By Steve Uzoechi
The recent demise of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has once again cast a dark shadow over the Igbo leadership.
His passing, marked by a period of intense harassment, intimidation, and threats he endured, echoes a disturbing pattern that has claimed the lives of his predecessors.
Over the past half-decade, the role of Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General has become a perilous one. A position once held in reverence has transformed into a target for unknown assailants, who, with chilling consistency, have sought to silence the voices of Igbo leadership.
The attacks on these revered figures are not isolated incidents but part of a calculated campaign of terror.
From the bombing of Chief John Nnia Nwodo’s home to the fatal fire at Professor George Obiozor’s residence, the modus operandi is eerily similar.
The perpetrators, shrouded in anonymity, have operated with impunity, leaving a trail of fear and destruction in their wake.
The reasons behind this orchestrated assault on Igbo leadership are complex and multifaceted.
Tensions between Ohanaeze Ndigbo and groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have provided a fertile ground for discord.
Moreover, the involvement of shadowy figures within the political class has further complicated the issue, making it difficult to pinpoint the true architects of this sinister plot.
The deaths of these leaders are not merely tragic losses but a direct attack on the Igbo people. Their voices, their wisdom, and their experience are invaluable assets to the community. By silencing them, the perpetrators aim to destabilize the Igbo nation and undermine its collective aspirations.
It is imperative that the authorities investigate these incidents with the utmost seriousness. The people of Igbo land deserve answers.
Those responsible for these heinous crimes must be brought to justice. Until then, the specter of fear will continue to cast a long shadow over Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Igbo people as a whole.
The question that lingers is: who benefits from the intimidation, harassment and eventual demise of Igbo leadership?
And what lengths will they go to ensure that the silence continues?
