A coalition of Ndi’Igbo in Diaspora is billed to meet in Houston on the 29th – 30th of January 2016, to debate their fate in Nigeria.
In a statement on Thursday, the coalition said the move is necessitated by their past experiences and recent events in the country.
The statement reads, “Ndi Igbo have suffered genocide, pogrom, civil war and, continuous persecution in Nigeria. For decades we have also been exploited economically, dominated politically, segregated against, and humiliated spiritually. This gross injustice to humankind must not be accepted as the new normal and must not continue.
“A platform for a serious discussion has been established in Houston, Texas from January 29 through January 30, 2016 to debate whether Igbo should stay in Nigeria or opt out of it in light of these experiences. Speakers will boldly confront the following question.
“Does/Should Biafra represent the best aims and worthiest purpose of Ndi Igbo in view of our experiences since the end of the civil war?
“Participants who will speak to one or the other side of the debate must support their opinions with facts and reasons devoid of sentiments. At the end of the debate which will be broadcast live in the social media, an opportunity will be set up for videoconferencing and for people to call in and participate in the voting/referendum process through email, face book, twitter or any other compatible social medium.
“Stay tuned for more details while you make arrangements to travel to Houston on Friday January 29 thru Saturday 30, 2016 to be a part of this epoch and history making Debate about the Fate of Ndi Igbo in Nigeria.”
The statement was signed by Dr. Humphrey Ihejirikah, President, Igbo Peoples Congress, Houston (The Host Organization); Dr. J.O.S. Okeke, Igbo Council of Elders; Dr. Oguchi Nkwocha, Special Representative; and Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, World Igbo Congress, Igbo World Assembly.
