APC chieftain urges Igbo to deepen political participation nationwide

By Emma Njoku

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Chief Linus Okwara, has urged the Igbo to actively participate in politics and governance across the country, to avoid political marginalisation.

Okwara, who is the Nna Ndigbo in Diaspora and an entrepreneur, made the call in Lagos. He noted that the Igbo have remained distant from the centre of power, having not produced Nigeria’s leader since the end of the civil war.

He said it is necessary for the Igbo to take their rightful place in national leadership, stressing that they should be fully involved in politics and governance in any state where they reside.

He pledged to continue serving as the voice of the Igbo in Lagos, assuring that he will always convey their concerns to President Bola Tinubu for prompt attention. He said every ethnic group, regardless of political affiliation, deserves inclusion in governance, adding that no tribe should be neglected.

Okwara cited gully erosion in the South East as one of the pressing issues that require federal intervention and urged the President to take decisive action.

In the forthcoming Ohanaeze election, he encouraged the Igbo in Lagos to participate actively, describing Ohanaeze as a cultural platform established to unite the Igbo race. He, however, lamented that selfish interests by a few individuals had undermined the group’s objectives.

He called for unity, peace, and selflessness among the Igbo, urging them to support the Lagos State Government by investing in property and contributing positively to governance.

Okwara emphasised that politics should unite rather than divide, urging all parties to embrace peace, allow the best candidates to emerge as leaders, and keep cultural leadership structures apolitical.

“It has become necessary that the Igbo man comes to the centre stage of power. Igbo should fully participate in politics and governance in any state they find themselves in.

“Igbo should be involved in the governance of the state, own property, and support the government. There should be no quarrel. Let the best person be the leader.

They should be united, sheath their swords, and embrace peace.

“Ohanaeze is a cultural group and Nnandigbo is the father, to see to the affairs of the Igbo in the land. Unity and peace; that is the spirit we want to adopt in Lagos.

The head should be apolitical on issues”, he said.