From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State said his Shared Prosperity and 3R administrative mantra government has thrown her weights behind the candidature of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo) as the successor of Ambassador George Obiozor , the recently on the throne deceased President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, an Igbo apex socio cultural organization.
Uzodimma gave the assurance recently when he received in audience a delegation of the Imo Elders Council led by their Chairman, HRM Eze (Dr.) Cletus Ilomuanya, at the New Executive Council Chambers Government House, Owerri.
The Governor expressed delight over the visit and the opportunity to host the Elders and congratulated Chief Emmanuel Iwuanuyanwu for his choice and adoption by the Imo Elders to be the next President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide wide.
He acknowledged that “Iwuanyanwu is well–known, not only to the Igbos and Nigeria, but all over the world with impeccable credentials and high level pedigree.”
Uzodimma pointed out that he was happy that the stakeholders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo were able to discover somebody who can appropriately fit into the vacuum created by the demise of the former President General, Prof. George Obiozor, and emphasized that “the choice of Iwuanyanwu is a right one that no individual/group can fault.”
He expressed gratitude to the Elders and Imo citizens for believing in him, showing him love at all times, particularly on January 5, 2023 at the Stakeholders meeting when Imo people invited him to run for a second tenure.
The sagacious political icon recalled the barrage of endorsements that came after that of Imo stakeholders, recalling that on Friday, April 15 2023, members of his political Party, the All Progressives Congress, APC unanimously endorsed him as their sole candidate for the November 11, 2023 governorship election.
In his address earlier, the Chairman of Imo State Council of Elders, Eze Ilomuanya said the members came to present to him, Chief Iwuanyanwu as “the consensus candidate of the Council for the post of President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo,”.
He described Chief Iwuanyanwu as a dynamic, versatile, purpose driven and broad-minded personality of impeccable pedigree and appealed to the Governor to grant his seal of support and approval to his adoption by the Council.
In his acceptance speech, Chief Iwuanyanwu described his adoption and the role he is expected to play as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo World-wide as a “sacred duty.”
He expressed happiness in accepting the position and said it was also a surprise that Igbos can unanimously accept that one person leads them without struggles, noting that he believes that God will lead him through.
Chief Iwuanyanwu appreciated the Governor for his numerous achievements, particularly in the areas of road infrastructure, health and education in the State.
He said his plans for Ohanaeze Ndigbo will include making the body financially self-sufficient, improving the agricultural sector in Igboland, setting up a Council of academics in the area of education and generally, ensuring that Igboland becomes an industrial hub.
Highlights of the visit were the observation of one minute silence, in honour of the immediate past President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prof. Obiozor.
Present at the visit were; the Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, and Members of the Expanded Executive Council.
From the Traditional Institutions were the Chairman Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze (Dr.) Emmanuel Okeke and his two Deputies, HRH Eze Eddy Okeke and HRH Eze Thomas Obiefule of Okigwe zone and Orlu zone respectively as well as HRH Eze Oliver Ohanweh, Chairman Okigwe Global Elders Forum.
In his address earlier, the Chairman of Imo State Council of Elders, Eze Ilomuanya said that the members did not only come to present Chief Iwuanyanwu as “the consensus candidate of the Council for the post of President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo,” but also “the Imo Charter of Equity to His Excellency, Dist. Senator Hope Uzodimma the Executive Governor of Imo State.”
