MASSOB: Ojukwu's Blackmail Cheap, Says SSS
Afenifere sues for caution, demands investigation
ThisDay
15th September 2004
By Tokunbo Adedoja, Olawale Olaleye in Lagos and Emmanuel Ugwu in Enugu
The Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday reacted to the claim by All Progressive Grand Allia-nce (APGA) presidential candidate in 2003 election, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu's allegation that the Federal Government was plotting to assassinate him. The service described it as a cheap blackmail.
In a five-paragraph statement signed by one Ezra Tobechukwu on behalf of its Director-General, the state security outfit said its interaction with Ojukwu has been turned into "an object of public drama and cheap blackmail."
The State Security Service (SSS) had invited Ojukwu, former Biafran warlord, for a meeting with its Director in Abuja, apparently in connection with the recent activities of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB). Ojukwu had expressed support for MASSOB's activities.
But Ojukwu, who declined the invitation, at a press conference on Monday, hinged his refusal to honour it on the fact that he had been notified that the Federal Government had detailed some operatives of the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) to assassinate him and MASSOB leader, Mr. Raphael Uwazurike.
Reacting to the claim, the service, said the invitation was for an interaction but that Ojukwu misunderstood the gesture and became frightened because of his concern for personal comfort.
It argued that if its intention was to arrest Ojukwu, it would have done it through due process without hesitation and that since the APGA chieftain has rejected the option of dialogue, other courses of lawful action open to the service would be pursued to address the issue at stake.
The statement issued by the service reads: "The Department of State Services, wishes in the public interest to clarify its interaction with Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, which has been turned into an object of public drama and cheap blackmail.
"As far as security is concerned, the corporate existence of Nigeria is a matter which is beyond politics. The reality today is that while some leaders are striving assiduously to build a better Nigeria for all, some are committed to dismembering the country, through violent or non-violent means and disturbing the peace which all enjoy.
"In accordance with the mandate of the service as enshrined in the laws of the federation of Nigeria, if for any reason, the conduct of any individual is inimical to peace and stability, the service has a duty to call that person or group to order through lawful means.
"It was in recognition of the delicate nature of the issue at hand that a senior member of the service invited Chief Ojukwu for dialogue. Chief Ojukwu was accorded all the courtesies and respect due to an elder and statesman. He was even encouraged to come along with his lawyer and any other person he wishes to be present during the planned interaction. Apparently, Chief Ojukwu misunderstood the gesture and took fright, out of concern for his personal comfort, which unfortunately is consonant with his character, over the years.
"The service would not join issues with Chief Ojukwu, but having rejected the option of dialogue, other courses of lawful action open to the service would be pursued to their logical end in addressing the matter clearly. If the intention was to arrest the Chief, that would have been done through due process without hesitation."
Meanwhile, the pan Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere has called for a thorough investigation of the allegation levelled by Ojukwu against the federal government.
In a telephone chat with THISDAY, Afenifere's Administrative Secretary, Mr. Yinka Odumakin while suing for caution in the handling of the issue because of the delicate state of the South-east, said it appears Ojukwu's fears are genuine because of the series of high profile assassinations whose perpetrators have not been unmasked.
Afenifere maintained that if the SSS had reasons to meet with Ojukwu, a proper invitation letter should be sent to him stating the basis for the meeting and also assuring him of his safety.
Also, the Anglican Bishop of Enugu, Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma, yesterday advised the Federal Government to handle Ojukwu's invitation by the SSS with care in view of what he represents in the South-east zone.
Chukwuma noted that Ojukwu as a free citizen has freedom of speech and should not be harassed for exercising his freedom, like any other vocal individuals from other geo-political zones of the country.
"As far as I'm concerned, I don't think the Ikemba has done anything to warrant being harassed. I've always said it, no Igbo man should be intimidated because there are other people everywhere making careless statements. Wole Soyinka is there, nobody has called him," he said.
He added that the Federal Government should not forget that Ojukwu was the head of state of the seccessionist Republic of Biafra and if there are people romanticizing with the Biafran ideals he has a right to support them.
According to him, MASSOB's activities were borne out of the frustration of Ndigbo with the Nigerian state that has denied them a sense of belonging.
"As a Bishop, I don't support violence, I don't support disintegration, but the thing is that Igbos are not having their place in this country. We must have a sense of belonging in a country where we belong. MASSOB is doing what they are doing because they want the attention of the government focused on the problems of Igbo marginalisation", he stated.
The Anglican Bishop of Enugu stated that rather than being harassed and vilified, the Ikemba Nnewi should be commended for speaking out his mind instead of being cowardly.
He further advised government to meet Ojukwu privately to find out his motive for supporting MASSOB instead of reading meanings into his statements and harassing him in the process.
Meanwhile, members of MASSOB who converged at the gate of Ojukwu's Hill View residence on Monday have dispersed after concluding that there was no immediate threat from the authorities to forcibly take the former warlord to Abuja.
A source at the Ojukwu residence told our correspondent Tuesday morning that, "nothing has happened since yesterday (Monday)" after Ojukwu, for the second time, declined to honour the SSS invitation.
Daily Champion
15th September 2004
Bisiriyu Olaoye, Deputy News Editor
TwEnty-Four hours after Ikemba Nnewi Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu- Ojukwu alleged a plot to kill him and shunned a security invitation to Abuja, the State Security Services (SSS) yesterday explained why the elder statesman was summoned.
The SSS, in a two-page statement signed by Mr. Ezra Tobechukwu for its Director-General, Col. A. Are (rtd), said the invitation was hinged on security matters.
The statement read: "The Department of State Security Services wishes in the public interest to clarify its interaction with Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu which has been turned into an object of public drama and cheap blackmail.
"As far as security is concerned, the corporate existence of Nigeria is a matter which is beyond politics. The reality to day is that while some leaders are striving assiduously to build a better Nigeria for all, some are committed to dismembering the country through violent or non-violent means and disturbing the peace which all enjoy.
"In accordance with the mandate of the service as enshrined in the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, if for any reason, the conduct of any individual is inimical to peace and stability, the Service has a duty to call that person to order through lawful means.
"It was in recognition of the delicate nature of the issue at hand that a senior member of the service invited Chief Ojukwu for dialogue. Chief Ojukwu was accorded all the courtesies and respect due to an elder statesman.
"He was even encouraged to come along with his lawyer and any other person he wishes to be present during the planned interaction. Apparently, Chief Ojukuw misunderstood the gesture and took fright, out of concern for his personal comfort which unfortunately is in consonant with his character over the years.
"The Service would not join issues with Chief Ojukwu but having rejected the option of dialogue other courses of lawful action open to the service would be pursued to their logical end in addressing the matter. Clearly, if the intention was to arrest the Chief, that would have been done through due process, without hesitation."
It would be recalled that Dim Ojukwu and the Federal Government headed for collision following the formers open declaration of support for the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biara (MASSOB).
MASSOB had made a point on its persistent outcry of the marginalisation of Ndigbo in the nations scheme of things when on August 26 this year, it effectively shut down the South-East and parts of the South South through a stay-at-home order on the residents.
Dim Ojukwu, who led the breakaway Biafra Republic (1967-70) subsequently threw his weight behind the MASSOB action, saying current indications were that MASSOBs action was complied with because Ndigbo felt that the issues that led to Biafra had not been redressed, despite official posturing.
He added that though Biafra might be a better alternative for Igbos, it was entirely up to Nigeria to decide whether Biafra, as demanded by MASSOB should exist or not.
...APGA, MASSOB caution on Ikemba
Daily Champion
15th September 2004
BY FELIX UKA, Awka
MOVEMENT for Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) yesterday rose in condemnation of the alleged plot to kill Ikemba Nnewi Dim Chukwunemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Dim Ojukwu had alleged on Monday of a plot to kill him and MASSOB leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike using security agents, over his support for MASSOB which government has declared a rebel and illegal group.
Consequently, he declined an invitation by the State Security Services (SSS) to report at Abuja, same Monday, over his position on MASSOB.
But MASSOB and APGA, at separate media briefings, yesterday, warned that any attempt to molest Dim Ojukwu, who was also the APGA presidential flagbearer in last years general elections, could spell doom for the country.
Chief Provincial Administrator of MASSOB for Awka, Anambra State, Chief Emma Osondu said "it will be shortsightedness for anyone to underrate the intelligence of any group in this country
"Giving Ojukwu a one-way ticket to SSS office is a clear definition of their intention that he would not come back," he claimed.
"Any attempt to attack Ojukwu will be viewed seriously by MASSOB, and one will stop at nothing to show our long drawn tolerance of series of insults, and clear cut efforts to destroy the Biafrans who have in most meaningful ways kept this country alive," he added.
On its part, APGA in Anambra, through its state secretary, Cyril Chike Nnabe warned against the consequences of this kind of posturing.
"We should only pray that Ojukwu is not harmed. We only have to pray that it doesnt happen," he stated.
Ill not honour SSS invitationOjukwu
NewAge
14th September 2004
By Gabriel Enogholase, Enugu
Ex-Biafra leader Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu alleged on Monday that there was a plot to kill him and the leader of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazurike just as he said that he would not honour the invitation extended to him by the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS) to report to its headquarters in Abuja.
Ojukwu who spoke with newsmen in Enugu against the backdrop of his last Wednesdays invitation by the SSS, also restated his support for MASSOB and his activities as the Head of the State of Biafra and congratulated Uwazurike for his ability to hold the large organization without arms, without funds and without authority together.
The ex-Biafran leader, who had indicated at the weekend that he might honour the SSS invitation yesterday (Monday), however said he would no longer do so as he described the invitation as spurious.
This morning, the SSS presented me with a one-way economy ticket to Abuja. You can now read your own meaning to this - It is intended that I go to Abuja without honour and never to return. Consequently, I wish to state before all of you that I have no intention whatsoever of going to answer this spurious call of the SSS in Abuja, he said.
Displaying a Sosoliso Airlines Economy Ticket number 551273 from Enugu to Abuja, issued in the Passenger Name of Dim Ojukwu, dated September 13, 2004 (yesterday), Ojukwu stated that the ticket was brought by an officer of the SSS, who simply identified himself as Mr. Duru.
You will remember that in the very recent past, Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Muhammadu Buhari declined repeated invitations to appear before the Justice Oputa Violation of Human Rights Commission and the heavens did not fall nor were they compelled to do so. As a law abiding citizen, a respecter of law and order and a Nigerian patriot, I will wait in my modest abode to receive and exchange views with properly designated agents of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Already, it has come to my notice that the government has detailed people from the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) to assassinate the leader of MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazurike and myself. I do not know where this orgy of blood letting would lead us to. he said.
Linking his refusal to go to Abuja to the recent prevalent killings, particularly of political figures in the Nigerian political arena, which he listed as Chief Bola Ige, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, Chief Marshal Harry, Professor Chimere Ikoku, Chief Victor Nwankwo, Chief A.K. Dikibo, Chief Ogbonnaya Uche, Barrister Barnabas Igwe and his wife, Chief Andrew Agom, General Shehu Musa Yaradua, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Chief Alfred Rewane, General Tunde Idiagbon and Chief (Mrs.) Kudirat Abiola, Ojukwu said,All these men and women are leaders of our various communities who have been gunned down right under the public gaze yet no culprit had been found. What we have is the Police but no culprits.
When asked if he had been given reasons for the invitation, he said, until now I have not been given the privilege of knowing for certain who wants me neither has any indication been given to me of the probable subject of our discussion. From the newspapers I gather that the authorities take exception to my general support for Biafra and MASSOB, an organization which in a non-violent manner, seeks the re-establishment of the Republic of Biafra.
The Ikemba Nnewi, however, stated that he was prepared to cooperate with the authority within the laws of Nigeria and obey any summons properly issued provided the agent was properly introduced and mandated, just as he also said that he would submit himself and even guarantee the safety of the agent making an exit from his house after seeing the warrant of arrest.
Suffice it to say that I offered, at my age of 70 plus, to receive the Director General of the SSS or any officer properly mandated by him for discussion in my house. All I required, and still do, is for things to be done properly in accordance with democratic norms under the rule of law. Ojukwu was the presidential candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the last general election said.
He further clarified that it was a historical fact that I proclaimed the Republic of Biafra and remained the Head of State till the end of the War; I went into exile as Head of State of Biafra; I returned to Nigeria with a total and free pardon signed by a democratically elected President of Nigeria; I have remained in Nigeria since 1982 and participated fully in all national elections as a member of one of the national political parties;
As a citizen of Nigeria, I state unequivocally that I not only support Biafra but also that I am proud of my activities as the Head of State of Biafra; I state that the only democratic process to which I subscribe, is that democracy which guarantees to every citizen the right of speech and the right to hold opinion.
Stating that Uwazurike was neither a criminal nor an ex-convict, Ojukwu stated that MASSOB was born out of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ralph Uwazurike was a member of PDP.
He supported President Obasanjos campaign. He was a militant for President Obasanjo in that campaign. They parted ways as frequently happens in politics for reasons we do not know. It is perhaps deriving from this intimate understanding that makes President Olusegun Obasanjo to resent the growing popularity of this young man when compared with the presidents own diminishing popularity, he said.
Ralph Uwazurike is purely and simply a young man disgusted and frustrated by General Obasanjos governance. It is significant, as it appears that millions of Nigerians are with him, the Ikemba Nnewi added.
He, however, called on the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Anan, former South African President, Nelsen Mandela, Heads of State of the African Union, Human Rights Organizations and all men and women of conscience to prevail on President Obasanjo to halt the senseless killings, harassment, intimidation and humiliation of Ndigbo including myself.
Meanwhile, Ojukwus Independence Layout residence was besieged by thousands of his supporters especially from APGA yesterday just as security operatives were seen around his premises. Also, at the Enugu Airport, there was heavy presence of security operatives apparently deployed to forestall any breakdown of law and order by his supporters.
Ojukwu alleges plot to kill him
MASSOB leader too
Declines SSS invitation
Daily Champion
14th September 2004
NKIRU OKEKE, Enugu
IKEMBA Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu yesterday alerted that security authorities had concluded plans to eliminate him.
He also alleged that the plot, allegedly to be acted by military intelligence personnel, would also see the end of leader of MASSOB Chief Ralph Uwazurike.
The Ikemba made the charges in Enugu as he declined an invitation to him, by State Security Service (SSS) to report in Abuja, ostensibly for interrogation over his alleged comments on the Movement for Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).
Already, the SSS had delivered a one-way Sosoliso economy ticket, marked 551273 to him for Abuja, he stated in Enugu.
The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) called on the Secretary General of United Nations (UN) Dr. Kofi Annan, heads of state/Presidents of the African Union (AU), former South African leader Dr. Nelson Mandela, leaders of the free world and others to prevail on the Federal Government to stop the harassment, intimidation and humilitation of Ndigbo, including myself."
Dim Ojukwus tango with government commenced recently following his public declaration of support for the Movement for the Actualisation of a Sovereign State of Biafra, (MASSOB), which on August 26 this year organised an effective stay-at-home action in the South-East, parts of the South South and sections of Plateau State.
MASSOB, which had since internationalised its struggle, justified the passive action as a protest against the marginalisation of Ndigbo from the nations scheme of things, particularly in the decision making rings.
Throwing his weight behind MASSOB, which government declared a rebel and an illegal organisation, Dim Ojukwu said his support was based on the conviction that the reason for the Civil War (1967-70) was still there, adding that though Biafra might be a better alternative, it was up to Nigeria to decide whether Biafra exists or otherwise.
Ojukwu, an Army General, was leader of break away Biafra for the three years of the ill-fated republic.
But, reacting to the summons, Dim Ojukwu, while briefing the press at his Independence Layout, Enugu residence said: "You can now read your own meaning to this. It is intended that I go to Abuja without honour and never to return. I wish to state before all of you that I have no intention whatsoever of going to answer this spurious call of the SSS in Abuja.
"Already, it has come to my notice that the government has detailed people from the DMI to assassinate the leader of MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazurike and myself. I have refused to go to Abuja on this occasion because of the prevalent killings, particularly of political figures," he maintained.
The APGA presidential candidate said one Mr. Duru from the SSS brought the one-way economy ticket to Abuja to him, adding that he would have honoured the summons if it was properly issued.
"I was prepared to co-operate with the authority within the laws of Nigeria.
I made it clear that I will obey any summons properly issued. I would in any matter co-operate with the Nigerian authority provided the agent is properly introduced and mandated.
"Until now, I have not been given the privilege of knowing for certain who wants me, neither has any indication been given to me of the probable subject for our discussion," he said.
Ojukwu recalled that Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Muhamadu Buhari had in the past declined repeated invitations to appear before the government-sponsored Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission (HRVIC) and nothing was done to them.
He said as a respecter of law, he will wait in his residence to receive and exchange views with properly designated agents of the Federal Government.
The Ikemba who was flanked by the former gubernatorial candidate of APGA in Enugu in the last election, Mr. Ugo Chukwu Agballa and other APGA chieftains, recalled that he proclaimed the defunct Republic of Biafra and remained its Head of State till the end of the war, went into exile as Head of State of Biafra and subsuently returned to Nigeria with a total and free pardon signed by a democratically elected president of Nigeria (Alhaji Shehu Shagari).
According to him, he gathered from newspaper reports that the authorities took exception to his general support of Biafra and MASSOB an organisation, which according to him, in a non-violent manner, seeks the re-establishment of the Republic of Biafra.
"As a citizen of Nigeria, I state unequivocally that I not only support Biafra, but also that I am proud of my activities as the Head of State (defunct) Biafra. I state that the only democratic process to which I subscribe, is that democracy which guarantees to every citizen the right of speech and the right to hold opinion." he said.
Ojukwus residence was besieged yesterday morning by Igbo youths who chanted war songs, daring the Federal Government to arrest their idol.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu alleges attempt on his life
The Guardian
14th September 2004
From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu
THERE are strong indications that the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) presidential candidate in the 2003 polls, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, may soon begin a battle with the Federal Government.
Reason: He yesterday alleged that there were plots by the Federal Government to assassinate him and the leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazurike.
He also told journalists in his Enugu residence that he would not honour the invitation extended to him by the State Security Services (SSS).
According to him, already, "it has come to my notice that the government has detailed people from the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) to assassinate the leader of MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazurike and myself. I do not know where this orgy of blood letting would lead us to."
The ex-Biafran leader, who spoke on last week Wednesday's invitation to Abuja by the SSS, had promised over the weekend that he might honour the invitation yesterday (Monday). He however said at the briefing that he would no longer honour the invitation, which he described as "spurious".
Said he: "This morning, the SSS presented me with a one-way economic ticket to Abuja. You can now read your own meaning to this. It is intended that I go to Abuja without honour and never to return. Consequently, I wish to state before all of you that I have no intention whatsoever of going to answer this spurious call of the SSS in Abuja."
Displaying a Sosoliso Airline's Economy Ticket No. 551273 issued from Enugu to Abuja, in the Passenger Name of Dim Ojukwu, and dated September 13, 2004 (yesterday), Ojukwu stated that the ticket was brought by an officer of the SSS, who identified himself as Mr. Duru.
He said: "You will remember that in the very recent past, Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Muhammadu Buhari declined repeated invitations to appear before the Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Violation of Human Rights Panel and the heavens did not fall nor were they compelled to do so. As a law abiding citizen, a respecter of law and order and a Nigerian patriot, I will await in my modest abode to receive and exchange views with properly designated agents of the Federal Government of Nigeria".
His added that his refusal to go to Abuja based on the invitation was because of the prevalent killings, particularly of political figures in the Nigerian political arena, which he itemised to include Chief Bola Ige, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, Chief Marshal Harry, Professor Chimere Ikoku, Chief Victor Nwankwo, Chief A.K. Dikibo, Chief Ogbonnaya Uche, Barrister Barnabas Igwe and his wife, Chief Andrew Agom, General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Chief Alfred Rewane, General Tunde Idiagbon and Chief (Mrs.) Kudirat Abiola.
All these men and women are leaders of our various communities who have been gunned down right under the public gaze and yet no culprit had been found. What we have is the Police but no culprits, he disclosed
On the reasons behind his invitation, Ojukwu said until now, I have not been given the privilege of knowing for certain who wants me, neither has any indication been given to me of the probable subject of our discussion.
From the newspapers, I gathered that the authorities take exception to my general support for Biafra and MASSOB, an organisation, which in a non-violent manner, seeks the re-establishment of the Republic of Biafra.
He, however, stated that he was prepared to co-operate with the authority within the laws of Nigeria and obey any summons properly issued provided the agent was properly introduced and mandated.
He added that he would submit himself and even guarantee the safety of the agent making an exit from his house after seeing the warrant of arrest.
Suffice it to say that I offered, at my age of 70 plus, to receive the Director-General of the SSS or any officer properly mandated by him for discussion in my house. All I required, and still do, is for things to be done properly in accordance with the democratic norms under the rule of law, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
He further added that it was a historical fact that I proclaimed the Republic of Biafra and remained the Head of State till the end of the War. I went into exile as Head of State of Biafra; I returned to Nigeria with a total and free pardon signed by a democratically-elected President of Nigeria; I have remained in Nigeria since 1982 and participated fully in all national elections as a member of one of the national political parties."
As a citizen of Nigeria, "I state unequivocally that I, not only support Biafra, but also that I am proud of my activities as the Head of State of Biafra; I state that the only democratic process to which I subscribe, is that democracy which guarantees every citizen the right of speech and the right to hold opinion."
Saying that Uwazurike was neither a criminal nor an ex-convict, Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated that MASSOB was born out of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP).
Ralph Uwazurike was a member of PDP. He supported President Olusegun Obasanjo's campaign. He was a militant for President Obasanjo in that campaign. They parted ways as frequently as it happens in politics for reasons we do not know. It is perhaps deriving from this intimate understanding that makes President Olusegun Obasanjo to resent the growing popularity of this young man when compared with the president's own diminishing popularity, he said.
"Uwazurike is purely and simply a young man disgusted and frustrated by General Obasanjo's governance. It is significant, as it appears that millions of Nigerians are with him", the Ikemba Nnewi added.
He, however, called on the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, former South African President, Nelson Mandela, Heads of State of the African Union, Human Rights Organisations and all men and women of conscience to prevail on President Obasanjo to halt the senseless killings, harassment, intimidation and humiliation of Ndigbo, including myself.
In a related development, more condemnations poured in at the weekend over Odumegwu-Ojukwu's invitation to Abuja by the SSS with an Igbo group, the Igbo National Assembly (INA), warning that Igbos would not fold their arms to watch any attempt by anybody to humiliate him.
The group's condemnation came as it was reported yesterday that the pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, may have intervened in the matter to forestall the embarrassment of Chief Odumegwu-Ojukwu who is a caucus member of the organisation.
Speaking at the end of its emergency meeting in Enugu at the weekend, the Secretary General of INA, Chief Onwuka Ukwa, asked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government to leave the Ikemba Nnewi alone, saying Odumegwu-Ojukwu is not the problem of the country.
Insisting that the move to arrest the ex-Biafran leader on account of his criticism of the Federal Government was uncalled for. He stressed that Odumegwu-Ojukwu should not be made a sacrificial lamb, as he was only speaking the minds of the people.
Said he: "Obasanjo and the PDP should leave Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Ndigbo alone. Odumegwu-Ojukwu should not be subjected to the hounding and harassment he has suffered in the hands of security operatives during the past one week in his home.
Sources close to the Ohanaeze told The Guardian yesterday that the leadership of the organisation has waded into the matter to ensure that the ex-Biafran leader was not humiliated. The organisation, according to sources, has made necessary contacts with the Presidency to ascertain why Odumegwu-Ojukwu was invited but details of the response was kept secret at the weekend.
You know it was a top-level discussion. When reports came that the SSS in Enugu invited Odumegwu-Ojukwu to meet with their Director-General at Abuja, everybody showed concern. Following the alarm raised by Odumegwu-Ojukwu and his party, APGA, the leadership intervened. We believe that this intervention would yield the desired result. All we want is for the security agencies to leave Ikemba alone. He has not done anything to warrant this kind of harassment and humiliation, a top member of the organisation has said.
Meanwhile, Odumegwu-Ojukwu's residence at the Independence Layout, Enugu, became Mecca of a sort yesterday as supporters trooped in and out and chanting solidarity songs which dared anybody to touch the ex-Biafran leader. They were joined by commercial cyclist operators, market men and women and APGA supporters.
The supporters, who barricaded the gates of his residence branded green leaves and posters eulogising Odumegwu-Ojukwu, just as security men paraded round his residence apparently to forestall a breakdown of law and order by the youths.`