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• Nwodo, Ohuabunwa, others back Ohanaeze’s no protest call
From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
An expanded meeting of Igbo leaders comprising the South East governors, other political and religious leaders, traditional rulers, captains of industry and the academia would soon be convened to develop options and proffer solutions to the growing hardship in the country.
The meeting will also provide guidance to all sons and daughters of Igbo land on the way forward.
President General of Ohanaeze, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu in a message to Ndigbo in Nigeria and Diaspora during the week, indicated that Igbo economists and experts would brainstorm to fashion out solutions which will also be presented to the Federal Government.
“The economic crisis in Nigeria is very unfortunate. Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide intends to convene a meeting of Igbo top economists and experts in diverse fields to strategize on how to overcome the hardships. We will also proffer advice to President Tinubu on the economy. It is important to note that the best thing for us as Igbos is to rally round President Tinubu and to do what we can to enable him complete his tenure. Igbos are opposed to military rule. We prefer a democratic government where we can express our views,” the Igbo leader stated.
South East leaders and stakeholders, rose from an emergency meeting in Enugu on Thursday, throwing their weight behind the Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s position.
The leaders consisting of current and former members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, past and present leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, captains of industry, the clergy, and academics, among others, commended the decision by the Ohanaeze leadership.
Former President General of Ohanaeze, Chief Nnia Nwodo, presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general elections, Chief Sam Ohuabunwa, onetime Chairman of Police Service Commission (PSC), Chief Simon Okeke and Chief Chekwas Okorie were some of those present at the meeting.
Iwuanyanyu in his message, advised the Igbo not to join the protest, reminding them that they have triumphed over worse conditions in the past.
Highlighting the continued marginalization of his people in Nigeria, he warned Igbo youths against presenting themselves as scapegoats anymore, adding that the Igbo have resolved to support the present administration.
Leaders at the meeting reasoned that since there has remained an orchestrated conspiracy to alienate the Igbo from the affairs of the country, it will be foolhardy for their youth to present themselves as cannon fodders at this critical juncture in Nigeria’s political history.
According to a communique released after the meeting by the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, they applauded the Iwuanyanwu for his recent message to Ndigbo “that no Igbo group or community in Nigeria or in the Diaspora should join in a planned protest against the government of Nigeria.”
They acknowledged the reasons adduced by the Igbo leader; that Igbo people have been at the receiving end in the affairs of the country and that all the entreaties to the various authorities for equity and justice towards them have fallen on deaf ears.
