…seeks
prayer for peace, unity
By Samuel Oyadongha
YENAGOA THE pan-Igbo
socio-cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo has ordered the cancellation of the
2017 Igbo day celebration in Bayelsa state.It cited the need to use the
occasion to stay indoors and pray for peace and unity in Nigeria.
According to the group, though the
Igbo indigene in the state cannot pretend over the incidence of violence and
killings in the Eastern states over the agitations by some members of the
Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), the decision to cancel the celebration in
Bayelsa was to mourn those that were killed in Aba.
President of the Bayelsa state
chapter of the Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Maurice Amaku, while briefing newsmen in
Yenagoa, said the decision was borne out of a collective agreement reached by
the leaders and members of the Igbo community in the state. Chief Amaku urged
Igbos to use the period for sober reflection on the day by holding prayers in
their individual homes.
“This year’s Igbo Day in Bayelsa
will be marked with prayers for the peace and unity of the state and the
nation. “Unlike the practice in previous years in which the event was held with
lots of pomp and ceremony, this year’s edition will rather be observed in low
key,” he said.
The special assistant to the Bayelsa
state governor, Mr. Anthony Chukwueze said the reason for the low key
celebration this year was to reflect the mood of the people.
“The decision was taken at a meeting
attended by the Eze Igbo in Bayelsa, Chief Anthony Uwakwe, political
appointees, as well as leaders of women, market and youth groups and agreed to
call on all Nigerians to live in harmony
Vanguard News
Comments
Post a Comment