19th August, 2017
An author, Nnaemeka Okere has advised the Independent People of Biafra (IPOP) and other agitators to use dialogue and peaceful negotiation to realise their ambition as prescribed by his book “Blood at Noon’’.
Okere made the call on the sidelines of the launch of the book on Saturday in Abuja.
The Imo born writer said the book came out at the right time to set the record straight about the current agitations in parts of the country.
“ Currently, there are agitations here and there in the country. Some people are asking for separation, session, disunity and what have you.
“This book is a reminder of the carnages of the past; that is the civil war. It is a reminder, especially for those of us that were not born when the war was fought,
“This is also a reminder of the consequences of war. Nobody is ready to suffer that again, so by the time you read and evaluate the book, you will want to sheath your sword and embrace dialogue.
“After all, dialogue is the best answer to resolving conflicts; this is because even after the war, what will resolve the issues is dialogue, so why waste time calling or fighting war,” Okere asked.
Okere said his book, “Blood at Noon’’ was a call for dialogue and for the agitating minds to understand that “war is not the best form of relevance”.
The 54 pages book is a historical documentary about the civil war in 1967.
The book reviewer, Mr Namse Udosen, an education development expert said the book was arranged in six chapters.
He said it was all about the effect of the war on the people of Afor-Umuohiagu community in Imo.
He said the author tried to paint the pains experienced during the unfortunate civil war in the country, adding that the vulnerable groups were women and children.
“This book will inspire us to know that there are peaceful ways of resolving whatever form of conflict in the country and the world in general.” Udosen said.
The high points of the event were recitation of a poem titled: “The War and the Bridge’’ by renowned poet, Chike Chukwumereji and the unveiling of the book to the public.
Musical artiste, Usein Saguru also entertained the audience with musical performance titled: “We are the world’’