TheCable

Osita Chidoka, the United Progressive Party (UPP) governorship candidate in Anambra, says soothing words from the federal government will be “mollifying balm to the survivors” of the Asaba massacre.

The Asaba massacre, which took place during the Nigerian civil war, reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 700 people.

In a statement on Saturday, Viola Ifeyinwa Okolie, director media of the Chidoka campaign, said the Igbo are peaceful people who want a “fairer union”.

“The UPP candidate, a staunch advocate of justice, equity and fairness, notes that a soothing word from the federal government at occasions such as this will act as a mollifying balm to the survivors and relatives of the deceased,” the statement read.

“Chief Chidoka maintains that Ndi Igbo are a peaceful, accommodating and forgiving people whose only demand has been for a fairer union; a union founded on justice, equity and fairness, and where no man is oppressed or relegated. He believes a fairer union where all obstacles to equal opportunities are removed, will assuage frayed nerves and ease the pains of the past.”

Chidoka also asked the military to release the report on its investigation into the alleged abuse and violation of the rights of citizens by the army during Operation Python Dance II in the south-east.

“In the same vein, Chief Chidoka urges the military high command to release the report of its investigation on alleged abuses and violation of the rights of citizens by security officials involved in the widely criticised Operation Python Dance in the southeast.

“The UPP candidate recalls that the military had acknowledged that it was investigating reports of alleged rights violations including a video showing the dehumanisation of civilians by some soldiers along Port-Harcourt – Enugu Expressway.

“He therefore urges the military to accelerate its inquest, make its findings public and apply appropriate punishments on errant officers, while mechanisms are put in place to end such violations. UPP candidate commends well-meaning Nigerians from other parts of the country who identify with the anniversary including Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev. Father Matthew Hassan Kukah.

“He also urges the continued spirit of brotherliness among Nigerians while assuring of his commitment towards the pursuit of the interest of ndi-Igbo through institutionalised legal and legitimate means.”

On Wednesday, Cheta Nwanze, a social commentator, said he was sent off air by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for discussing the massacre.