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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
In a significant move to foster unity and cooperation, the Cross River State government and its people have deepened its relationship with Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo community in the state.
This development is set to unlock opportunities for growth, development and peaceful coexistence among the state’s diverse populations.
This was disclosed during the thanksgiving mass/inauguration of a new executive of the organization lead by a Calabar-based entrepreneur, Chief Emeka Egwuonwu. The inauguration completed an election earlier 10-member executive, headed by Egwuonwu.
A large number of Igbo people within and outside the state graced the colourful ceremony alongside the Cross River State governor, Bassey Otu, and the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V. The governor, who graced the occasion alongside his wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, was honoured as the Worldwide Grand Patron of the organization.
Speaking during the reception, the governor acknowledged the unity exhibited by the Igbo and charged the new executive that to whom much is given, much is expected.
“The Igbos will go bigger now that the are united in one voice”, the governor said. “To whom much is given, much is expected. Have an open mind and be ready to serve your people.”
The governor also emphasized that his administration has grown beyond discrimination and strives to ensure inclusivity in all its policies.
“We don’t care where you come from in Cross River. We are all God’s creation and its best to live as a people and further the progress of the society.
“We strive to ensure inclusivity and don’t leave anyone behind. We welcome more Igbo to invest in the state,” the governor said.
He added that, as a grand patron, he should not only be seen as a governor but as a son of ndi Igbo.
Also speaking, the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, said the Igbo were also his children. Emphasizing the need to discard tribal sentiments, the Obong said he personally attended the event to project unity and prayed other states and tribes emulate it.
Obong said: “I’m here because these are all my children, whether we like it or not. I’m here to project unity because we have to get together, irrespective of tribes, discard tribal sentiments and embrace ourselves as brothers and sisters.
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“Our quest for unity at both the state and national level has to start somewhere and, like you know, things usually start here in Calabar and spread to other states.
“That’s why I am showing this example so others in their states can also stand up, embrace other tribes and create that unity among the people.”
Egwuonwu, on his part, said he felt very good about his inauguration and sought the prayers of all to succeed. He said the present administration in the state has kept its promises and there is no need to change a winning team.
He added that, by appointing one of them as Special Adviser on Non-indigene Affairs, it showed the value placed on them by the governor.
“The person we have as governor has kept his promises and there is no need to change a winning team. Appointing one of us as Special Adviser on Non-indigene Affairs shows the value the governor places on us,” he said.
He also promised to build on the unity, adding that he would bring a lot of innovations into his new role.
Hon. Thomas Aruku, the member representing Ogoja State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, said his constituency was bonded with the Igbo. He tasked the Igbo community in the state to keep supporting the present administration as it is committed to creating an inclusive society for all.
“Growing up, 80% of my friends were Igbo and as you can see even with my attire alone, we are bonded with our brothers in the east.
“By our geographical setting, Ogoja is bonded with the Igbo and the majority of them were born and brought up in Ogoja. We even inter-marry and do a lot of things in common. It’s all about unity.
“My charge to them is to be law-abiding, peaceful and continue to support Gov. Otu’s administration because he is doing everything possible to create an enabling environment for everyone irrespective of tribe,” Aruku said.
Dr. Francisca Odigwe, the leader of Igbo women in Cross River State, said the women were very happy with the new leadership because they would carry the Igbo along. She emphasized that the new executive, led by Egwuonwu, would bring unity to the Igbo community within and outside the state.
As the curtain fell on the event, one thing was clear: the partnership between the Cross River State government and Ohanaeze Ndigbo marked a new chapter in the state’s history.
