By Kenneth Onuoha
Igbo leaders have set agenda for the Professor George Obiozor-led new executive of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, urging it to strive to champion the course of unity, progress and oneness of the Igbo nation and Nigeria at large.
Chairman, South- East Governors’ Forum and Ebonyi state Governor, David Umahi, gave the charge shortly after election of the executive of Ohanaeze Ndigbo held on Sunday, January 10 at the Dan Anyiam stadium Owerri, Imo state.
“Let us continue to play politics with love, peace and faith in God, knowing that tomorrow will surely be better and bigger,” Umahi said.
He stated further: “My heart is full of joy because I can see a new nation. I want to assure you, prophetically speaking, that things will change for better in Igbo land”.
Earlier, Governor Umahi had commended the outgoing President General, Dr. Nnia Nwodo, for upholding the unity of the Igbo nation and oneness of Nigeria throughout his administration.
“We have always stood for the unity of this country because the Igbos play vital roles in the unity and continuity of our country Nigeria,” he said.
On his part, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state while applauding the past President General, Nwodo for making the Igbos proud through his pragmatic leadership, also described Governor Umahi as one of the best and brightest in Igbo land who is making the Igbos proud through purposeful leadership.
In his valedictory speech, the immediate past President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr. Nwodo thanked leaders and people of the region for their solidarity with his administration.
Nwodo, while advising detractors to sheath their sword and toe the path of peace, called for support for the new executive to enable them succeed.
“This journey which started four years ago was made possible by the General Assembly. May I on behalf of the General Assembly and Executive of Ohaneze Ndigbo thank you for allowing us to serve you. Within the period of our administration, we championed the call for a radical revisitation of the constitution of Nigeria imposed on us by the military”.
Other speakers including former President General, Enwo Igariwey, Professor ABC Nwosu, Senator Ben Obi, among others, paid glowing tributes to the former President General and wished the new executive success in their administration.
The new executive of Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide is currently led by Professor George Obiozor who polled a total of 304 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Mr. Valentine Oparaocha who scored 15 votes.
In an acceptance speech, Professor Obiozor thanked the leaders and people of the region for the honour done to him and other members of the executive and pledged to give his all to return the Igbo nation to its glorious days.
Delegates from Abia, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Rivers States and the diaspora participated in the election.