We should have the humility to admit that Igbo intelligentsia, despite the very many individual brilliance and personal accomplishments, collectively failed to provide responsive political leadership for the south-east.
In consequence, power devolved to disenchanted individuals who are now threatening to wreck the moral, intellectual and entrepreneurial foundations of the region.
Doing nothing about this and expecting the system to self-correct is a big gamble.
The south-east needs to urgently sit down and discuss its future. South-East Governors’ Forum and Ohaneze Ndigbo should consider convoking a regional conference that draws representations from all actors, including known and unknown gunmen, ESN, IPOB, traditional rulers, ASATU, academics, diaspora, youth and women bodies, artisans, traders, religious, business and political elite.
The mountain of disagreements is admittedly high. Yet, it can be leveled by the bulldozer of sincere deliberations. I wish us well.
Chima Christian
