Akpabio Urges Igbo Youth to Embrace Peace, Reject Armed Struggle

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has appealed to people of the South East, the Ndigbo, to sustain peace in the country and properly guide the youth to reject armed struggle against the Nigerian government.

Akpabio made this appeal at the weekend during the funeral of the former Administrative Secretary of the defunct Oil Mineral Producing Area Development Commission (OMPADEC), Sir Albert Ikechukwu Nnamani, who was laid to rest on Saturday in his hometown, Ikem, in Enugu State.
He emphasised that development can only thrive in a peaceful environment and urged the Ndigbo to closely monitor and guide the younger generation.
According to him: “For Ndigbo, I want to plead with you to continue to maintain peace and watch over the youth of today. They do not understand politics. They do not understand development. Development can only take place in an atmosphere of peace.
“Any attempt to wrest power or assert independence through armed struggle against the Federal Government will not succeed. State power will always prevail.
“As a parliament, we are ready to enact appropriate laws, make necessary amendments, and ensure that Ndigbo get at least an additional state so they can be on equal footing with other zones in the country. This is a promise we stand by.
“The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to correcting past injustices. Even in appointments, efforts have been made to ensure Ndigbo are not marginalised. However, all demands must be pursued through negotiation.
“I stress that it is through peaceful engagement and dialogue that we can secure our rightful place in Nigeria. I hope this happens within your lifetime. We must not lose our youth due to misguided politics or poor advice.
“We need a strong foundation in Igbo land. I am concerned that the economy of Onitsha and Nigeria is being negatively impacted by the so-called sit-at-home order. It has severely affected economic activities.
“Ndigbo are known for their enterprise. After the war, when accounts were frozen, even those with significant savings received just three pounds. What could be done with such an amount?”
He further recalled receiving an award in 2010 from Silverbird, where he questioned why the post-war “Three Rs” — Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction — were not fully implemented in the South-South and South East, where the war was fought.
He noted that while reconciliation and rehabilitation were attempted, reconstruction was largely absent in those regions.
Akpabio added that some past Nigerian leaders present at the event were uncomfortable with his remarks. He concluded by calling for justice, expressing hope that fairness would be achieved for the Ndigbo within their lifetime.
He also paid tribute to the late OMPADEC administrator, praising his dedication and integrity.
“As Administrative Secretary of the former OMPADEC, he carried out his duties with dignity and candour, laying a foundation for the development of the Niger Delta region.
“In the past, people complained that government promises to the Niger Delta were always ‘in the pipeline.’ Over time, frustrations led to acts like pipeline vandalism, but such issues have now become part of history,” he said.