Prince Erondu Uche, Spokesman for Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Southwest, have urged the members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, to make peace with the South-East governors.
This is even as he charged the South African government to tackle the xenophobia attacks current ripping the country to avoid metamorphosing into a terror group.
In a press statement obtained by ABACITYBLOG, Mr. Uche said attacks on Nigerians and other African Nationals living in South Africa and the destruction of their properties should not to be treated with sloppiness by South African government.
According to him, “Most terrorist groups across the globe today began with violent protests which transmuted to world terror as a result of laxity or partial support from those in authority. When issues like these are not handled with seriousness, the protesters are vulnerable to being mind twisted by leaders of terrorist groups which may metamorphose into merger with existing group or the formulation of a new one. This menace if not curbed, South Africans could also be killing and maiming one another in the nearest future when other Africans have left.
“The leaders of the organized violent attacks in South Africa have another hidden agenda which is yet to manifest. I foresee a terrorist group emerging from these attackers if this issue is treated with laxity. As Africa and her counterparts in the world are combating terrorism, it is important to adopt preventive measures.
“I therefore call on South African government to rise to the challenge by bringing the attackers to book and pay compensation to the victims.
“I wish to commend the Federal government, the National Assembly and all Nigerians at home and abroad who are standing against this devilish act. To those who cancelled their trips to South Africa in protest against the ongoing xenophobic attacks, you have displayed patriotism, history will not forget you.
“If this had been done earlier we would have saved our citizens. In this same manner, let us all tackle our internal security problems without playing blame game. I urge those who had engaged in the destruction and looting of businesses owned by South Africans to stop. Let us conduct our protest in civilized manner.
“I also wish to call on the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) to settle amicably with Southeast governors and some people they have targeted to disgrace outside Nigeria. It is wrong for Igbo to be fighting themselves. Those exploiting the faceoff between IPOB and Southeast governors to cause more problems should desist. A divided Igbo is not in the interest of the Igbo nation.