The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide  has shifted from chiding the Indigenous People of Biafra over its threat of extended sit-at-home protest as the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State draws closer.
Ohanaeze now  pleads with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to reconsider the seven days sit -at- home order in the South Eastern part of Nigeria from November 5 to November 11 so as to enable the governorship election for Anambra State scheduled for November 6 to hold.
Ohanaeze through its National Publicity Secretary,Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia emphasized that “It is important to note that Anambra State is the economic live wire of the South East with an impressive steady growth trajectory. For instance, Anambra State showcases the best rural road network and rural community development in the South East if not in the entire Nigeria. Anambra is home to the greatest number of small, medium and large scale industries in the South East.
“Most recently, Anambra has added a cargo airport to its resource base. Above all, Onitsha is the largest market in West Africa. The implication of the above illustration is that Anambra State is the melting pot of Igbo traders and artisans. It stands to reason that Anambra is the big Iroko tree that provides a shade for most Igbos. Apart from the shade, it also hosts the numerous birds that perch on the branches. Therefore any harm to the Iroko tree will create untold disastrous chain reactions and catastrophe for the Igbo.”
While pleading with the IPOB to rescind the lock down  plan, Ohanaeze Ndigbo  requested  the Chairman, South East Governors Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Dave Umahi to convene an emergency meeting of Igbo stake holders and the youth leaders for the purpose of addressing the legitimacy crisis in the South East, especially as it relates to Anambra State election and the political solution for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Ogbonnia said: ” It is important to point out that one of the causes of the crisis of confidence in the South East is because of the yawning gap between the youths and indeed the masses, on one side and the political leaders on the other. Therefore, the leadership of the various youth groups should not be excluded in any meeting aimed at resolving the current crises in Igboland. In other words, the youths want to be fully convinced of our commitment to their plight”.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo reiterated  its solidarity with any group that protests the alienation of the Igbo people in the Nigeria project  with a caution for restraint, maturity and wisdom.
“It is based on the foregoing that Ohanaeze adopts the philosophy of dialogue, negotiations in coalition with other concerned groups that comprise the Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum led by Chief E K Clarke. It is also lamentable that the burial ceremony for the Afara Ukwu born Chief Mrs Victoria Aguiyi Ironsi, slated for November 5 in Umuahia, Abia State may be drastically affected by the prevailing Igbo social climate. General JTU Aguiyi Ironsi represents so many things to the Igbo and we owe his soul a duty.”
Ohanaeze Ndigbo urged the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willy Obiano to convene a joint meeting of the Anambra State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by Chief Emeka Udodeme and the Association of Town Unions (ASATU) led by Barr. Titus Akpudo with a view to activating meetings in all the 181 towns of Anambra State. The traditional rulers, archbishops, bishops and other members of the clergy are also requested to brace up in their roles as the cultural and spiritual leaders of society.
Ogbonnia disclosed that Professor George Obiozor, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is very perturbed that the serenity, tranquility and aggressive entrepreneurship for which the Igbo are known are gradually yielding to unknown dark forces. Obiozor is  reportedly more saddened with the realization that   Anambra State which now suffers this ordeal has produced some of the most important  personages in Nigerian history including  Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Dr. Alex. Ekwueme, Professor Chinua Achebe, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Professor Chike Obi, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Cardinal Francis Arinze, Professor Dora Akunyili, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, Dr. Nwafor Orizu, Professor Kenneth Dike, Mr Peter Obi, Professor ABC Nwosu, Engr. Arthur Eze, Dr. Chris Ngige, Igwe Alfred Achebe and numerous young and old billionaires.
“In many respects,” the Ohanaeze spokesman insisted, ” Anambra is the engine that propels the Igbo entreprise.  As elders we should not fold our arms while the goat dies in the tether. Ohanaeze Ndigbo is of the conviction that the disruption of the Anambra State election and the adverse consequences will be a major setback to the Igbo civilization”.