, over his recent utterances against the Biafra struggle, saying his anger was misplaced.
The condemnation by ECA leadership came on the heels, it elected the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Founder, Nnamdi Kanu, as its new leader.
In a communique issued after the election, signed by the Deputy Leader, Chief Mrs Maria Okwor and the Publicity Secretary, Rev Fr John Odeh, the ECA described Yakassai’s recent outburst against Biafra agitation as uncalled for.
According to the group, “Alhaji Tanko should kindly provide answers as to why Zamfara State with NPC acclaimed population of over 5 million people should immunize only 74,000 under 5 year children during the anti polio vaccination exercise, while Imo State with NPC population of under 3 million immunized over 300,000 thousand.
“JAMB and WAEC figures year after year also confirm the fraudulent census figures; Zamfara and Sokoto states with a combined NPC alleged population of over 11 million enroll only 40 thousand candidates while Anambra state alone with an NPC population of 3 million produces over 400 thousand candidates. Man’s inhumanity to Man.”
On restructuring, the ECA said, “the fraudulent and oppressive census figures is one of the reasons the East can no longer accept Nigeria as presently structured.
“The deliberate asphyxiation of our people with a very wicked state and local government creation based on land mass is another reason sir.”
“The refusal to peacefully restructure Nigeria is the reason the demand for secession is growing louder and louder. The demand dear sir will only grow louder until justice is done sir.
“As for Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu and his Northern delegate to the confab forum, we say your position by opposing the peaceful restructuring of Nigeria excites and fuels the secessionists.”
The Igbo group equally lauded the new Ohanaeze Leadership “for standing on the side of the people, a welcome breath of fresh air in comparison with past cowardly Ohanaeze leaderships.”
Meanwhile in his acceptance speech by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, represented by the new IPOB coordinator, Mazi George Onyeibehe said: ”I hope all the affiliate groups in this coalition will soon join hands with us in our peaceful and non violent pursuit of a referendum that will allow the people decide their future.
“I commend the ECA and strongly believe that I will not let you down. Once again, I say thank you for this great honour.”
Other elected persons were Reverend Fr John Odeh (Publicity Secretary), Evangelist Elliot Ugochukwu Uko (Secretary) Dede Uzor A. Uzor ( Assistant Publicity Secretary), Mrs Maria Okwor ( Matron/Deputy Leader) Professor Ben Nwabueze, Dr Alex Ekwueme, Archbishop Anthony Obinna (Patrons)
and then