Ozekhome, Ejiofor to FG: Create agency, separate budget for IDPs

A call has gone to the Federal Government of Nigeria to create an agency and special budgetary allocation for Internally Dipslaced Persons (IDPs) in the country.

The move, if implemented, according to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Mike Ozekhome, would ease their burdens and help curb the challenges posed by IDPs across the country.

Ozekhome stated this over the weekend in Abuja at a ceremony in honour of Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, who clocked 50 years recently.

The duo it would be recalled were counsels to the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, during his treasonable charges trial that went as far as the Supreme Court.

The constitutional and human rights lawyer further advocated that government should declare a state of emergency on the issue of IDPs, stating: “Apart from asking the government to declare a state of emergency on the IDPs, before now, i have also called on the FG on the need to create an agency with special budgetary allocation for the displaced people.

“They can not be catered for through other ministry as far as I am concerned. There should be an agency and budget specially dedicated to their plights.”

While eulogising Ejiofor, he described the celebrant as a dedicated, reliable, and brilliant lawyer who worked tirelessly to ensure victory for Kanu.

“You have packed 50 years so full of achievements,” he said.

On why he was marking the day differently, the legal practitioner said he decided to mark his birthday at the IDPs camp as a way of identifying with them, saying he and family were once homeless too.

“Sometimes ago, I and my family found ourselves in this situation and became homeless for almost a year.

“And I felt the most important thing to do at a time like this is to share with the poor who can not fend for themselves. So, it is my own way of giving back to society,” he said.

On how to rid the country of IDPs camp, he said: “Well- meaning Nigerians and non-governmental organisations should complement what the government is doing in order to eliminate all these vices once and for all.

“I also urge the government to secure the nation by providing adequate security so that these people can go back to their ancestral home.”

In a short speech, the celebrant’s wife, Lady Chidebere Ejiofor, who, alongside the husband, gifted the IDPs food items like rice, indomie, salt, breads, and other items charged other Nigerians to come in for the IDPs by sharing with them.