An Igbo group, Igbo for a Progressive Nigeria (IPAN), has expressed it support for a united Nigeria that promotes equal rights for all citizens of the country.
The group said such arrangement would favour the Igbo nation more than a bid for secession.
The President of the group, Mr. Lawrence Onwuzulike, who spoke with journalists in Awka, the Anambra State capital, yesterday, said the group would continue to work for the unity of Nigeria, but more interested in ensuring that the Igbo people get equal rights, treatment, privileges and share in the country.
He said the group, which started in the diaspora less than two years ago, has been engaging with other Igbo groups to use its strength to unite Nigeria, adding however that the country must guarantee equal right for all citizens in order to be happy and remain willing to be united.
According to Onwuzulike, “This (Nigeria) is our country. We are not like black Americans who are begging to be seen as Americans. This is our country, and we are proud of it. We are happy as a united country, but first we must be sure that all the rights given to the people in other parts of the country are also given to us.
“Our interest is how to develop Igboland, and galvanise our people to ensure that they bring back their resources for the development of Igbo nation. We want an Igbo land where all the companies owned by affluent Igbo businessmen would have their head offices in Igboland, and maintain branches in other places.
“We don’t support a situation where some people would maintain head offices in other places and open a small branch in one room in Awka.
“First, let the government provide equal opportunities for the Igbo people in Nigeria, and let our brothers and sisters who are well to do make it a matter of policy to establish their businesses in Igbo land. In that way, we will develop our homeland.”
