Political leaders and elites in Imo State are entangled in a rat race over who heads the pan Igbo socio political organization, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo.
The post was zoned to the State for the first time after Anambra State had produced Late Dr. Dozie Ikedife and Dr. Nnia Nwodo as President of the apex Igbo organization respectively
Two socio political groups, the Imo Awareness Coalition, and the Imo Youth Congress, IYC, in separate statements in Owerri, advised that ” Imo State must put forward its best for the plum position”
The IYC in a statement after a crucial meeting on Sunday in Owerri stated “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 crossroads 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.
Aside the interest shown by various groups in the contest, newspaper reports in Owerri indicates that some personalities in the State from the political class, the academia, the business class may have joined the fray to lead Ohaneze Ndi Igbo.
The media claims that former Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, ex diplomat, George Obiozor, ex Commissioner of Finance, Chris Asoluka, National leader, Association of South East Town Unions, ASETU, Emeka Diwe, and ex varsity don, Prof Ukachukwu Awuzie have shown interest in the contest.
None of them have officially announced their ambition aside posturings on the social media which analysts say signals their interest in the top job.
This is the first time Imo State will be in the running for the Ohaneze job.
The Imo Awareness Coalition, a political study/lobby group gave an insight on the type of leader Ohaneze Ndi Igbo needs from Imo State
The IAC said “the next Ohaneze Ndi Igbo President from Imo State must be a good political strategist, credible with diplomatic stint that will enable him navigate the delicate compass of the future of Igbos.
In a statement signed by Fidelis Echendu, Publicity Secretary of the IAC, the group stated that “the post is not for a Johnny just come or one who lacks tact and finesse to moderate the divergent socio political position of the Igbo nation
