As elites from Imo State jostle for the presidency of pan Igbo organization, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, a youth Body, Imo Youths Coalition, IYC, has said the State must put its best forward for the position.
In a statement after a crucial meeting in Owerri on Sunday and endorsed by Mr. Cajethan Dike, President General and Chuks Ibebgu, General Secretary, the Coalition said “Imo State should present a near saint, one without the stain of corruption, a liberalist well schooled in the art of political dynamism, enveloped in Igbo spirit, a bridge builder, honoured in Igboland and respected abroad”.
The full statement sent to innonews.com.ng reads:
“The social media has been abuzz with reports that Imo State has been designated to produce the next President of the apex Igbo socio political organization, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo.
“The quality of leaders who led the organization in the past, indeed raises the bar on the caliber of those expected to lead the organization in recent times.
“Past leaders of the pan Igbo group have all emerged from Anambra State, and there is no doubt they all performed creditably. The pedigree, capacity and untainted credibility of former leaders of the organization were some of the cumulative factors that made Ohaneze Ndi Igbo to be held in high esteem and valued beyond the shores of Igboland.
“Two great sons of Anambra State, Late Dr.Dozie Ikedife, and lately Dr.Nnia Nwodo performed to the expectations of Igbo nation despite the challenges.They also succeeded in elevating the organization to be reckoned with it, respected for its stance on contemporary issues affecting the Igbo.
“And now that the mantle has fallen on Imo State to produce the next leader of the organization, it is expected that the State should put forward it’s best to lead Ohaneze Ndi Igbo.
“Imo State parades galaxy of men and women with the capacity to lead this noble organization at a time the Igbo nation are at cross roads over their political destiny. A new leader for Ohaneze Ndi Igbo indeed has a herculean task, which among other things include re positioning the Igbo nation as a major pillar in the nation’s political firmament at a time its political future looks uncertain.
“The task of leading a complex organization such as Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, which shapes and moderates the socio economic advancement and political alignment of Igbo nation is indeed not a tea party. It is a serious business for serious minds.
“Imo State has never been in short supply of men and women of fine character, exceptional quality and credibility to lead an organisation as respected as Ohaneze Ndi Igbo. The State must therefore not falter, by ensuring that only its finest eventually take up the mantle of leadership of the organization.
“Imo State should present a near saint, one without the stain of corruption, a liberalist well schooled in the art of political dynamism, enveloped with Igbo spirit, a bridge builder, honoured in Igboland and respected abroad.
“Our finest should take up the mantle. We cannot afford to disappoint the Igbo nation a time the Igbo nation requires credible leadership to manage the frustrations of the past and translate the anxieties of the present to reality”
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