From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
If everything works according to plan by some prominent Igbo groups and leaders,the G-5 governors may enjoy the support of Ndigbo in their quest for enthroning a new leardhip of the country in 2023 after Christmas retreat organised by the groups.
According to a statement signed by the President General of Coalition of South East Youth Leaders(COSEYL) Goodluck Ibem,chairman of the planning committee for the retreat and secretary, Kelechi Chigoziri respectively,the event slated for December,20 in Abia State will also honour the G-5 governors for their exemplary leaderships.
The Christmas retreat is an annual event where Igbo culture and heritage is celebrated and also chat a way forward for Igbo political interest in the Nigerian polity.
It started in 2018 at Abagana Anambra State, and in 2019 it was hosted in Uburu Ebonyi State, in 2021 Igbouzo Delta State hosted the event.
Besides COSEYL, Igbo Think Tank, Nzuko Ndigbo, Ndinne Igbo and PANPIEC and others are expected to be part of the event.
Explaining reason for the choice of the G-5 governors for honour Ibem said “This year’s Christmas Retreat came at a time when our nation is on Cross road when our people are on a dire need of a right direction and our G-5 Governors who are men of integrity have shown the right direction”.
“The G-5 group led by Governor Nyesom Wike are heroes of our democracy. We cherish their patriotism in positioning the Igbos and the South politically.
“We commend Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for providing a secured and serene environment in Abia which made Igbo leaders to choose of Abia as the state to host the gathering of Igbo leaders in Abia this year possible” Ibem stated.