Dr.vAlex Otti, the Abia State governor, has said a group of northerners under the aegis of the Northern Consensus Movement, NCM, has withdrawn a quit notice ultimatum it issued to the Igbo, living in the North.
The NCM handed down the quit threat following the state government’s new arrangements at the Umuchieze Cattle Market in Umunneochi Local Government Area, which had provided cover for criminal elements, especially kidnappers.
However, the governor in a statement via his X (Twitter) handle disclosed that the issue had been resolved in a meeting with the leadership of the NCM.
“Today, I had a fruitful meeting with the leadership of the Northern Consensus Movement (NCM), an amalgamation of community-based socio-cultural and economically inclined northern organisations,” the governor said.
“The group had earlier issued a quit notice to Igbo residents in the North in reaction to the Umuchieze Cattle Market issue at Lokpanta, Umunneochi L.G.A.”
“I am happy to announce that the NCM has withdrawn the ultimatum and expressed their understanding and support for the Abia State government’s decision to make the cattle market a daily and non-residential one.
“This decision is in the best interest of the security and welfare of the traders and residents of the market, as well as the entire state. The President of the group, Comrade Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, noted that the government’s decision was initially misconstrued, only to find out later that it was in the overall interest and security of all the stakeholders involved.
“I want to assure all northerners and other Nigerians of different ethnic groups living in Abia State that they are welcome and safe here. We are one and we will continue to live in peace and harmony with one another.
“I also want to thank the NCM for their maturity and patriotism in resolving this matter amicably. I appreciate their gesture of goodwill and cooperation.”
