From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
Anambra State chapter of Biafran War Veterans has exonerated Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano of any complicity in the killing of members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) at Nkpor in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
The group also commended Obiano for being fearless and having demonstrated that he believed in the survival of Biafrans by according those who died during the Nigeria-Biafra civil war a befitting burial.
The war veterans said this when the Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters to Governor Obiano who also doubles as the governor’s Liaison Officer to the Biafran War Veterans, Arinzechukwu Awogu hosted them.
They commended the governor for appointing a liaison officer for them and for all his support and care over the years. The war veterans, speaking through their Anambra State chapter President, Major Emmanuel Udemezue, lamented that combatants on the side of Biafra were not rehabilitated as their counterparts on the Nigerian side. He called on Igbo to continue to remember the sacrifices of those who died, that they might live, adding that it was not a crime to say no to the senseless killings of Igbo in1966/67. The war veterans advised that those still holding such erroneous views should jettison it as the governor is innocent.
Responding, Awogu appreciated the war veterans for the sacrifices they made in the defense of Ndigbo and reminded them that they were not the aggressors in the conflict; that they were in their homes and war was brought to them and that they committed no crime by defending themselves and Ndigbo.
The aide to the governor said: “For the fact that you are still together after 50 years of being in the trenches shows that a regiment of old is still intact and potent.” He assured them of Governor Obiano’s continuous care and implored them to continue to support the governor.