Igbo Day celebration: Ohanaeze, Igbo leaders back Igbo presidency in 2015

Posted by admin Latest Politics Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012

From CHIDI NNADI, Enugu

Ndigbo who rose last weekend from the 2012 Igbo Day celebration in Asaba, Delta State, re-echoed their collective resolve to have a shot at the presidency after President Goodluck Jonathan. President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ralph Uwechue, who led other prominent Igbo sons and daughters to the two-day event reiterated the commitment of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction after Jonathan.

Uwechue also lamented as he went down memory lane on the chequered history of the Igbo in the Nigerian project. He, therefore, called on Ndigbo to unite and pursue their goals in the country with candour and resilience. He also urged the South-east and the South-south zones to close ranks and enlarge their geo-political and economic co-operations to reap from their gains. Uwechue pointed out that it was as a result of the collaboration between the two zones that led to the massive Igbo votes for a southerner, Jonathan, in the 2011 presidential election.

Speaking, the Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, who hosted the event described it as a historic one, saying he was happy that it was the first time and during his regime that such event was held in Delta State. The governor reiterated his commitment to promote inter-ethnic harmony among all the ethnic groups in Delta State.

He also strengthened the view of the late Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu on the handshake theory across the Niger. Also speaking, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State and chairman of South-east Governors’ Forum congratulated the President General of Ohanaeze, Uwechue; the Chairman of the 2012 Igbo Day Planning Committee, Dr. Joe Nwaorgu and the National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for organising the historic event.

Obi urged Ndigbo to unite and speak with one voice on national issues while strengthening the bond of fraternity with their nearest neighbours and brothers in the South-south. Several lectures were delivered at the Grand Hotel, Asaba, by prominent scholars such as Prof. B. I. C. Ijeomah, Prof. Ralph Nwokedi and Mrs. Ofomata, which spiced up the event.

-Sun

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