The Igbo people in Nigeria, especially business owners have been called on by South-East Governors to beware of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB .
GoldenNewsNg gathered that the Chairman of the South-East Governors Forum, David Umahi led other governors from the region to the meeting which was held in Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt.
John Nnia Nwodo, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, led other prominent members of the socio-cultural group to the meeting due to allegation of violence levelled against IPOB members.
Ebonyi State Governor in his statement noted that IPOB is trying to instigate another civil war.
He noted that are in the meeting to verify the reports making round over alleged killing of Igbo people in the state.
He, however, said they found out the claims Igbos were being killed in Rivers were false.
Umahi noted that after listening to Wike’s side of the incident, it has become imperative for Igbos to distance themselves from IPOB.
The Governor said he found it nauseating that IPOB could go to Benue and Rivers State to hoist its flag and claim the territories belong to the Igbo people.
He said Igbo leadership were opposed to the stance by IPOB.
Umahi, who revealed that he had huge investment in Rivers, urged Igbos living in the State to respect the Government and people of Rivers to continue living and doing business peacefully.
Nwodo noted that the meeting shows the relationship between Igbos and the people of Niger Delta.
He described Rivers State Governor as a champion of restructuring of Nigeria and a man who loved justice.
Nwodo noted that the leadership of Igbos would not open its eyes and allow some misguided few, who did not experience the the last civil war cause disunity.
Nwodo said he was elated to hear from Igbo leaders that under the leadership of Wike Igbo businesses had continued to thrive.
Peter Odili, former Governor of Rivers State, commended Igbo leaders for the peace initiative and decision to visit Wike.
He stated that Governor Wike wants peace for his people.
Odili further stated that the people of Rivers State endorsed every measure taken by Governor Wike to ensure lasting peace in the state.
Wike declared the state would continue to be home to people of the Igbo Ethnic Nationality.
The Governor said in the wake of the Oyigbo crisis, people peddled the rumour that he was chasing Igbos out of Rivers, saying it was not true because the state had an enduring relationship with the Igbos.
He said: “Tell your people, Rivers people will continue to live together with Igbos. Don’t allow your sons to tell you lies. Igbos are innovative and hardworking. There can’t be Nigeria without Igbos. Nobody should take them for granted. But that doesn’t mean you must allow criminals to spoil your name.”
“If I hate Igbos, I won’t appoint your son into my state cabinet two times. But you have to obey rules. Don’t allow criminals to dictate to you”.
Present at the meeting were Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu; Deputy Anambra Governor Nkem Okeke, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
Other dignitaries are: Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Mrs. Ipalibo Harry Banigo; former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia; the chairman of Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council and Amanayanabo of Opobo, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja and National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, among others.
