From Magnus Eze, Enugu
Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) will meet in January to take a firm stand on next year’s general elections and the deteriorating security situation in the South East.
Saturday Sun reliably gathered that the Presidents-General of the over 2000 autonomous communities in the region were already charged to make issues of homeland security and the forthcoming elections top priorities in their general meetings this yuletide.
National President of ASITU, Chief Emeka Diwe, in his Christmas/New Year charge, indicated that the decisions of the various communities would direct the position of the region in the National Igbo Summit being convoked in January, ahead the polls.
“Please note that the outcome of your deliberations will be collated and used in taking decisions in the forthcoming Retreat/Summit of National Igbo Discourse which will soon be convoked in collaboration with Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo, the traditional institution and other stakeholders,” Diwe stated.
The charge noted that the Igbo were at a critical moment in their history, especially with the existential threat lurking around them, including in their homeland.
Explaining further, Diwe declared: “The youths and indeed every individual in Igbo land, must be tasked on the slipping and sinking security situation in the South East. Our youths and all at home must be alert and those in diaspora must show deep concern in securing our environment and preserving our timeless heritage in line with our old belief in “Onye ekwela Uzo ga ooo” and being “our brother’s keeper.” The security of life and property of the Igbo and in Igboland and everywhere must be our individual and collective business. Poverty, ignorance, youthful exuberance and adult delinquencies seem to be dictating the tunes and driving the lives of many of us. It is time to rethink and apply caution. While we call on all to remain vigilant and proactive, we also request that we focus on doing first things first and right things right.
“I also enjoin you to concentrate on topical subject matter of politics and economy, especially as the 2023 general election is around the corner. We are all aware that Igboland has become hopeless, helpless and lifeless because of constant threats to life and property, and heightened state of insecurity, some of which are alleged to be self-inflicted.
“The association considers the 2023 general elections a decisive moment for Nigerians especially Ndigbo wherever they are. This is a period when we have to take our destinies in our own hands. 2023 is no doubt an opportunity for Nigerian people to reclaim Nigeria by voting for competence, capacity, capability, equity, fairness, justice, inclusiveness, proven track records, honesty, prudence and deliverable ability.
“Therefore, in your deliberations, we urge you to instil in our people the consciousness that we can only achieve more by being united and being at peace with ourselves and our neighbours and our hosts rather than singing discordant tunes. We must maintain our tested and reliable “Igwe bu Ike” philosophy in our approach to all matters, including national projects. There is no doubt that the Igbo are known for hard work, resilience, honesty and the spirit of “Onye aghala nwanneya” (brotherliness). These are the characteristics and true identity of the Igbo which must be exhibited at all times.”
Commending the various segments of the Igbo society for their unwavering concern towards the general good of their people, the town unions charged them to always strive for understanding, equity, fairness, justice, participation, inclusiveness, consensus and convergence.