We will resist killing of Igbos in the north-Orji Kalu

Former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has warned northern youths on the threats issued against Igbos living in the northern part of Nigeria.

Kalu who was guest on a political program on Africa Independent Television (AIT) on Tuesday said Nigeria is a country governed by rumour where someone would cook up a thought, circulate it and people would believe without verifying.

“Nigeria is governed by rumour. They would just hear that Orji Kalu is beaten where they sell akara and they would believe it. This is how this country is governed. If the elders of the north say we should leave, we would leave,” he said.

Allaying the fears Igbos in the north may nurse over threats of the northern youths, the former governor said there is nothing to fear since the leaders of the north have not endorsed the youth’s position on the eviction order.

“I used to see many Igbos from the north, I have been telling them they don’t have anything to fear. They should stay and if anybody touch them in the north there would be trouble. There would be war and I will be the one to lead,” he assured.

The businessman stated further that except the northern leaders sign an eviction order, the Igbos do not need to leave the north where they had contributed to the economy and development. “I have been talking to leaders of the northern youths. Let IBB sign, let T.Y. Danjuma and others sign for us to leave, we will leave the north,” he said.

Kalu, who was trained in the north said on the program how well he understands northerners. “I understand the northerners. The boys talking cannot represent half of the north. I was trained by them. I attended University of Maiduguri and other schools in the north. We will not take it lightly that you will kill us and say sorry again. We cannot take it again,” he exclaimed.

On how to douse the growing tension, the politician said, “The hatred is too much and I think what we can do is to tell the Imams, Pastors to start preaching peace, they should stop telling people to go and fight.”

He also lamented how Nigerians are made to suffer for happenings in other countries. “If something happens in Pakistan they would come and kill Igbos and southerners in the northern Nigeria. If they burn a Koran in Bangladesh, they will start killing Igbos in Sokoto. That is not how we should live together in Nigeria. It shouldn’t happen in 2017, he said.

Noting how he had supported Islam, the former governor urged people of the two major religions to respect each other’s faith. “I built a Mosque in Abia State, it takes a good Christian to respect Muslims, and we should respect ourselves and shouldn’t be killing ourselves,” he advised.

He however warned that there would be resistance if Igbos are killed in the north. “I have told them not to move. So let the northern elders go and tell their people not to kill anybody. If you kill us, we will not take it lightly. I am serous and that is the first time I’m saying this. Our people crying for Biafra have not killed anybody,” he said.