Emeka Ojukwu confirms Buhari and his late father agreed on the principle of one Nigeria

FORMER Biafran leader Odumegwu Ojukwu's son Emeka has confirmed that his father met with President Muhammadu Buhari in 2013 where the two of them agreed to keep Nigeria one indissoluble nation.

Over the last few days, the media has been awash with news about a meeting between the two leaders after President Buhari returned from a 105-day medical vacation and took a swipe at secessionists saying he and Ojukwu were in agreement about keeping Nigeria one. In a nationwide broadcast, President Buhari said that Ojukwu came to see him in Daura and they agreed on the sanctity of Nigeria.

Proponents of secession have, however, attacked President Buhari over the comment, asking for evidence that indeed the conversation took place.  Pro-Biafran groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob) and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (Massob) have also challenged the notion that Nigeria is non-negotiable.

Backing President Buhari's claims, however, Emeka Ojukwu, affirmed that his late father told the president that he was in favour of one Nigeria. He also denied claims by some pro-Biafran groups that he was in support of the agitation for Biafra.

Ojukwu Jnr said: “It has been brought to my attention that there is an article making the rounds on social media attributed to me refuting the remarks of Mr President concerning his relationship and discussion with my late father. Let me state the following categorically firstly, that I made no such comments to anybody, and secondly that I am aware that His Excellency’s comments were indeed factual.

“I have noticed a disturbing trend recently of fake news being attributed to me on social media. I don’t know who is behind it or what their motive might is but let me assure you that any time I feel the need to comment publicly on any matter, I will not do so via some anonymous email or anything of the like and be rest assured that there will be no ambiguity whatsoever as to whether the comments came from me.”

He urged the public to discountenance the stories in the social media or any media platform whatsoever credited to him that he accused President Buhari of telling lies, warning that such malicious and damaging publications would not be taken lightly should it be repeated. He counselled those overheating the polity to desist from such in the interest of the country.