The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-East has asked Igbos living in the North not to leave.

In a statement by the APC National Vice Chairman, South-East, Chief Emma Eneukwu, the party said asking Igbos to leave was a “joke taken too far”.

“The attention of the leadership of the All Progressives Congress in the South-East has been drawn to recent outbursts by some youths in Northern Nigeria, under the name ‘Coalition of Arewa Youths’, urging the Igbos to vacate their habitats in the North on or before 1st October 2017.

“In our opinion, this call is a joke taken too far.

“It is an ill wind that blows no good to anyone.

[Read Also: IGBOS ARE HAPPY WITH THE ULTIMATUM WE GAVE THEM – AREWA YOUTH]

“We urge all Igbo living in any part of Nigeria to go about their normal businesses without fear, but in loving disposition towards their neighbours and environment,” the statement said.

The statement added, “We hereby call on all well-meaning Nigerians to rise and condemn this and other outbursts by some people from other sections of this great country, Nigeria.

“It is high time we all stood in one accord to put a stop to the growing hate speeches and bickering going on now in our dear country from all quarters.

“Let us love all and hate none as love is the panacea to peaceful co-existence, economic and social growth.”

It added that the party was confident that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration will protect lives and property in all parts of the country.

[Read Also: IGBOS WILL NOT LEAVE THE NORTH – NDIGBO TRADITIONAL RULERS]

“We have faith in the ability of the APC-led Federal Government to safeguard lives and property of all Nigerians living in Nigeria,” the statement said.

The party went ahead to thank the governors of the Northern states for condemning the ‘quit ultimatum’ and ‘showing love to the Igbos’.

“We hereby thank the governors of the Northern states of Nigeria for their quick condemnation of this act by the Coalition of Arewa Youths.

“We particularly, thank the governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, for his love to the Igbos in this trying period,” the party said.