A socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths, has warned the 19 northern governors to ensure that they provide security for the lives and property of Igbo indigenes resident in their states during the March 28 presidential election.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said that the group has asked Igbos in the North to remain calm, warning that any attack on them would be met with a massive reprisal attacks on northern indigenes resident in eastern and South-South states.

Isiguzoro said the call for adequate security for Igbo indigenes became necessary due to a security report on a plot by some northern elements to instigate violence against Igbos in the region to cripple their businesses and take over their homes for supporting President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election.

Isiguzoro was speaking in Yenagoa during a solidarity visit to the President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and the inauguration of the Bayelsa State Chapter of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths led by Chief Chinedu Aturuchukwu. He said Igbos are warning the Governor Babangida Aliyu-led Northern Governors Forum (NGF) to assure that indigenes of the eastern states of their safety.

His words: “We have asked the Igbo indigenes in the northern states to remain calm and stay focused on voting for President Goodluck Jonathan during the presidential poll.

“We have uncovered plots by some elements in the North to promote tension and cripple the billions of naira worth of businesses owned by Igbo indigenes. They planned to take over their businesses, too.

“We are asking the Niger State Governor, Servant Leader, Babangida Aliyu, to assure the Igbo indigenes of their safety because if there is any attack against the Igbos, we will retaliate.”

On the postponement of the presidential election originally scheduled for February 14, the Isiguzoro justified the action, saying that it was necessary as millions of easterners are being deliberately disenfranchised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“We support the extension of the election. Security report available to us showed that the Chairman of the INEC, Attahiru Jega, has colluded with some persons to disenfranchise the Igbo people. We accepted the postponement of the poll,” he stated.

•Photo shows NGF Chairman, Gov. Babangida Aliu.

Update news