Kano state chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has declared its backing and support to the newly elected leadership of the Igbo socio-cultural organization led by Chief Garry Nnachi Enwo, while charging it to rally round Ndigbo so as ensure the 2015 Igbo presidency project.
The Kano Ohanaeze chapter, in a statement signed by its President, Chief Tobias Michael Idika, also berated the Governor of Ebonyi state, Elder Martins Elechi for meddling into Ohanaeze affairs, pointing out that Ohanaeze is not a political party and should not be used by politicians to score cheap publicity.
According to the statement, “having fully participated and witnessed the national election of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, world-wide, held at the National Secretariat, No. 7 park Avenue, GRA, Enugu, on 12 January, 2013, the Kano chapter, wholeheartedly endorse and congratulate the Chief Garry Nnachi Igariwey led Ohanaeze leadership.
To us in Kano chapter, we believe that the emergence of the Garry-led Ohanaeze pronounces and, in fact, reiterated the coveted peace, unity, and stability in the Igbo race. We are not, however, unconscious of the activities of some disgruntled elements whose ambition is to put the Igbo race to shame and in disarray.
For the fact that all the cream de la cream of Ndigbo, at home and in Diaspora attended the election, which was not only peaceful, but free and fair, indicates that every discernable Igbo son, both at home and the Diaspora showed support for the new Ohanaeze leadership.
At the present of the leaders of thought of Ndigbo, the former President, Chief Ralph Uwechue, following the Constitution, conventions and all led-down rules of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, legally moved a motion for the dissolution of the former leadership, and gave way for the new leadership to take over the stage ”to continue to build on the bricks of unity already gathering momentum in the Igbo race.
In lieu of this, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Kano chapter, as a responsive and responsible body was not only surprise, but saddened that an elder statesman and leader, Elder Martin Elechi, Governor of Ebonyi state, could allow himself to be used by the fifth columnists to destabilize the Igbo race.
We, however, wish to use this opportunity to remind Governor Elechi and his cohorts that Ohanaeze Ndigbo is not a political party and will never be a toy used by politicians to attract cheap publicity. In the best interest of Governor Elechi, and his lieutenants and foot soldiers ”they should desist from playing politic s with the Igbo apex socio-cultural group.
As an organized body, Ohanaeze is for all Igbo sons and daughters. And the organs, leadership and system should be as such, and its name should not be dragged to the mud; not at this time when leaders and elders from our sister regions are working so hard to put heads together for the betterment of their people.
In view of this, Onanaeze Ndigbo, Kano state chapter charges the new national leadership to remain focused and disregard distractions in any form, such as the trouble being fomented by Governor Elechi and his cohorts.
Indeed, these are critical times for the political future of Ndigbo, and the Ohanaeze leadership should among other things be bothered on how to rally round Ndigbo for the actualization of the 2015 Igbo presidency, as well as economic cum political emancipation of our people. As we all know, Ndigbo for over 48 years, have been glaringly marginalized in terms politics and the economy in this country. This is the time to rescue our people from political bondage. We are tired of playing the second-class citizen and we do submit that the Chief Garry-led executives take the business of political and economic liberation of Ndigbo very seriously.
Once again, we congratulate Chief Garry Igariwey and members of his executive; and advice them to commence reconciliation process that will bring all the Igbos together to enable us to forge ahead for the good of all.