A security expert and founder, Iheonu Rights Advocate Foundation, High Chief Iheonu George Dennis, has said that people above the age of 70 should not be allowed to vie for the position of president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo
Recall that two Ohanaeze Ndigbo president generals, namely Ambassador George Obiozor and Chief Emmanual Iwuanyanwu, who were above 80 years, died in office.
High Chief Iheonu George who is the Onyendu Ndigbo of Ayedire,Osun State ,National Secretary Ndindu Ndigbo N’uzo Ije and secretary of the National Association of Criminologists and Security Practitioners in Osun State, said that his reasoning was borne out of the fact that the job of the president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is tedious and as such not exactly for people who have passed their prime.
In this interview, he also spoke on other pertinent issues concerning the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization.
Excerpts:
Why do you say that people above the age of 70 would not be allowed to vie for the office of president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide?
As the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization organization, the president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is the leader of all Igbos worldwide. So, to function very well in the office, the occupier must be energetic and vigorous. The office of the President General requires immense energy, vitality, and stamina to effectively lead and represent the Igbo nation. Individuals above 70 may not possess the necessary physical and mental strength to handle the demands of the position. Recently, the Democrats in the United States had to compel President Joe Biden not to contest for the second term as the president of the United States because of his age. This is because they know that high energy is one of the requirements of leaders in the 21st century. So as the Ohanaeze Ndigbo World Wide prepares for its next leadership election, coming up in January 2025, it is essential that the electoral committee should consider the age factor in determining the suitability of candidates for the office of the President General.The office is very demanding and as such it is not what people who are above 70 years can function effectively.
But there is this belief that wisdom comes with age. Don’t you agree with that?
I agree that age brings wisdom, maturity, seniority, and bumps and bruises that help leaders to succeed in office. But a saying also has it that if you are good enough, you are old enough. So, what this means is that effective leadership does not necessarily come as a result of age but rather as a result of preparation. It is input that determines output. The world is in a state of flux, so this is not the time for slowing down or going fishing. It is the time for being hands-on. To succeed in this age and time, what is required is intelligence, energy, and speed. The Igbo nation needs fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to address its challenges. Older people may be stuck in traditional ways of thinking, whereas younger leaders can bring modern ideas and approaches to drive progress. Again, in today’s digital age, it is crucial for leaders to be tech-savvy and also understand the latest trends. Younger people are more likely to be digitally literate, thereby enabling them to effectively engage with the global community and leverage technology for the benefit of Ndigbo.
Did the constitution of Ohanaeze Ndigbo address the issue of a president general dying in office?
That is a very wonderful question. The writers of the constitution did not capture that because they did not think of the likelihood of that happening. So, ordinarily, it was wisdom that the apex body used to navigate the constitutional crisis that would have ensued after Ambassador George Obiozor died in office. It was clear that if his deputy who was from another state was alive, he would have taken over as the president general, so to that extent, there would have been no need for the nomination of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu to complete the tenure of Imo State. So I feel that there is a need for constitutional amendment to capture the issue of a president general dying in office so as to avoid crisis in the future.
So what do you think should be the best succession plan for Ohanaeze Ndigbo?
There is a saying that government is a continuum. But the age of the leader in question is very paramount. Younger leaders are more likely to have a longer-term vision for the Igbo nation since they would have a stake in the future. They are also more likely to be around to see the implementation of their policies and projects, even if they are no longer in office. Since they are the owners of the vision, they can be giving suggestions for the vision to materialize. Again, by electing younger leaders, Ohanaeze Ndigbo can ensure a smooth transition of power and reduce the risk of leadership vacuum. This approach will also allow for the grooming of future leaders, guaranteeing the organization’s continuity. I would want to conclude by saying that while age is not the sole determinant of leadership ability, it is crucial to consider the factors mentioned above when electing the next President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. The Igbo nation needs vibrant, innovative, and forward-thinking leaders who can drive progress and prosperity. Therefore, I humbly recommend that individuals above 70 should not contest for this position, thereby paving the way for younger, more energetic leaders to take the reins.”