The United Nations has commended the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, the Ohanaeze Ndibgo on the vital role it played to stem the rising tide of agitations that threatened the unity of Nigeria.

The UN delegation led by Mohamed Ibn Chambas, a special representative of the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres gave the commendation on Thursday when it met with the leadership of Ohanaeze led by its President-General, Nnia Nwodo in Enugu.

The UN expressed worry over recent developments in the country particularly in the South-East and reiterated its support for a united Nigeria where human rights are respected and not trampled upon.

Chambas said: “Few months ago, we were all getting a bit worried with recent events in the South-East of Nigeria but thanks to their leadership (Ohanaeze) and their initiatives, they were able to bring together the chiefs and the political leaders and governors and respected persons of the Souh-East and through this intervention, we now see that calm is restored and all are working to advance the one Nigeria agenda.

“The Secretary General believes that in this one Nigeria project because he had always said that a united peaceful Nigeria is not only for the people of Nigeria, but indeed for the people of West Africa and for all of Africa.

“We know the strength the people of South-East bring to the sub region. There is hardly a single place in West Africa where you will not find enterprising persons from the South-East who are in their own rights economic ambassadors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He further encouraged the South-East leaders to continue to seek ways of working with other parts of the federation to strengthen the nation’s unity through constructive approaches to dialogue to address any shortcomings that may arise in the future.

In his response, Nwodo thanked the UN delegation for the visit and commended their  efforts towards prevention of conflicts and protection of human rights.