CHUKA UBAH
Ndigbo Media Forum (NMF) has faulted the call by the Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers for the scraping of the position or change in nomenclature of Eze Ndigbo in diaspora from Ndieze to Ndi ndu and stated that Ndieze in diaspora deserves commendation and not bullying.
P.M.EXPRESS reports as was stated by the National Coordinator of Ndigbo Media Forum, Rev. Paul Eze, in Lagos State.
Rev Eze condemned the statement credited to the traditional rulers recently on the social media calling for change of nomenclature and possibly the scrapping of the highly recognized institution of the Ezendigbo in diaspora.
He stated that the traditional rulers of the Southeast should focus their attention on the development of the Southeast than focusing on the name that has very little significance for the course of Ndigbo in general.
Ndigbo Media Forum also advised the traditional rulers not to instigate any controversy capable of bringing disaffection among Ndigbo and their host communities.
“Your offices, as traditional rulers, are sacred hence you should seek development and safety of Ndigbo. The interest of Igbo should superceded all other interests” the NMF said.
According to NMF, the proposed termination of Eze Ndigbo in diaspora simply means that “our people would now be like a sheep without a shepherd”, which he said could be very dangerous
while the change from Eze to Ndi Ndu simply means turning our culture upside down, a mockery of what we stand for as a people”.
Rev. Eze added that the traditional institution should be used to tackle challenges in the Southeast and not to give a bad impression about Igbo culture and tradition in diaspora.
The group however, appealed to Ndieze Alaigbo to let the Eze Ndigbo in diaspora be, considering their role in fostering unity for the Igbo people resident in various parts of the country and abroad.
They stated that considering the humongous benefits or impacts of Ndieze diaspora, they deserve awards of honour from South East Council of traditional rulers not bullying.
NMF also frowned at the Southeast traditional rulers failure to comment or intervene in the humiliation meted on the Igbos living in diaspora during the last elections and when many had their properties demolished in recent times.