2015 polls: ‘Confused’ Ohanaeze demands South East Governors to make plans to evacuate Igbo from North

The Caretaker Committee set up to run the affairs of the apex Igbo body, Ohanaeze, has urged the governors of the five states of the South East to make contingency arrangements on how to evacuate Igbo indigenes, who may be trapped in areas of violence during or after the elections.

In a statement issued after its crucial meeting in Enugu yesterday the Ralph Obioha-led committee, however refused to endorse any of the presidential candidates but rather requested Igbo to cast their votes in accordance with their conscience.

Ohanaeze also warned the Igbo to be vigilant before, during and after the elections and make appropriate arrangements to save their lives, that of their families as well as their property.

“In view of the ominous uncertainties that loom in the air, Igbo governors should make contingency arrangements, separately or collectively to evacuate the Igbo, who may be trapped in violence prone areas.” In the statement jointly signed by the chairman of the committee, Chief Ralph Obioha, Secretary, Dr. Zed Chukwujama and Chief Mbazuluike Amaechi, chairman, Ohanaeze Elders Council, the Igbo apex body said, “since there was no concrete agreement with any of the presidential candidates on the four cardinal issues of security of life and property of Ndigbo; on infrastructure development in Igbo land, reparation for atrocities and war crimes against Ndigbo, at least to the level recommended in the Oputa Panel Report, Ndigbo is unable to commit Igbo voters at home and everywhere to the blanket support of any of the presidential candidates.”

They observed that of the two principal presidential candidates only one sent a high level delegation to the committee “and we told them that we must see the candidate because whatever agreement to be reached will be implemented by him. We have not seen the candidate as at this date.

“The other presidential candidate has not made any contact with this committee, which is the authentic legal organ of Ohanaeze. If his belief is in some other areas or persons to gather the Igbo nation into one basket, we can only wish him goodluck.”