Former House of Assembly candidate in Imo State, Hon. Ononiwu Moses, has raised concerns over recent comments by Primate Ayodele regarding the Igbo people.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Ononiwu said the remarks, which suggested that the Igbo were responsible for some of Nigeria’s challenges, had sparked controversy and renewed conversations about tribal divisions in the country.
He noted that tribalism remained a longstanding obstacle in Nigeria despite the nation’s rich cultural and ethnic diversity.
According to him, statements that generalize or single out any ethnic group deepen existing tensions and weaken relationships between communities across the country.
He stated that attributing national problems to the Igbo overlooked the complex historical, economic, and social issues driving the nation’s difficulties.
Hon. Ononiwu added that the call for Igbo members in the cleric’s congregation to review their association was an expected reaction to remarks he described as divisive.
He explained that faith-based institutions were expected to promote harmony, unity, and understanding among members of different ethnic backgrounds.
He emphasized that tribalism continued to hinder Nigeria’s progress and disrupt efforts to address major issues such as insecurity, corruption, and poverty.
He maintained that reducing tribal prejudices remained a crucial step toward creating a more united and forward-looking nation.
He emphasized that national unity and collective commitment were essential for overcoming current challenges and building a peaceful and inclusive Nigeria.