Politics
THE Umuoji Improvement Union of Nigeria, UIUN, and the Igwe in Council of the community, CIC, have condemned the gruesome murder of Silas Onyima, its president general on February 25.
The condemnation was contained in a joint statement issued by UIU and CIC after their joint meeting on Monday, February 26, in Umuoji and signed by Ifeanyi Muoemenam, first vice president, UIUN, and Emeka Egbueh, secretary-general,
The full statement reads:
Following the most cruel murder of Silas Onyima, the president-general of Umuoji Improvement Union of Nigeria (UIUN) on Friday, February 23, 2024, the Executive Committee of UIUN and members of the Igwe-in-Council (IIC) held a joint emergency meeting on Sunday, February 25, to review the current development in the community. The joint meeting resolved as follows:
“The UIUN/IIC is saddened by the most cruel, callous, traumatic, brutal, heinous, calculated and heart-wrenching murder of Chief Silas Onyima, Ichie Ogidi, the President-General;
“We condemned in strongest terms this barbaric act which is not in sync with the character and spirit of Ndi Umuoji.
“We also condemned the hasty, degrading and inhuman publication of the body of the late PG on social media by many uninformed individuals. We considered it insensitive and humiliating.
“We note and hope that the little breakthrough in the initial investigations will unravel the full extent of this dastardly act. We urge the security authorities to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice for the revered community leader.
“We are encouraged by the strong statement of assurance and solidarity by Mr. Governor, Professor Charles Soludo.
“The UIUN/IIC noted and praised Chief Sly Onyima’s unwavering commitment and selfless dedication to the welfare of Ndi Umuoji.
“At this time of mourning and uncertainty, we urge Ndi Umuoji to come together as a community to support one another and honor Chief Onyima’s legacy by upholding the values of peace, unity, and justice that he so passionately stood for.
“Consequently, UIUN/IIC declared a two-month period of mourning for the community.
“UIUN/IIC agreed to cancel the 2024 Uzoiyi Festival slated for March 17, 2024 in honor of the fallen PG. We reasoned that the community cannot be mourning and celebrating at the same time.
“The 2024 Uzoiyi Special Assembly scheduled for March 16, 2024 has also been cancelled till further notice. A new date will be communicated to all concerned.
“UIUN/IIC appreciate the outrage and anger expressed by Ndi Umuoji and other well-meaning Nigerians over the ugly incident and call for calm as the security authorities have promised a thorough investigation.
“We enjoin Ndi Umuoji to pray for the repose of Chief Sly Onyima’s soul. We should remember his wife and four children in your prayers.
“May his memory continue to inspire us to strive for a better, safer, and more just community for all.”
27th February, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: CIC Igwe in Council of the community Silas Onyima UIUN Umuoji Umuoji Improvement Union of Nigeria
