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Why we invited Ojukwu
Why we invited Ojukwu
� SSS
Bisiriyu Olaoye,
Deputy News Editor
T wEnty-Four hours after
Ikemba Nnewi Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu- Ojukwu alleged a plot to kill him and
shunned a security invitation to Abuja, the State Security Services (SSS)
yesterday explained why the elder statesman was
summoned.
The SSS, in a two-page statement signed by Mr. Ezra
Tobechukwu for its Director-General, Col. A. Are (rtd), said the invitation was
hinged on security matters.
The statement read: "The Department of
State Security Services wishes in the public interest to clarify its interaction
with Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu which has been turned into an object of public
drama and cheap blackmail.
"As far as security is concerned, the
corporate existence of Nigeria is a matter which is beyond politics. The reality
to day is that while some leaders are striving assiduously to build a better
Nigeria for all, some are committed to dismembering the country through violent
or non-violent means and disturbing the peace which all enjoy.
"In accordance with the mandate of the
service as enshrined in the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, if for any
reason, the conduct of any individual is inimical to peace and stability, the
Service has a duty to call that person to order through lawful means.
"It was in recognition of the delicate
nature of the issue at hand that a senior member of the service invited Chief
Ojukwu for dialogue. Chief Ojukwu was accorded all the courtesies and respect
due to an elder statesman.
"He was even encouraged to come along with
his lawyer and any other person he wishes to be present during the planned
interaction. Apparently, Chief Ojukuw misunderstood the gesture and took fright,
out of concern for his personal comfort which unfortunately is in consonant with
his character over the years.
"The Service would not join issues with
Chief Ojukwu but having rejected the option of dialogue other courses of lawful
action open to the service would be pursued to their logical end in addressing
the matter. Clearly, if the intention was to arrest the Chief, that would have
been done through due process, without hesitation."
It would be recalled that Dim Ojukwu and
the Federal Government headed for collision following the former�s open
declaration of support for the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign
State of Biara (MASSOB).
MASSOB had made a point on its persistent
outcry of the marginalisation of Ndigbo in the nation�s scheme of things
when on August 26 this year, it effectively shut down the South-East and parts
of the South South through a stay-at-home order on the residents.
Dim Ojukwu, who led the breakaway Biafra
Republic (1967-70) subsequently threw his weight behind the MASSOB action,
saying current indications were that MASSOB�s action was complied with because
Ndigbo felt that the issues that led to Biafra had not been redressed,
despite official posturing.
He added that though Biafra might be a
better alternative for Igbos, it was entirely up to Nigeria to decide whether
Biafra, as demanded by MASSOB should exist or not.
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