Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, has come under fire over his comments that 99.9 per cent of criminals occupying South-East forests are Igbo.
Pro -Igbo group, World Igbo National Union (WINU), is the latest to knock the Governor over the “unguarded comment” he made while delivering a speech at Maryland United States of America.
WINU in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ifeanyi Uwakwa, challenged Soludo to substantiate the claims or tender public apology for demonizing Ndigbo.
The statement read in part: “We demand that he produces his evidence that supports his USA speech, or he should tender a public apology on his insensitive and callous claims made just to appease his political sponsors.”
WINU expressed bewilderment that Soludo, an erudite scholar, could make such unsubstantiated claims even when media reports link suspected herdsmen with most of the atrocities in the forests in Igboland.
“Foreign and local reports showed that the herdsmen wielding sophisticated guns occupying our farmlands and forest and killings members of our families are sponsored.
“Governor Soludo’s assertion is a case without merit. We advise him to work with thorough investigation on such claims.
“It is surprising that the Anambra State Governor would deliberately stand outside the shores of Igboland to make such a bogus claim that 99.9% per cent of armed criminals illegally occupying our forests are Igbo people.”
The group alleged that contrary to Soludo’s unsubstantiated claims, criminal herders have been responsible for the insecurity in the state.
“Terrorist herdsmen have been terrorizing Anambra communities like Mgbakwu, Igboariam, Umueri, Umunze, Ogbunka and Amansea.
“Why is the Governor covering up atrocities of these terrorist herdsmen in Igboland and accusing the victims to be the terrorist. The framing of victims as perpetrators is a shameful tactic and must cease.”
The group urged Soludo to tackle insecurity in his state with full force as exemplified by some of his brother-governors instead of resorting to unsubstantiated rhetoric.
It also cautioned the Governor against accepting the proposed controversial Bill on Waterways popularly referred to as RUGA.
“Anambra people have already expressed their rejection of any proposals for RUGA settlements, and it is time for the Governor to reverse this misguided stance to protect our communities rather than cater to political advantages.”
The group advised Governor Soludo to stop politicising insecurity in Igboland, but rather champion the cause of his people.
“We stand united in our call for truth, accountability, and the protection of our land and people from all forms of violence and incursion.
“We urge Governor Soludo to align himself with the aspirations of the Igbo people rather than the interests of any external political actors.”
