From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The Youth Wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has said that leadership positions in the parent body were rotational.
It noted that by the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation’s constitution, the next occupant of the Office of the President General, would come from Rivers State.
The last President General of Ohanaeze, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, hailed from Imo State but he died on July 25, 2024 and was buried November 1.
The group, therefore, called on the Ime Obi, the highest decision-making organ of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, to adhere strictly to these regulations to avert crisis within the organisation.
Acting leader of Ohanaeze youths, Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, signed a communique after their 57th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Secretariat, Enugu, on Thursday.
According to them, the rotational arrangement was essential for maintaining unity and fairness, arguing that deviation from this principle could lead to discord and undermine the collective strength of Ndigbo.
“We stand firmly by the provisions of the Constitution of Ohanaeze Ndigbo on the rotation of the Office of the President General. Therefore, it is the turn of Igbo in Rivers State to produce the next President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, after Imo State,” the youths said.
They called on other organs of the group including the Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in States and LGAs, Council of Ndi Eze, Elders Council and the Women Wing, to rise up to the occasion and provide leadership for Ndigbo at this crucial moment.
However, they commended President Bola Tinubu and the South East governors for the resounding and befitting funeral accorded the former President General, Chief Iwuanyanwu.
On the growing hardship in the country, they blamed it on the high cost of energy which has spiral effect on other related commodities.
“We are dismayed by the controversy generated by the claim that Port Harcourt Refinery has begun full operations.
“We bemoan the conscious and continuous disenfranchisement of Igbo youths from the various Corporate Social Responsibilities by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, NNPCL and other Federal parastatals,” they lamented.
Ohanaeze youths stated that their inclusion will accord them a sense of belonging and contribute immensely to national unity stability and security in the South East and Nigeria, at large.