The Igbo Conscience, an emerging Think Tank for the Igbo nation, has noted
with grave concern, the increasing negative fallout of the last general
election, which, if not checked, may lead to much more unsavory
developments for the country. Of particular concern to us, as a fledgling
Igbo think tank, is the increasing spate of hate messages and hate actions
that have now taken over the once cordial and fruitful relationship
between Ndigbo and the Yoruba. We note that the cordial relationship
between the two great races has been greatly soured by the process leading
to and the outcome of the last general election.
The Igbo Conscience notes that the negative politics that attended the
last political campaigns have accounted for the degenerating relationship
between Ndigbo and the Yoruba. We note that the events that are
tragically spiraling into a dangerous exchange of hate messages have now
gone to the extent of some Yoruba groups mobilizing some Yoruba to mount
anti-Igbo protests in Lagos. Equally, we note the concern of these Yoruba
groups to the continued picketing of a Yoruba, Dr. Ayo Ariyo in Dallas,
United States, by some Igbo over some comments he allegedly made for
which he had been reported to have made sufficient clarification and show
of remorse. We condemn both actions and we see these as very dangerous and
warn that no one, either Igbo or Yoruba will gain from a degeneration of
this situation.
“The Igbo Conscience will not want to join issues with any group in this
needless altercation but we want to warn both the Igbo and Yoruba groups
furthering the ends of hate, division, anarchy, hatred and acrimony that
we will gain more from sustaining, and indeed building, the age long
cordial relationship that has sustained and nurtured our collective goals
and interests as well as those of the larger Nigerian nation for several
decades. We want to appeal to both Igbo and Yoruba to give heed to reason
and end this disturbing needless warfare that will not benefit any one at
the end of the day.
“The Igbo Conscience wants to state that we are not and will not agree to
the destruction of the cordial relationship that had seen Igbo and Yoruba
recording the highest level of inter-tribal marriages in Nigerian history.
If this is not a solid instance of common bonding that automatically broke
down the barriers of hate and rancor, we wonder what else will. We
believe that soon, both ethnic nationalities will be overwhelmed by a
hybrid of culture that does not tolerate the petty quarrels and unfounded
tantrums that are gradually taking over the relationship between both
nationalities.
“We want to state that we will not pander to any issue that will hurt the
mutual understanding and good relationship Ndigbo have enjoyed with their
Yoruba hosts either in Lagos or any other South West State by either
making hollow demands that have no real practical value or igniting a hate
tendency as a reaction to such demand. We want to state emphatically that
we share common bond of unity and understanding with the Yoruba, either in
Lagos or any other South Western state or even any other tribe in Nigeria.
“The Igbo Conscience wants to put it on record that in the process leading
to the election, one of our affiliate groups, the Association for the
Defence of Igbo interests in Lagos (ADIL) came out strongly to disavow the
hate politics in Lagos that brought about this worsening situation and
affirm the willingness of progressive Igbo to work with Yoruba in Lagos
for a common political goal of advancing progressive politics in Lagos. We
remain committed to that goal, which does not support the rancor marking
the relationship between Igbo and Yoruba today.
“The Igbo Conscience therefore calls for a cessation of hostilities in the
degenerating war of attrition between Igbo and Yoruba, either in Lagos,
Dallas or any other state in and outside Nigeria.
“The Igbo Conscience will, in conjunction with equally concerned Yoruba
professionals and leaders, work to mend the frosty relationship between
Igbo and Yoruba as well as other Nigerians. We call on all Igbo and
Yoruba, either in Lagos or elsewhere, to cease forthwith from issuing or
causing to be issued, damaging hate speeches, inciting write ups and
insinuations in any forum or platform that will further endanger the peace
and unity between Ndigbo and the Yoruba. We demand equally that the
leaders of Ndigbo and Yoruba commence immediate actions to foster peace,
unity, understanding, tolerance among Igbo and Yoruba, as well as among
other ethnic groups in Nigeria.”
Barr. Onyekachi Ubani
Interim Chairman
Peter Claver Oparah
Interim Secretary