The Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has called on Igbo leaders
to champion the course that will restore the relevance of ndigbo in the
politics of the nation.
Governor Okorocha made the call when he paid a courtesy visit to the
Chairman, Reparation Committee of the Ohaneze Ndigbo and an elder
statesman of the apex Igbo social cultural organization, Chief Amaechi
Mbazulike at his country home in Ukpor, Anambra State.
Owelle Okorocha who expressed concern over the fact that ndigbo have
gradually been edged out from the political dispensation of Nigeria,
especially within the 12 years of PDP leadership, said it was time for the
Igbos to massively support the All Progressives Congress (APC) as “a
credible alternative party that will represent the interest of ndigbo”.
In his words, “I think the Igbos need to make a rethink. Because the way
it is now, it is obvious that PDP has failed ndigbo completely; and they
have taken our children, one by one, compensating them with contracts
against the general wellbeing of ndigbo”.
The Chairman of APC governors’ forum explained that he moved to APC with
few Igbo leaders to seek a new direction where ndigbo can be made major
stakeholders and be remembered in the distribution of political positions
and infrastructure in Nigeria.
He therefore appealed to Ohaneze Ndigbo to endorse and support Gen.
Muhammadu Buhari as the only Presidential candidate that has the capacity
and will end BOKO HARAM and corruption in Nigeria.
Responding, the Chairman, Reparation Committee of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief
Amaechi Mbazulike congratulated governor Okorocha for his courage in
contesting the Presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress,
describing it as a foundation laid for Ndigbo in the party.
Chief Mbazulike however stated that Ohaneze as a pan-Igbo organization has
not committed itself to any particular candidate nor party, stressing that
the greatest concern of Ohaneze is in the security of lives and property
of Ndigbo especially those residing in the Northern parts of the country.
He appealed to all Nigerians to eschew acts that could truncate the
existing peace and unity of the nation during and after the elections.
The elder statesman further advised Igbo leaders to always seek the
general interest of Ndigbo in their quest for political positions and
pledged to work towards repositioning Ohaneze Ndigbo to represent the true
Igbo principles.
At the meeting were some leaders of Ohaneze – Barr. Elechi Onyia (SAN),
Sen. Ofia Nwani,i, Chief Jackson Obenazu, Barr. Kate Onweni and Sir DSN
Inyama, the President of Igbos in the 19 Northern states. While in
company of governor Okorocha were; members of the Imo State Council of
Elders and some members of the South East Buhari Campaign Organization.