The leader of the “Igbo People of Nigeria”, Uche Cheguo, declared the group’s solidarity with the Buhari-led government and appraised the President’s initiative which birthed the “Operation Python Dance” in the South East. He described the operation as a highly important one in the region as it has helped in combating criminal activities and curbing crime rate.
Addressing the Presidential Spokesman, Femi Adesina, at a rally held by the group to pledge solidarity to the President’s government, Cheguo said the President’s penchant for resolving conflicts through dialogue demonstrates his love for the South East and other parts of the country.
Cheguo disavowed the activities of violent Igbo groups, stating that the Igbos will not be defined by the activities of a minority. He called out those who were concerned about making trouble and told the President’s Spokesman that they do not harbour any animosity for any government institutions.
“We want to point out that the visit of our leaders to Your Excellency should eradicate any doubts as to where the loyalty and allegiance of Igbo people lie.
“We are absolutely behind your government even as we categorically affirm that we have no animosity towards state institutions.
“We cannot and must not be defined by a minority that is vocal and violent,’’ he stated.
Mr. Cheguo observed that prior to the introduction of the operation, the rate of criminal activities in the region had forced many to flee and others to stop visiting their ancestral homes for fear of harassment. He added that the Nigerian Military’s “Operation Python Dance” had successfully reduced the spates of kidnapping and banditry in the South East.
In response to the solidarity of the group, Mr Femi Adesina praised them and assured them that the President was very concerned about every region and every citizen of the country.
“I will like to thank you for this solidarity rally. When you hold a rally like this, it is not for President Muhammadu Buhari alone, but also for the country.
“As the Igbos will always say, we need one another to succeed. We need each other for our country to succeed, and we need to uphold the country for generations unborn,’’ he added.
