CLO urges Obi, Soludo to end public feud
THE Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Anambra State Branch, has urged former Governor Peter Obi and the incumbent Gov. Charles Soludo to immediately end their public exchange over issues relating to the state’s finances.
The organisation described the ongoing war of words and counter-accusations between the two illustrious Anambra sons as unhealthy and capable of undermining the unity and interest of Anambra State.
This is contained in a statement issued in Awka on Friday and signed by Evangelist Vincent Ezekwueme, Chairman, and Comrade Chidi Mbah, Secretary, CLO, Anambra State Branch.
The statement was titled: “Let Us Love One Another: Appeal for Immediate and Urgent Reconciliation of Two Giant Political Leaders.”
The CLO said its attention had been drawn to recent exchanges between Obi and Soludo concerning allegations over inherited debts, unpaid gratuities and financial records of the state.
It acknowledged accountability as a cardinal principle of democracy but said such matters should not be addressed through public attacks and counter-accusations.
According to the organisation, the development does not serve the interest of Anambra State or the wider Igbo nation.
It appealed to Obi and Soludo to immediately cease further public accusations and counter-accusations in the interest of peace, decorum and the common good.
The CLO also urged both former governors to prevail on their supporters to stop public discussions and accusations concerning the matter.
“Both leaders have served and are still serving Anambra meritoriously and have made, and are still making, indelible contributions to the development of our state.
“History will judge them more kindly if they choose dialogue over discord,” it said.
The organisation further appealed to religious and traditional leaders as well as elder statesmen to intervene and facilitate reconciliation between the two former governors.
It specifically called on Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, and Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, Catholic Bishop of Awka, to use their moral authority to broker peace.
It also appealed to Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha; HRM Igwe Iweka, Chairman, Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers; Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth; and Chief Simeon Okeke, former Chairman of the Police Service Commission.
The CLO said the individuals had considerable respect across the South-East and Nigeria and could help restore peace, normalcy and reconciliation.
The organisation expressed concern that the disagreement was becoming a source of embarrassment to Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora.
It urged stakeholders to protect the unity of the Igbo people, saying that the region needed cohesion and a common front in addressing its challenges.
“Anambra is bigger than any individual. The Igbo project is bigger than any political ambition.
“Let reason prevail; let us forgive, reconcile and unite to make our good better and our better best,” the organisation said.
The CLO also quoted the late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe as saying: “We must make friends, not enemies, think best, not the worst of others.”
It urged all concerned to embrace dialogue and reconciliation in the interest of the state and the wider Igbo nation.
