AN OPEN LETTER
TO THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF
POLICE
.... from Nnia Nwodo
Sir,
THE ROAD TO ANARCHY
It is with a heart full of
trepidation and responsibility that Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide brings to your
notice a potentially explosive situation in Anambra State of Nigeria.
The people of Umuawulu
Community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State saw four Fulani
boys with six Ak-47 rifles slung on their shoulders and riding two motor cycles
and trailed them to Isiagu Community also in Awka South LGA where they reside.
When the news of the brazen wielding of firearms spread across the council
area, as law-abiding citizens, the stakeholders there convened a crucial
meeting with the police and Fulani leaders in the State and raised the matter
for deliberation.
The stakeholders told the
Fulani leaders in the presence of men of the State Investigation and
Intelligence Bureau, SIIB, Awka that they were alarmed and surprised that their
boys were flagrantly displaying arms in the public, unmindful of the legal
implications of unlawful possession of firearms. The stakeholders expressed
disappointment that security agencies did not make any attempt to arrest the
offending Fulani boys, adding that if it were Igbo boys they would have been
arrested, tortured and charged to court.
But rather than explain what
led to the carrying of arms by the boys, or even apologise on behalf of the
boys, the Fulani leaders told the stakeholders to do their worst and walked out
on them, saying that their boys must always bear arms to protect themselves
against religious, ethnic or tribal attacks from any quarters, and there is nothing
anybody can do. This, in the presence of law enforcement agents and nothing was
actually done to arrest either the Fulani boys or their leaders for overtly
declaring war on the people of Anambra State.
The Inspector General of Police
sir, Ohanaeze Ndigbo is alarmed by this wanton act because of the danger it
portends. This raises the following questions :
1. Is the bearing of unlicensed
firearms (especially sophisticated ones like Ak-47) no longer illegal and
therefore punishable in breach in the laws of this country?
2. Do we now have different
laws for different ethnic groups in Nigeria? If it were to be members of IPOB
or any other group other than Fulani that bear such illegal arms what fate
would befall them ?
3. Does the impetuous action
and utterance of the Fulani leaders not a clear and definite invitation to
anarchy? If everybody in this country, irrespective of tribe, carries such
firearms to protect himself, will the security agencies be able to contain the
mayhem that will ensue?
4. Can the IGP imagine what
fate that would have befallen any Igbo leaders in any part of the North who
dare challenge their hosts and the police with such impunity and callousness?
Mr Inspector General of Police
sir, Ohanaeze Ndigbo believes that there is enough tension in the country
already to allow room for more. But, it is only a tree that they tell it will
be cut down and it remains motionless waiting for the axe. The principle of
self defense is even enshrined in the statutes of the country. Peaceful
coexistence is a prerequisite for development.
The police is by statute
empowered, equipped and expected to make peace between two warring factions and
not to take sides or protect one group.
The action of the police in
Anambra State is, to say the least, despicable and a tacit invitation to
anarchy. Except a coward, nobody will ever run away from his fatherland and
leave it for another to occupy. Ndigbo are not cowards.
The behaviour of the police
probably explains why it is only police commisioners from a particular part of
the country that are posted to Igbo land. This also tends to lay credence to
the fears being harboured by our people that even the military laying siege on
Igbo land are here to protect the interest of an ethnic group. Not only have
Ndigbo been marginalised in this country, they are even being pushed to the
brink. It is always said that no country survives a second civil war.
Like I always say, Ndigbo are
ever capable of defending themselves. They will not fold their arms and allow
gun-totting marauding Fulani herdsmen to continue harassing, raping, maiming
and killing them in their own homes. We are law-abiding, hospitable and always
ready to coexist with others as friends and brothers but not as foes and at a
supreme price.
Enough is enough.
Chief John Nnia Nwodo
President General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide
Nnia Nwodo are you waking up now, or are u still sleeping? Earlier the better
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