Ekweremadu: Mass Resentment In Igboland Must be Addressed - Asetu tells S/East Politicians

The Association of South East Town Unions, ASETU, has received with shock the news of the attack on Senator Ike Ekweremadu in Germany on Saturday by some Igbo youths.

We wish to state that this represents a dangerous phase in the ongoing agitation for a better society by Igbo youths.

We condemn the violence in strong terms. However, we hold that the incident is a sad development which serves as a pointer to the scale of mass resentment against Igbo leaders by the people.

Therefore, we advise that urgent steps must be taken to address both the remote and immediate causes of the angst in Igboland.

It is a fact that cannot be hidden that the condition of things for the average Igbo youth has become intolerable. It is this insupportable, frustrating situation that pushes Igbo youths out of the shores of Nigeria, and also makes them view their leaders as their enemies.

Any society that fails to plan a future for its young people is headed for a rebellion which can manifest in any form.

Today, the thinking of the young generation of Igbo people is that the leaders have not done enough to either negotiate a better existence for them in Nigeria or help their resolve for self-determination.

We are of the opinion that the choice of Ekweremadu for the onslaught in Germany was not appropriate, since the Senator cannot be said to be fiddling while Igboland burns. It is on record that Ekweremadu has lent a voice to the Igbo cause and therefore undeserving of such reprehensible attack.

As the representatives of the Igbo grassroots, we know how frustrated our people feel at present, and, consequently, we wish to inform our political leaders that what happened in Germany may soon begin to happen in the South East if they do not put measures in place to assuage the pains of the people who suffocate in the throes of deprivation.

We call on the youths to adopt a more civil approach to venting their grievances, so as not to undermine the dignity and cohesion of the Igbo nation.

Signed:

Chief Emeka Diwe, National President.

Hon. Gideon Adikwuru, National Secretary.