By UZOMA AHAMEFULE

A group of professionals under the auspices of ?Peace Advocates and Practitioners Organisation Nigeria European Headquarters Austria (PAPONEHA)? Austria chapter has waded into the issue of threat to poison Igbos in Austria.

Reacting to the communiqu? of the Edo Community Vienna, the group praised the Association for its timely and sharp rebuke of Mr Kingsley Ugaigbe?s utterances and said, ?Edo people are peace loving and have been in good relationship with other Nigerian Communities till date. And Igbo people do not have any problem with them vis-?-vis.? However, it added that the part as contained in the communiqu? that the effect of Mr Ugaigbe?s action has brought ?a running battle between Edo Community and the Igbo Community? should not arise. The group argued that the actions of Mr Ugaigbe is an individual thing that should be treated as such, and that his minds alike cannot soil the good relationship Edo people have built over the years with other Nigerian ethnic groups in Austria including the Igbos. This message was partly contained in a communiqu? issued by the group after its emergency meeting held on 15/09/2024 under their newly elected president Mag. Dr Samuel Ogbonna.

PAPONEHA is a recently registered Association in Austria with its headquarters in Nigeria. The name of the Organisation as ?Peace Advocates? represents its fundamental objective. Professor Paul J. U. Mbakwe who is the founder of the group is a lecturer at the Abia State University Uturu and will be coming to Vienna for the inauguration of the group scheduled to be held on 19/10/2024 at the Afro Asia Institute in Vienna, Austria.

In retrospect, Mr Kingsley Ugiagbe had threatened that he would poison Igbos in Austria, and since he made that statement life has not been the same within the Nigerian community as many people are cautious of where they eat and drink, and have restricted their movements in attending inter-Nigeria-Community-Events. The fear of being poisoned and death are some of the effects from the threat members of the Association have promised to strive very hard to reverse through dialogue and professional approaches.

The group while calling on all to support PAPONEHA in achieving a united and peaceful Nigerian Community in Austria also advised all to disregard Mr Kingsley?s threat, and avoid any comment that could cause more tension and panic and embrace peace.

In their communiqu? signed by Engr. John Okeke the group plans to get in contact with the leadership of the Edo Community in Vienna, Igbo Community, Mr Kingsley Ugaigbe and also defuse tension and restore harmony and cooperation.

?We appeal to all Nigerians, especially those residing in Austria, to uphold the bonds of friendship that existed before this incident. Please disregard any hate speech and the individuals who propagate such negativity.

?PAPONEHA is committed to working towards the de-escalation of tensions arising from this incident. We will facilitate a peace dialogue among the parties involved, focusing on reconciliation between the two ethnic groups?, the group stated in its communiqu?.

?Uzoma Ahamefule, a concerned patriotic citizen and a refined African traditionalist, writes from Vienna, Austria. uzomaah@yahoo.com +436607369050 (Please WhatsApp messages only)

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