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- Thanks Nigerians for supporting Labour candidate
- Calls his emergence an answered prayer
From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The Chairman of the Elders Council of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has assured the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi of their support as he takes his next battle to the court.
Iwuanyanwu in a statement he released on Wednesday also thanked Nigerians for their massive support for Obi.
The elder statesman however has also promised Ohanaeze’s support for whoever wins in the current litigations instituted by the various candidates.
His statement reads in part “I wish on behalf of Ohanaeze Council of Elders worldwide to express our profound gratitude to all Nigerians from the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria who supported a very illustrious, patriotic, resourceful and dependable Nigerian His Excellency Mr Peter Obi during the just concluded presidential election.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Mr Peter Obi was not a candidate of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, rather he was a candidate of many patriotic and concerned Nigerians who wanted a change for a new Nigeria.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo however was conscious of the fact that under normal conditions and by the zoning principle mutually agreed by all Nigerians, the President of Nigeria in the present dispensation should come from the South Eastern part of the Country.
“To our surprise, some powerful groups did everything possible to deny the Southeast the opportunity to realise this. Most patriotic Nigerians were disappointed with the situation.
“The South East prayed to God and no doubt Peter Obi’s emergence is God’s answer to our prayers and that of all Nigerians for a President who would rise to the grave challenges of leadership in Nigeria.
“The Ohanaeze Council of Elders is very proud and happy to observe that Peter Obi’s campaign and election were championed and led by Nigerians who are not Igbos. This experience has reinforced our confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo has other Igbo candidates contesting for President in other political parties, after a thorough analysis, Ohanaeze Ndigbo was convinced that Mr Peter Obi possesses all the qualities required to give Nigerians the good leadership the country deserves at this time.
” I want to, on behalf of the Ohanaeze Council of Elders express our appreciation to the various groups like Afenifere, the PANDEF, the Middle Belt Forum and many other groups that very strongly supported Mr Peter Obi for president”.
The statement also added “Ohanaeze is aware that Mr Peter Obi has gone to court to seek justice on the outcome of the presidential election. We want to state that Peter Obi has got our support.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo however, will abide by the judgement of the court. Whoever emerges can count on our support.
“The Elders are grateful to the various groups and we reaffirm our plan to have a Peace Summit in Igboland after the elections. We must join hands together to build Igboland and Nigeria where there will be peace, progress and development.”
