UNIEC COMMENDS NWANZE: EKUMEKU LEGACY SHOULD UNITE ANIOMA AND NDIGBO — NOT DIVIDE THEM. One People. One Heritage. Many Communities. One Collective Destiny. UNITED IGBO ELDERS COUNCIL (UNIEC) WORLDWIDE

OFFICIAL NEWS COMMENTARY

UNIEC COMMENDS NWANZE: EKUMEKU LEGACY SHOULD STRENGTHEN ANIOMA–NDIGBO UNITY

The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide has taken note of the recent article published by The Pointer titled “Ekumeku War Should Unite Anioma And Ndigbo – Nwanze,” and commends the position expressed by Apostle Patrick A. Nwanze, JP, President-General of the Apex Association of Anioma Indigenes Inc. (AAAI).

UNIEC particularly welcomes the call for the history of the Ekumeku resistance to be preserved and used as an instrument of unity rather than division.

The courage, sacrifice and determination demonstrated by the ancestors of Anioma during the Ekumeku resistance constitute an important part of the historical heritage of the Igbo people and should be studied objectively, preserved responsibly and transmitted to younger generations.

As elders, we believe that history should be a bridge, not a battlefield; memory should promote wisdom, not bitterness; and identity should inspire responsibility, not hostility.

ANIOMA AND NDIGBO: UNITY WITH DIGNITY

UNIEC welcomes the article's emphasis that the Ekumeku legacy should bring Ndi Anioma and Ndigbo closer together, while simultaneously recognising Anioma's right to preserve its distinct local institutions, aspirations and political interests.

Unity does not require uniformity.

Cultural brotherhood does not require the suppression of local identity.

Partnership does not mean subordination.

As the elders would say:

“A tree may have many branches, but its branches do not cease to belong to the same tree.”

UNIEC therefore supports constructive engagement between Anioma communities and the wider Igbo family based on mutual respect, equity, inclusion, consultation and shared development.

THE FUTURE MUST BE DETERMINED PEACEFULLY

UNIEC also agrees with the principle that major political decisions affecting Anioma should involve broad and transparent consultation with traditional rulers, community leaders, women, youths, professionals, academics and other legitimate stakeholders.

The future of any community should not be determined through political assumptions, imposed arrangements or decisions taken without meaningful participation by the people concerned.

The Council further recognises the importance of responsible leadership and accountability. Political and traditional leadership should be exercised as a sacred trust, with the interests of present and future generations placed above personal ambition.

AGAINST DIVISION, FOR RESPONSIBLE UNITY

UNIEC Worldwide does not consider the historical relationship between Anioma and Ndigbo to be a matter that should become a source of unnecessary antagonism.

The Igbo family has always contained diverse communities, dialects, traditions, kingdoms and local identities. Such diversity should be regarded as a source of strength.

Our elderly counsel is simple:

Let Anioma retain its dignity. Let Ndigbo respect Anioma. Let history be studied honestly. Let legitimate differences be discussed peacefully. Let unity be built through consent, justice and mutual respect.

UNIEC therefore commends and endorses the constructive thrust of Apostle Nwanze's call for the Ekumeku legacy to become a unifying heritage for Anioma and Ndigbo.

The Council believes that the proper response to historical challenges is not renewed division, but truth, reconciliation, cultural preservation, responsible leadership and collective development.

“When elders preserve the truth of yesterday, they give the children wisdom for tomorrow.”

UNIEC Worldwide encourages all Anioma and Igbo stakeholders to continue this conversation with maturity, restraint and statesmanship.

ONE PEOPLE. ONE HERITAGE. MANY COMMUNITIES. ONE COLLECTIVE DESTINY.

UNITED IGBO ELDERS COUNCIL (UNIEC) WORLDWIDE

Custodians of Heritage • Voices of Conscience • Advocates of Justice and Unity Advancing Humanity • Empowering Generations • Building a Greater Igbo Society

Issued under the Authority of the Supreme Elderly Council Director-General (D-G) United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide