Emmanuel Thomas, Lagos
July 1, 2015 – The Igbo Conscience (TIC) an Igbo socio-political group has disclosed plans to build a common platform of understanding that will unite all Nigerians as one and not fan divisive embers among Yorubas and Ndigbo in Lagos.
Protem- Chairman of the group, Barrister Monday Ubani made the revalation today at a media briefing in Ikeja, Lagos.
Ubani stressed that the group, which is made up of professional Igbo indigenes, seeks to work for the interest of Ndigbo and other Nigerians towards forging a common bond of national unity.
He explained that the group is a child of necessity birthed out of the increasing intolerance that had marked the relationship between the various ethnic nationalities that make up Nigeria.
Ubani noted that Ndigbo, particularly, have been objects of scurrilous attacks for reasons that are located in the dangerous politics leading to the last general elections.
“The failure of many groups and organisations that purport to speak and represent Ndigbo at a time like this is very instructive. The inability to proffer workable solutions to the problems besetting Ndigbo especially those arsing from the last political choices exposes Ndigbo to dangers, we will not sit idly and allow it to degenerate further.
“With the fear of xenophobia threatening to catch up with Nigeria, TIC feels it has gotten to a time that Nigerians must come together and build a country where no one is oppressed. We feel Ndigbo must bond with other Nigerians for them to excel in whatever they do. We must work fully on building a common platform of understanding and unity that will unite all Nigerians as one and not fan divisive embers that diminish us individually and collectively.
“To these lofty ends therefore, TIC will identify with progressive and informed Igbo professionals who will work as a Think Tank that will work for the interest of Ndigbo while not undermining the interest and well being of others.
“TIC will work to develop a broad based approach to smoothen relationship between Ndigbo and other Nigerians. We shall work to assist our people to live with others in the multi-ethnic Nigerian polity without endangering others or have themselves endangered by others.
“At the same time, TIC will identify and work with groups that have similar worldview from other ethnic groups in Nigeria. As it stands today, our main focus is to work to strengthen and build on the frayed relationship between Ndigbo and Yoruba in Lagos and elsewhere.”
