Otti Urged Not to Evict Northerners from Cattle Market by Igbo Coalition

A group of Igbo unions in Nigeria, called the Coalition of Igbo Unions of Nigeria (CIUN), has advised the governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, not to evict northerners from the cattle market in the state.

The Igbo group said that such a move by Gov. Otti would have a negative impact on Igbo traders in the north and other parts of Nigeria.

The group issued a statement on Friday in Abuja, signed by some of its leaders, and asked Governor Otti to “retract his ethnic remarks and apologise to the northern traders.”

They said that the deadline given to the northern business owners has worsened the already tense situation in the country.

The statement, signed by the group’s chairman, Obinna John Okoroafor, the secretary, Udoka Onwuka, and the public relations officer, Maduabuchi Ibe Madu, also condemned “the random demolition of shops and homes and demanded that alternative arrangements be made for our northern brothers without delay.”

The statement read in part: “We are aware of the ongoing crisis at the Abia Cattle Market in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State.

“We recognise the importance of protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians living in every part of the country, but we strongly reject and disassociate ourselves from the ethnic discrimination that Mr. Alex Otti is carrying out against our brothers from northern Nigeria who do business at the Umunneochi Cattle Market.

“This is because the thoughtless action by Alex Otti to forcefully remove the northern businesses from the cattle market will have a negative effect on Igbo traders in the north and across Nigeria.

“We have noticed with great displeasure that Mr. Alex Otti is targeting northerners in the market instead of taking a comprehensive approach that addresses the criminality in the area.

“We have carefully observed that the ‘leave the cattle market’ deadline issued by Governor Alex Otti has increased the already tense socio-political atmosphere in the country.

“The situation of northern traders in the cattle market, if not handled properly, will set a dangerous precedent that will spark violence and clashes in various parts of Nigeria against Igbos.

“We, therefore, want to distance ourselves from the careless statements and thoughtless actions of Mr. Alex Otti, who we believe is trying to gain political popularity.”

While calling on the security agencies to increase their efforts in stopping the kidnapping and criminality in Umunneochi, Abia State, and Nigeria in general, the statement added: “We are Nigerians, and we are committed to achieving a peaceful and fair environment for all Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or tribe.