•••ADF sets agenda, vows to lead charge for better deal in Nigeria
From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
THERE is a new surge of hope for Igbo renaissance and emancipation in Nigeria following the emergence of former president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, as the new president of Igbo Think-tank, Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF).
Awuzie, who was also the Vice Chancellor, Imo State University, emerged after the expiration of the tenure of former president of the group, Prof Uzodimma Nwala.
Speaking after he was elected in an election monitored by the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the group at the weekend, Awuzie pledged that the group under him will lead the way in articulating Igbo problems in order to be at the vanguard to proffer solutions to them.
He also said that the group will ensure that it continues to work with the apex-Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in ensuring that the Igbo are treated right in Nigeria.
He said: “We shall ensure that we do not disappoint you, we shall bring together the ADF and work for the transformation of Alaigbo. It is an opportunity to serve and we are going to serve selflessly, committedly and we are going to serve patriotically.
“We shall work in consultations with the leaders. We cannot claim to know all the problems of Ndigbo. So, we shall continuously consult widely so that we can lead well to the benefit of our people.
“As a people, we have an existential problem that our progress and future is threatened. So, ADF will work with other organs of Alaigbo and other patriotic associations working for the progress of our people, for our children and posterity.
“More so, we shall rely on the support and assistance of all patriotic brothers and sisters for our collective success. We shall need your prayers, contacts, financial and moral support to succeed.”
Speaking on the new drive of the foundation, Awuzie said: “We have a vision to articulate Igbo problems in order to be at the vanguard to proffer solutions and be the intellectual powerhouse of Ohanaeze and also to work with other Igbo organizations that are patriotic towards resolving
some of our problems.
These problems are many but they are soluble. We have to resolve them by walking together
as a family.
“We will do research and feed Ohanaeze with them. When we want to speak we will speak but we must not create discordant tunes coming from Igbo nation. We must find a way of bringing the leaders and every person to speak with one voice and the people will
respect us.”
Awuzie challenged the formula for the distribution of national resources in Nigeria, insisting that it was one of the injustices against the Igbo nation and one which Ndigbo must speak against. “Igbo are challenged in several places. Is it in government? Is it in establishment? Is it from even the five states we have? The challenges are enormous. If you look at it, the five states of the South East have 47 members in the House of Representatives. The Old Kano State
which includes the present Kano and Jigawa has a total of 34.
“This is a challenge because it affects how we distribute the national resources. It also affects employment because we are talking about federal character. So, there are a lot of things that are involved.
“The whole of Kano and Sokoto Emir ate controls two thirds of local governments in Nigeria. When you put all these together you will see that even the so-called 13 percent derivation given down here is nothing in terms of what happens. Look at the allocation.
“I am saying that we have to talk and we have to write. We have to create pressure groups and if our people support what we are saying, we will succeed. You have to put pressure on. That is how to change things in government. We are not going to fight but we shall use intellectual
wealth,” he said.
Addressing members of the group before the election, the chairman of the ADF BOT, Bishop Obi Onubogu, stated that the new executive would signify the rebirth of the Igbo group which he said was created after the 2014 colloquium on “The Igbo question.”
Onubogu while recounting how the ADF was birthed in the same home of Prof Bath Nnaji in 2014, said that positions in ADF is a call to duty for Ndigbo, urging the new executive to ensure that Ndigbo are treated right in Nigeria.
On his part, former minister of power, and member of ADF BOT, Prof. Bath Nnaji, reiterated that the BOT had to step in to rejig and refocus the ADF to ensure that the original idea of its founding fathers was rejuvenated in the interest of the progress of Igboland and Ndigbo everywhere in the world.
The former minister urged the new exco members to abhor sit-tight syndrom and to realize that their election was a call to solemn service to Ndigbo.
Other persons who were elected into the executive of the foundation include, Dr Jerry Chukwuokolo, national vice president; Chief Abia Onyike, national secretary; Ike Nwandu, deputy national secretary; and Max Ozoaka, national legal adviser.
Others are Mba Chukwuebuka, national membership secretary; Dr Onyi Gbujie, national financial secretary; Chukwuemaka Obinwugo, national publicity secretary; Arinze Nwosu, national treasurer; Zulu Ofoelue, organizing secretary and Nneka Chimezie, welfare
secretary.