Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, a chieftain of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Igbo apex socio-political organization, has called on the apex Yoruba group, Afenifere to forgive an Igbo businessman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu over his recent outburst, which might be seen as an anti-Yoruba remark.
Isiguzoro who apologized on behalf of Iwuanyanwu said the remark was targetting the former Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in Lagos, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo and his gang.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s Secretary-General said Iwuanyanwu’s comment was a slip of the tongue which should be disregarded.
Speaking to Daily post, Isiguzoro said: “We want to apologize to Afenifere; whatever Iwuanyanwu said was out of the anger and molestation of our people during the last general election. Irrespective of the damage control, Iwuanywu was referring to MC Oluomo and those who came out to threaten the Igbos.
“That comment from MC Oluomo was the reason most people came out to defend Igbo traders who lost their shops, many lost their goods.
“He also wants to congratulate Ayo Adebanjo for his role in continuing to identify with the push of a Nigerian president of Southeast extraction. Irrespective of the mounting pressure from Yorubas, he declared support for Peter Obi and kept supporting Obi; such support rarely comes from the Yorubas.
“This is the first time the leadership of the Southeast came together to make a political statement, so we will not allow any statement to bring any mistrust or misunderstanding between Ohanaeze and Afenifere.
“So we use this opportunity to tender our unreserved apology to Afenifere. Iwuanyanwu’s remark was a slip of the tongue and was only referring to MC Oluomo and his gang, not the most respected Yoruba politicians or the leadership of the Yoruba nation.
“They should accept our apologies and work with the leadership of Ohanaeze towards ensuring that our aspiration for a better Nigeria is achieved. We will continue to work with Afeniefer to ensure that the new relationship with Ohanaeze will continue to wax stronger.”
