s the election of a new President for Ohanaeze Ndigbo inches closer, the Coalition of Imo Groups and Stakeholders has thrown its weight behind Prof. Chidi Osuagwu.
The coalition which is made up of representatives of all the socio
cultural organizations, interest groups, professional associations and
youth movements gave its endorsement on Saturday after a meeting in
Owerri.
Recall that the election of new officers to administer the affairs of
Ohanaeze is billed for early January, and the position of
President-General has been zoned to Imo State in accordance with the
laws of the apex Igbo group.
In a communique issued on Saturday which was signed by the leaders of
seven various Imo groups and read by the convener, Dr. Nnachi Ikeogu,
the Imo stakeholders disclosed that in the last three months, they have
closely followed the unfolding developments concerning the Ohanaeze
Ndigbo election.
His words: “Being aware that the position of President-General of
Ohanaeze has been officially pronounced Imo’s turn in line with the
Constitution of Ohanaeze, we have ever since been studying the various
individuals from our State who have shown interest in the coveted seat.
And as the coalition of all the socio cultural organizations, interest
groups, youth movements and professional associations in Imo State, the
pronouncement we are making today reflects the popular views of Imo
people.
“Also, we have thoroughly studied the manifestos of all the aspirants
for the office of President-General of Ohanaeze. Further, we have
observed the trajectories they are charting for the Igbo Nation, and we
are deeply elated about that. Second, we also watched the virtual debate
organized for the purpose of this election by Njenje Media
Organization, and we participated in the followup discussions with the
aspirants the which the selfsame media organization also enabled.
Essentially, we have painstakingly done a deep, spirited and
dispassionate appraisal of the leadership history, pedigree, integrity
quotient, intellectual prowess and Igbo patriotism and commitment of
each of the aspirants.
“Given that this time is very critical to the survival of Ndigbo, and
this election holds enormous promises for our people everywhere in the
world, we hereby resolve as follows:
“That Prof. Chidi Osuagwu is the candidate preferred for the office
of President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo by the majority of Imo people
given his track record of integrity, visionary leadership, commitment to
the Igbo cause and sound intellect. The debate and presentation of
manifestos by aspirants further unveiled Prof. Osuagwu as the most
prepared candidate to deliver on the overriding expectations of Ndigbo
at the crucial moment in our history. We therefore give him our
unalloyed endorsement pledge the fold up our sleeves and move all out to
work and ensure that he wins, so that the soul of Ndigbo, which is
Ohanaeze, is never allowed to see corruption.
“We call for a free, fair and credible election in Ohanaeze Ndigbo
which must be devoid of partisan compromises. The attempt by few
individuals to stampede the electoral process and foist an unpopular
candidate on Ndigbo is a taboo, an aberration of indescribable
proportion given the democratic and republican credentials of the Igbo
Nation, and such attempts will be vehemently resisted. We therefore
sternly warn those hatching such anti-Igbo schemes to immediately back
down.
“We enjoin all Igbo patriots, stakeholders and groups both in Nigeria
and the Diaspora to kindly lend their support to the candidacy of Prof.
Chidi Osuagwu who reflects the collective decision of Imo people and
the beacon of hope for a greater Igbo Nation.
“Finally, we urge Ndigbo to keep faith with Ohanaeze, for with Prof. Osuagwu in the administrative cockpit of the apex Igbo body, our people everywhere in Nigeria will regain their pride of place, even as the greatness of Ndigbo will resonate again,” the communiqué assured.
