From Maurice Okafor,, Enugu
The present leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide under Senator John Mbata has appealed for partnership with members of House of Representatives of Igbo extraction with a view to advance the cause of the Igbo nation.
The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide led by it’s Deputy President General, Prince Okey Nwadinobi, made the appeal when they met with the South East caucus of the House of Representatives at the Maitama lodge of the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, recently.
In his speech, Prince Nwadinobi conveyed to the leader of the caucus Hon. Iduma Igariwey and his members, the apologies of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Senator John Azuta Mbata who was unavoidably absent as a result of unforeseen circumstances.
The Deputy President General said their mission was to seek for partnership and collaboration on issues of Igbo concern and national interest.
Prince Nwadinobi explained that Senator John Mbata led Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide cardinal agenda includes to establish an endowment for research on Igbo history, language and culture in seven universities selected from each of the seven Igbo speaking states,. Review of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Constitution, Upgrade of the National Secretariat of the organization, Peace Building/ Conflict Resolution with various groups and Stake Holder Engagement across board.
To achieve this objectives, Prince Nwadinobi pleaded for effective communications with the group for a better working relationship, optimal partnership engagement and vibrant citizenship participation in decision making processes.
He urged the legislators to continue to be good Ambassadors of Ndigbo irrespective of their party diffefences, in their quest for national development.
Responding, the leader of the caucus and member representing Afikpo North and Afikpo South Federal Constituency, Hon. Iduma Igariwey sent the regrets of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu who was outside the country on official assignment.
He expressed profound gratitude to the Ohanaeze leadership, for deeming it worthy to interact with them on the need for collaboration.
He stated that having monitored Senator Mbata’s socio-political records over the years, they have no doubt that Ohanaeze Ndigbo under his leadership would make a remarkable leap in the annals of Igbo history.
The group commended Senator Mbata on bold initiatives so far and assured the delegation of their commitment to effective representation, national development and continuous engagement with Ohanaeze Ndigbo for the common good of our people.
“Irrespective of the distinctiveness of our various parties which is also healthy for democracy, We still operate as a family on issues of development of AlaIgbo and her general concern”,Hon. Igariwey stated.
Hon. Igariwey further urged Ohanaeze to speak with one voice at all times and decried a situation whereby some rebellious and illicit groups often issue misleading and embarrassing statements on behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
He advised the new Ohanaeze leadership to act fast and nip such rascality in the bud.
Other speakers among whom were Hon. Nnolim Nnaji representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West and Hon. Chris Nkwonta representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West, corroborated the speech of Hon. Igariwey.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo delegation involved in the visit were the Deputy President General,Prince Okey Nwadinobi, His Excellency Mr. Emeka Sibeudu,Secretary General, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Olejeme Vice President General – Delta, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Charles Nkata National Financial Secretary, Mrs. Nene Jane Nwangele, Assistant National Financial Secretary and Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezukwu,State President Anambra.
