The factional leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chidi Ibeh, has criticize Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma for inviting military in the state and should be held accountable for deaths in the Orlu crisis.
Ibeh’s media adviser, Kalu Uduma, in a statement sent to Grassroots.ng, faulted the military’s involvement in addressing civil disobedience.
The group also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to dialogue with leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to address issues leading to their continued agitation.
He said: “We urge President Muhammadu Buhari to take appropriate actions to ensure there’s dialogue between him and IPOB, as what’s good for the goose is also for the gander.
“Governor Uzodimma should be wary of the verdict of history. Whatever decisions taken today in the cause of protecting lives and properties should not involve military operations in civil disobedience or self-determination. Ndigbo will hold the governor accountable for any life lost in Imo State under any circumstances.”
The Igbo National Congress (INC) has called on Uzodimma to call off the military campaign before it degenerates to a dangerous magnitude.
The group condemned the invasion of Orlu communities by security operatives.
A statement on Tuesday by the President, Chilos Godsent, called on Governor Uzodimma to intervene in the conflict and halt the destruction of lives and properties.
The statement reads: “It may not be to the best interest of the Imo State and Federal Government to militarise any part of Igbo Nation in the disguise of fighting pro-Biafra agitators.
“The police have the capacity to tackle crime in any part of Nigeria, if well mobilised and given a free hand to operate.”
Chilos also urged the Federal Government to redeploy the soldiers ravaging Orlu communities to the highways where herdsmen are terrorising Nigerians.
He feared that if the conflict is not quickly resolved, it might escalate to other communities in the state.