Victor Ezeja
Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, Concerned Stakeholders of Ala-Igbo have called on Igbo groups to rally and devise strategies of deploying human and material resources for an aspirant from South East to win the presidential seat.
The stakeholders applauded the Joint Body of South East Council of Traditional Rulers and the Representatives of Igbo Archbishops & Bishops for playing a leading role in fostering peace in the area, and urged them to convene a meeting with South East Presidential aspirants and other key stakeholders to discuss strategies for ensuring that next Nigerian president comes from the region looking at the contribution and relevance of the Igbo nation in the country.
The concerned stakeholders made the call during an extraordinary meeting held on Wednesday at the Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd, Enugu State, to resolve the crisis within Ohanaeze leadership and strengthen unity in Igbo land.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze, has been in crisis which led to factions after the election that saw the emergence of Prof. George Obiozor as the President General.
According to a communique signed by chairman of the group Elder Uma Eleazu and Secretary, Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops, Most Rev. Dr. Chibuzor Opoko, a report by the Igbo Bishops on the Ohanaeze crisis was adopted during the meeting for implementation.
READ ALSO: Ohaneze Crisis: Igbo Bishops Group Urges Parties To Sheathe Sword
The communique indicated that a number of resolutions were agreed on, part of which is the constitution of a new unifying National Executive Committee (NEC) of Ohanaeze led by the President General, Prof. George Obiozor; Deputy President General, Uche Okwukwu and Secretary General, Okechukwu Nwadinobi.
The meeting also adopted the decision of the Joint Body of Igbo Bishops and the South East Council of Traditional rulers “to, within one month, meet with Prof. Obiozor to task him on the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops, without further ado,” part of the communique read.
It added “That Concerned Stakeholders of Ala-Igbo should sustain the process of reconciliation and restoration of unity and peace in the South East. Concerned Stakeholders will promote dialogue with all identifiable individuals, groups and associations for truth, forgiveness, reconciliation and restoration in the South East.
“That Concerned Stakeholders of Ala-Igbo is also appreciative of the selfless efforts and sacrifice of Representatives of Igbo Archbishops & Bishops towards the restoration of a united Ohanaeze and peace in Ala-Igbo.”
The stakeholders also extended their gratitude to the South East Council of Traditional Rulers for working together with the Igbo Bishops, for the general good of Igbo land.
“Ndigbo are to be rest assured that all matters concerning their wellbeing and state of affairs will henceforth receive appropriate response. Ndigbo are hereby enjoined as Christians to fast, pray for forgiveness and seek the face of God for the emergence of God’s chosen people in all aspects of the leadership of our homeland,” the communique further added.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
