There is intense pressure on elder statesman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, to take over as President General of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo.
The apex Igbo socio political organization has been without a leader after the death of it’s president General, Ambassador George Obiozor.
Recently, a group with its members from the 19 Northern states, Igbo Delegate Assembly, visited Iwuanyanwu at his Owerri residence, where they called on him to mount the saddle of leadership of Ohaneze.
The Igbo Delegate Assembly which was led by their President Engr Chief Chikezie Nwogu told Chief Iwuanyanwu that they were on a mission to him from the Northern States to appeal to him to accept the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, in order to complete the remaining tenure of late Ambassador Professor George Obiozor.
Engr Nwogu said that the apex Igbo Socio -political organisation is in dire need of a central voice and a leadership that will change the existing narrative and adopt a new approach that will address the challenges facing Ndigbo Worldwide.
He said that Chief Iwuanyanwu is the man whose pedigree and antecedents can give Ndigbo the desired leadership and direction especially at this critical period in the country.
He appealed to the elder statesman to make further sacrifice and accept the clarion call to assume the position of President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
The President of the Igbo Delegate Assembly pointed out that evidences on ground presently indicate that Ndigbo require fundamental reforms to forge a new trajectory to survive and progress and the person that can do it is Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
He observed that Chief Iwuanyanwu had championed the cause of Ndigbo and Nigeria both in politics, business and across the globe.
Chief Iwuanyanwu, in his response, told the group that many Igbo Leaders from within the country and in diaspora have asked him to take over the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
He told them that he will take a second look at their request and assured that he will not disappoint them.
Chief Iwuanyanwu told the leadership of the Igbo Delegate Assembly some of the programmes they have mapped out to improve the services and conditions of Ndigbo wherever they are domiciled. He said that plans are underway to revive the NigerCem, Nkalagu.
He also said that a Committee led by Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo has been set up to resolve issues with the Government of Ebonyi State and the people to ensure that the company comes back to life.
Chief Iwuanyanwu said that there are enough Lime Stone in Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Anambra States for the Cement production including the Coal Mine in Enugu and other minerals resources in the South East zone.
He stated that the South East Council of Business Leaders, who will harness all the opportunities available for effective transformation of Igboland has been set up, noting that Council of Academicians for Educational purposes and cultural Issues will be revisited and Sporting Competitions among States will also to be revived.
Chief Iwuanyanwu assured that Ohanaeze Ndigbo has programmed some employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths adding that shortly, the efforts will yield great results.
Chief Iwuanyanwu said that Ohanaeze Ndigbo is helping to redefine the heritage of Ndigbo adding that Ohanaeze is one of the greatest achievements of Ndigbo.
He said that Ndigbo have great agricultural potentials that can sustain the economy of the zone amidst other natural resources.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Council of Elders Chairman informed the delegates that some of those whose forebears and parents were sold as slaves in the United States, United Kingdom and Europe have rediscovered their origins as Igbos and want to come back to their fatherland and make their own contributions.
On the recent events that happened against Ndigbo in some parts of the country, the elder Statesman said that a Committee is being set up to know many people were killed and properties lost in Lagos.
He urged them to continue to live in peace and harmony with their host communities.
Some of the Igbo Delegates from the 19 Northern States were Chief Donatus Nwugo-Igbo President in Kano, Chief Kenneth Okeugo – Deputy President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, North East,
Chief Christopher Onu President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Gombe State, Chief Chidi Chukwunta – President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo – Bauchi State, Chief Paul Ogbonna – President Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Adamawa State and many others .
