APC: Igbos please do not leave

The All Progressives Congress in the South- East has told Igbo living in the North to remain where they are.

In a statement made available to journalists in Enugu by the APC National Vice Chairman, South- East, Chief Emma Eneukwu, the party described the quit ultimatum issued to Igbo in the North as a 'joke taken too far '.

"The attention of the leadership of the All Progressives Congress in the South- East has been drawn to recent outbursts by some youths in Northern Nigeria , under the name 'Coalition of Arewa Youths' , urging the Igbos to vacate their habitats in the North on or before 1 st October 2017.

"In our opinion , this call is a joke taken too far .
"It is an ill wind that blows no good to anyone .
"We urge all Igbo living in any part of Nigeria to go about their normal businesses without fear , but in loving disposition towards their neighbours and environment ," the statement said.

The party expressed concerns over 'hate speeches ' emanating from various sections of the country and urged Nigerians to love one another .

The statement added, "We hereby call on all well- meaning Nigerians to rise and condemn this and other outbursts by some people from other sections of this great country, Nigeria .
"It is high time we all stood in one accord to put a stop to the growing hate speeches and bickering going on now in our dear country from all quarters .
"Let us love all and hate none as love is the panacea to peaceful co -existence, economic and social growth . "

Eneukwu said the South - East chapter of the APC has faith in the President Muhammadu Buhari - led Federal Government 's ability to protect lives and property in all parts of the country.

"We have faith in the ability of the APC- led Federal Government to safeguard lives and property of all Nigerians living in Nigeria ," the statement said.
The party went ahead to thank the governors of the Northern states for condemning the ' quit ultimatum ' and 'showing love to the Igbos '.

"We hereby thank the governors of the Northern states of Nigeria for their quick condemnation of this act by the Coalition of Arewa Youths.

"We particularly, thank the governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal , for his love to the Igbos in this trying period, " the party said.