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| The invasion of Alaigbo by the Nigerian Army! ADF appeals to Ndigbo to remain calm and resolute |
AN
APPEAL TO NDIGBO, OUR PEOPLE!
DO NOT HARM NON-IGBOS LIVING IN ALAIGBO!
On
behalf of the Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF), we send this apple to you
wherever you may be, in or outside Nigeria, please remain calm, but vigilant!
In spite
of the present grave provocations, humiliations and slaughter in our homeland -
PLEASE DO NO HARM TO YOUR GUESTS, those from other parts of Nigeria who dwell
peacefully with you. Give them, their wives and children shelter and
protection. Do no harm to them. Do no harm or attack their homes, businesses,
their places of worship or recreation. But be vigilant!
Remember
that in Arewa land many of their citizens are treated like outcasts, butchered
like animals. But remember those on whose behalf the Great Aminu Kano (one time
friend of the Great Zik of Africa) fought – the Talakawas. The Talakawas, the
Christians and the Igbos and other nationalities from the South are victims of
Islamization in Nigeria. Their leaders in the North Central, who like you
reject this caste system, have recently cried out to the world that they and
their people are victims of the policy of Islamization and ethnic cleansing.
The
Igbos are known all over the world as industrious, peaceful, egalitaran and
hospitable people. The world also knows that Ndigbo are not cowards. Therefore,
protect your families, wives and children.
This is
another difficult period in our history. It is the same our unquenchable thirst
for JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND FREEDOM that is being assaulted. Whether we think of Olauda Equiano, the Great
Slave Abolitionist who was once a slave himself, or King Jaja of Opobo who
fought European slavery – what about the 1929 Igbo Women Rebellion against colonialism? Think of Dunbar
Creek in St James Island, USA, where thirteen (13) Igbos drowned themselves
rather than become slaves! What about Haiti! The 1967–70 Biafra War was not a
war against Nigeria alone. It was a war with the great military powers of the
world. That war was lost, not only because
it was against an overwhelming alliance of superior forces. It was lost mainly because
the leadership of Ndigbo did not appreciate the political and diplomatic
dynamics of the world at the time. Above all, they did not appreciate the
wisdom of the Biblical David and Goliath in combat. It is futile and suicidal
to confront a heavily armed army with bare hands, sticks, bottles and machetes
alone.
If the
Nigerian military has invaded our land, Do not fall into their traps by rushing
into battle with them with bare empty hands. We must think and rethink our
situation vis-a-vis the enemy. Remain at home and come out only when t is
absolutely necessary. This is not cowardice. Our forefather call it ako-na-uche (wisdom).
Things
have changed so much since 1967-70. Ndigbo are not alone in the struggle for
freedom in Nigeria. Our friends and neighbors in the non-Arewa North, Yoruba
land, the Ijaws and the rest of South-South, do sympathize with our
predicament. They too are victims of those who believe that Nigeria is the
estate of their forefathers.
For
those who are driving the course of the popular struggle today, we ask them to
please allow the wisdom of the elders and experience to guide us. We know
Nnamdi Kanu and other leaders of the popular masses are well-meaning, but thye
need to avoid naivety. They should join us in appealing to our youths who
listen to them to take it easy and not fall into the traps of the enemy.
Do not
attack those poor and innocent masses who dwell in our midst, but rather protect
them. But all should be vigilant to expose the Boko Haram elements that have
joined the Nigerian military in the present assault on Alaigbo.
The
world has condemned this reckless slaughter and dehumanization of our youth
because they demand freedom and human dignity.
PROF. T UZODINMA NWALA PROF. NATH ANIEKWU
ADF President ADF
Secretary
DR DOZIE IKEDIFE
Chairman, ADF BoT
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