From Maurice Okafor,Enugu.
The new President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo world wide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has described his calling to the prestigeous stool as an act of God and expressed his commitment to serve the Igbo nation in that position, but what he nutured really is to be President of Nigeria.
Chief Iwuanyanwu made the disclosure in his maiden World press conference held at Ohanaeze National secretariat,Enugu,on Monday,May 1,after being the special guest of the South East governors and other Igbo leaders,during ‘Imeobi Ohanaeze’meeting,held the previous day,at Old government lodge,Enugu.
He revealed that all his life he has worked tirelessly for the good of Igbo nation but politically his ambition was to become President of Nigeria.But after three unsuccessful attempts,he rescinded the ambition and subsequently quit active politics,about two years ago.
Iwuanyanwu stated,” I must frankly confess that I did not nuture the ambition to be President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Instead I had the ambition of becoming the President of Republic of Nigeria. I contested for the presidency on three occasions but i did not succeed. I took my loses in good composure knowing fully well that as a Christian all powers and promotion comes from God”.
“But today,destiny has placed squarely on my shoulders the duty of leading the Igbos as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide.I therefore have a duty to valiantly defend Igbo course and I promise Imeobi and all Igbo people that by the grace of God,I will not fail them”.
The Ohanaeze President General promised to re invent the spirit of hardwork and enterprise for which the Igbo nation and ginger socio economic growth of the region through education,agricultute,industry,electricity power generation and the health sector.
He recalled that before the discovery of oil,the defunct Eastern Nigeria government under late Azikiwe and late Michael Okpara sustained rapid economic growth of the region from agricultural products,ofwbich the region was acknowleged as the fastest growing economy in this part of the globe.
Chief Iwuanyanwu buttressed the fact that as the National assembly has ratified the unbundling of generation and transmission of power from exclusive list,He will work out a strategy with South East governors on how to explore the coal deposits in Enugu hills for generation of power.
He stressed that coal deposits are still in use as a means of generating power in many civilised countries.
Chief Iwuanyanwu described limestone as a natural deposit in many parts of Igbo land,stating with cooperation of the South East governors,the leadrrship of Ohanaeze Ndigbo will partner with foreign firms to establish cement manufacturing companies across Igbo land,in addition to revitalising the Nigercem,Nkalagu.
According to him,the establishment of flourishing industries across Igbo land will create employment for the Youths and by so doing,curtail crime rate in the region.
The Predident General,Ohanaeze Ndigbo,Chief Iwuanyanwu,disclosed that his leadership is makiing moves to secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu if possible before President Buhari leaves office.
He cautioned Igbo Youths who use the name of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in issuing public statements to desist henceforth or be ready to bear the consequences.
He said the only authorised officials to issue press statements or react to issues on behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide are himself,the Secretary General Okey Emuchay and the National publicity secretary of the organization,Dr Alex Ogbonnia.
