…..As Sultan, Emirs Assure Ndigbo of safety. The leadership of Igbo World Union (IWU), led by its President General, Sir Mishak Nnanta, recently toured some states in North West and North east, preaching the message of peace. The group first visited the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar in his palace in Sokoto. In his address, Sir Nnanta commended the Sultan for denouncing hate speech and the quit notice issued to Ndigbo by the Arewa Youth Group. He assured the Sultan those, residing in the North would stay and continue with their lawful businesses in the region. He noted: ‘This is a federal nation. We strongly believe in a Nigeria that is free from marginalization, tribal sentiments, nepotism, hate speeches and intimidation. Igbo as nation builders want a Nigeria that can stand shoulder high among the comity of civilized nations.”

He added that Igbo have invested trillions of naira in the Nigerian Economy and it would be foolhardy to abandon such huge investment because of hate speech and threats from anybody. While describing Igbo as Nigeria’s first son, Nnanta said no first son would abandon the father’s throne. He maintained that Nigerians were closely bonded by intermarriages across cultural and religious divides. In his remark, the Sultan, who was honoured as the royal patron of IWU, explained that Islam preaches peace and brotherly love.

God never makes mistake and that is why he made Nigeria to be inhabited by Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba and other tribes. Having respect for people’s belief and culture is a way of promoting peace. In Sokoto, we have respect for people and their culture. We teach peace and we give peace. We guarantee the right to worship, right to life and freedom to associate according to Islamic injunctions. Islamic teachings do not support nor aid extra judicial killings. Before God, every life is precious. Those using bombs and weapons to terminate people’s lives are not practicing Islamic teaching but are rather after their own selfish political interest,’ he said. He warned that people should avoid being used as guinea pigs by members of a political elite who would fly their children and wives to safety whenever there is a crisis. The Sultan urged parents to inculcate discipline in their children by urging them to shun violence.

On the threat of attack on Igbo on October 1, the sultan said he would protect the Igbo. He warned that anyone planning attacks on the Igbo should first attack him. From Sokoto, IWU train moved to Dutse, in Jigawa State. The delegation was received by the Emir, Alhaji Nuhu Mohammed Sanusi, Deputy Governor Ibrahim Idris, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Angus Ibezim and other government functionaries. At the meeting, the IWU leader named Emire Sanusi as a Royal Patron of Igbo World Union. He also appealed to the Emir to help Igbo children and ward to overcome challenges facing them in the area of education and appointments in the state. The Emir, in his response commended IWU for standing up for unity. He charged the Igbo to feel free in all parts of the North. The entourage also visited the Emir of Machina, Alhaji Bashir Albisher Bill Machina, they were received by the Emire and other leaders of the Emir. The Emir advised the people to shun violence and embrace dialogue as a means of resolving conflicts. He called for more understanding and peaceful cooperation between Nigeria’s ethnic groups. He informed the visitors that Machina is home to the Igbo.