Apex Igbo Socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has countered the rumours that South-east had prompted to vacation of Northerners dwelling in the Zone.  UGAMATV reports.

Rumors over the past few weeks, have it that the authorities of southeast had issued a quit notice to Nigerians who are not indigenes of the comprising states of the South-East zone, but are currently dwelling there.

These speculations could have arisen due to current clash between herdsmen and locals of several states of the country.

The group, in a press statement signed by their spokesman, Alex Chiedozie Ogbonnia, denied any association with such rumors.

They also stated that no political or Socio-cultural authority, recognized by the Zone is responsible for issuing such order, thereby, nullifing the rumors.

The statement titled “NO QUIT NOTICE IN IGBO LAND”, thus reads;

The attention of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has been drawn to the news making rounds that an ethnic or regional group has been ordered to quit any part of Igbo Land.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo views such statements as reprehensible and highly unacceptable. We are aware of the various interest groups with weird claims on leadership of Ndigbo. However, Ndigbo recognizes  the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, led by Ambassador (Prof) George Obiozor as the apex authority on such matters of National importance.

It is therefore very instructive that the general public is hereby emphatically advised to always verify  the sources of information regarding the position of Ndigbo on where they stand on sensitive National issues.

The Igbo are very outreaching, hospitable and hardworking. They adapt themselves to legitimate businesses in all parts of Nigeria and the world. Igbos are known to promote cordial relationships all over the world. It is therefore highly inconceivable for a sensible Igbo group to issue quit notice to non-Igbos who are engaged in lawful means of livelihood in Igboland.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo advises non-Igbos in general and the herders in particular not to take undue advantage of  the Igbo character of hospitality and friendly acceptance of non Igbos in Igboland by engaging in actions ,behaviors or attitudes inimical to the culture and wellbeing of Ndigbo.

It must  be categorically stated and understood that freedom of movement guaranteed by the Constitution of Nigeria for all citizens does not include and will never include the right to destroy, desecrate or violate the laws and cultures of any part of Nigeria you live in and certainly not forceful entry into another’s farmland with impunity, and disregard of the peoples’ customs and traditions over land.Freedom does not mean anarchy or lawlessness. Therefore, it is in the interest of peace and mutual coexistence that the sensibilities of the host communities are respected.

May we also here, call on the relevant Federal authorities to come up with actions,policies and strategies that will stop all the objectionable acts of destruction of farmlands, violation of community and cultural sanctity over land  ,customs,kidnappings  that generate conflict between the host communities and the herders.

To this effect I congratulate the South East Governments and Governors for their recent ban on open grazing in the South East zone.It is clear that only by creating an environment of social justice ,equity and fairness that Nigeria can attain a sustainable political and economic stability.

For purpose of clarity, the said quit notice is unknown and did not emanate from any known political or social cultural recognized authority or institution in Igboland.