Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide has disclosed plans to establish Ohanaeze Relief Agency to support Igbo citizens in distress across the country.
President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who disclosed this in a statement, said the agency which would be controlled by top Igbo Leaders would also support other Nigerians when the need arises in the spirit of brotherhood.
He said the decision followed spate of demolition of properties belonging to the people of the Southest in Lagos, assuring them of his commitment to their brotherhood.
He also announced plans to meet Lagos State Governor in the next few days to plead with him to suspended the demolition of buildings until all facts were cleared.
He said, “It has been brought to my notice that many families have been thrown into serious difficulty due to the demolition in Lagos State.
“The Ohanaeze Ndigbo will establish an Ohanaeze Relief Agency to be controlled by top Igbo Leaders. Ohanaeze Ndigbo will through this Agency support Igbo citizens in distress; we will also support other Nigerians when the need arises in the spirit of brotherhood.”
Describing President Bola Tinubu as a good man, Ohanaeze boss assured him of Ndigbo’s recognition, respect and loyalty as the president of Nigeria.
He added, “The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR as Governor of Lagos State was very good to Igbos. Throughout his tenure as the Governor of Lagos State in Eight Years, There was no complain or report of any maltreatment of Igbos in Lagos. During his tenure I visited his home a number of times and he was very kind and patriotic fortunately Sen.
“Tinubu is now the president of Nigeria. We did not support him during the presidential election but that did not in any way undermine our trust of his capacity to lead the Country. Now that the Supreme Court has ruled in his favour, His Excellency President Tinubu can be rest assured that Ohanaeze Ndigbo will recognise, respect and be loyal to him as the president of Nigeria.
“What Igbo require is Peace, fairness justice and equity. We will demand what is our share, be given to us. We believe in one united Nigeria where people of different tribes, creed or ethnicity can move with pride and confidence and get what they rightly deserve without any hindrances.
“At this point I want to congratulate Igbos as very patriotic, loyal and faithful citizen of Nigerian. Nigeria in other to survive socially and economically requires foreign and local investments. I am proud to say my people the Igbo have made investments in all the nooks and cranny of the country.
“Where ever they go, they buy properties, build educational facilities. They transform barren lands to habitable lands. So in effect no ethnic group in Nigeria has made more investments in Nigeria than the Igbos. When a foreigner invests in Nigeria, He makes effort to repatriate his investment to his country, but the Igbo investor has his investment in Nigeria.
“The investment behaviour of Igbo is therefore a patriotic gesture which all leaders, Governors, Presidents should acknowledge. I encourage other ethnic group in Nigeria to do as Igbo are doing to invest in other regions outside their home of origin.
“I have carried out investigation on what has happened in Lagos, and I appeal to the Government of Lagos State to intervene and ensure that justice is done. If any body fails to obey the laws of the Land, the Igbo leadership will never support misconduct from any Igboman anywhere they live. I DON’T HAVE ANY DOUBT THAT THERE MAY BE SOME INSTANCES WHERE Igbo and perhaps other people whose property was demolished in Lagos did not fully comply with the laws of Lagos State. If any developer with impunity and without proper approval proceeds to develop a property anywhere in the world, he is taking a risk and his property stands the risk of being demolished.
“On the other hand if the properly is properly purchased, approvals from appropriate authority given before development, the individual deserves a happy and peaceful enjoyment of his assets. If any Government demolishes the property built with approval of appropriate government department, such government by law must pay appropriate compensation for all the damages incurred to the owner of the building. I will make attempt to see the Governor of Lagos State in the next few days. I will therefore appeal that the Governor of Lagos State kindly suspends the demolition of buildings until all the facts are cleared.
“I have also got reports of violation of building regulations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. Because of the investment characteristics of Igbo, private properties and investments in Abuja are substantially owned by Igbos. I will advice my people the Igbo to ensure that they comply with all legislations and local regulations to avoid demolition of their properties in Abuja and other parts of Nigeria.
