From Geoffrey Anyanwu, Awka
Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, yesterday, berated the South-East Governors’ Forum and Ohanaeze Ndigbo for showing little interest in the growth of the zone.Achebe, who delivered a lecture with the theme, “Think Nigeria, Invest in Anambra (Aku ruo uno)” at the Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Centre in Awka, as part of the Anambra at 25 celebration, expressed worry that selfishness had put the two bodies in disarray.
The monarch regretted that the Governor’s Forum, which was meant to be a unifying force for Ndigbo, has failed to play that role because of selfish political interest of Governors, while the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation (Ohanaeze Ndigbo) had been enmeshed in series of controversies.
On the political and economic development of Nigeria, Igwe Achebe reiterated the call for restructuring of the country in a manner that would make for true fiscal federalism
“I truly believe that the long term interest of Ndigbo will best be served in a Nigeria that is just, fair and equitable and provides adequate safeguard as scope for individuals and ethnic nationalities to freely realise their aspiration and contribute their quota to the overall development of the country.
“Such a situation will best be achieved by restructuring the country into a true political and fiscal federation based on the existing six geo-political zones at pre 1996 Constitution. Such an arrangement will afford the best platform for Ndigbo to actualise their character.”
At the function where the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, his Deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke and his predecessor, Mr. Peter Obi were absent, Achebe also said Ndigbo should not neglect investing in their homelandjust as he called upon oil magnats in Anambra State, led by Prince Arthur Eze, come together and unsure that the state-owned Orient Petroleum does not go under.
In the lecture, he enjoined people of the South East zone to revive the moral and cultural values that were high in the region before now, stressing that Ndigbo needed urgent attitudinal change and must learn to respect one another and their host communities anywhere they reside. Noting that Anambra had what it takes either in human and economic resources to be like Japan, Malaysia, Israel, China, India among other developed climes, Achebe advocated that Nnewi, Onitsha and Aba in Abia State, be transformed to become industrial hubs in Nigeria.
“Ndigbo must think home and act home, in the spirit of Aku-ruo-uno to evolve a philosophy, ideology, strategy and action plans for self-sufficiency, self-reliance and contentment under any circumstance.”
Achebe commended Governor Obiano for driving out criminals and making Anambra conducive for investment. The event was attended by prominent citizens from the state including former vice president, Dr. Alex Ekwueme; Constitutional Lawyer, Prof Ben Nwabueze (SAN), former President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr. Dozie Ikedife; Senator Joy Emodi; the first female governor in Nigeria, Dame Virgy Etiaba; Chief Cosmas Maduka (Coscharis) and Anambra State House of Assembly Speaker, Rita Maduagwu, amongst others.