From Iheanacho Nwosu, Abuja
President General of the pan-Igbo organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, has begun his first phase of consultations with Igbo resident in Abuja and Lagos, saying, uniting Ndigbo is his priority.
Addressing Igbo groups in Abuja, Nwodo declared that the challenge before Igbo in today’s Nigeria is enormous and argued that only a united and focused people could make a difference, urging the people to embrace his plans.
The president general, who announced his first phase of consultations, said the persistent marginalisation of Ndigbo in the country would be a thing of the past if the people take their destiny in their hands and take their God given entrepreneurial skill home by investing in the spirit of Akurue uno (the wealth that reaches home).
He urged Ndigbo to bury their differences and unite to confront issues and challenges affecting them.
“The goodwill and enthusiasm of the people on my emergence would only be the catalyst that would fire my determination to serve the people diligently.”
On the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Nwodo said, “no reasonable father would disown his child publicly because he misbehaved,” pointing out that Nigerians should also ask themselves questions regarding the circumstances that forced these youths to react the way they are doing.
The former minister of information decried what he called apparent double standards in the handling of protesters in Nigeria by security agencies, wondering if there were different laws for different people.
The Ohanaeze boss said his leadership tends to harmonise both political and corporate Ndigbo leaders with a view to having a common front for the development of the regions.
Nwodo who was flanked by some members of his executive committee was enthusiastically received by various segments of the people with dancing and singing.
Earlier on arrival, he paid a courtesy call on the palace of Igbo I, the Ezeigbo of Abuja, Chief Nwosu Ibe, who prayed for him and charged him to restore the pride of Ndigbo.
Among top Igbo elite who, at various times, met and discussed with the new Ohanaeze leaders were former governor of Anambra State, Okwadike Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former ministers, Tim Menakaya, Madubuike, Frank Nweke Junior, Mrs. Viola Onwuliri among other top business gurus from the region.
While in Lagos, Nwodo is scheduled to meet with various segments of Ndigbo, including Alaba and ASPAMDA traders as well as Ndigbo Lagos group, Aka Ikenga and the leadership of apex Yoruba socio-political group, the Afenifere.
Meanwhile, the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council has congratulated the Ohanaeze boss, promising to have a healthy working relationship with him.
In a letter signed on behalf of the group by the Emir of Gummni, who is the chairman of the Coordinating Committee Justice, Dr Lawal Hassan said they were convinced that working in harmony with Ohanaeze would open new frontiers of cooperation among the people and engender peace, development and progress for the country.
