Igbo stakeholders wade into Ohanaeze crisis

•Strategise for Nigeria’s President from S’East

Concerned Stakeholders of Ala-Igbo have resolved to address the crisis rocking the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and strengthen Igbo unity.

In an extraordinary meeting at the Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd, Enugu State, the stakeholders also considered the quest for a Nigerian president of South East extraction and other matters of urgent importance.

Also, a report of Igbo bishops on the crisis in Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which was presented to the meeting by the Secretary, Most Rev. (Prof.) Ezichi Ituma, on behalf of the Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia, Dr. Chibuzo Opoko, was deliberated upon and adopted.

A communiqué issued after the meeting, which witnessed in-person and virtual attendances, a number of resolutions were agreed upon.
The witnesses include representatives of Ohanaeze affiliate associations in Nigeria and in the Diaspora, which nominated Dr. Uma Eleazu as Chair.

Signed by Eleazu and Opoko, the communiqué also confirmed the constitution of a new unifying National Executive Committee (NEC) of Ohanaeze led by the President General, Prof. George Obiozor; Deputy President General, Uche Okwukwu and Secretary General, Okechukwu Nwadinobi.

It reads: “The meeting adopts the decision of the Joint Body (JB) of the Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops, and the South East Council of Traditional Rulers to, within one month, meet with Prof. Obiozor to task him on the implementation of the recommendations of the report of the Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops, without further ado.

“The JB of South East Council of Traditional Rulers and the Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops, who have been playing a lead role in the matters concerning Ala-Igbo, are called upon, as a matter of urgency, to convene a closed-door meeting with South East presidential aspirants and other key stakeholders.”

The meeting, The Guardian gathered, will approve strategies for the deployment of human and material resources to ensure victory in the quest for the emergence of presidential candidates of Igbo extraction from the key political parties.

The stakeholders were charged to sustain the process of reconciliation and restoration of unity and peace in the South East through dialogue and forgiveness.

It added: “The stakeholders are also appreciative of the selfless efforts and sacrifice of Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops towards the restoration of a united Ohanaeze and peace in Ala-Igbo. They have made available their intellectual resources, wisdom and blessings, in defining a path of renewal for Ndigbo.

“Ndigbo are to be assured that all matters concerning their wellbeing and state of affairs will henceforth receive appropriate response. Ndigbo are hereby enjoined to fast and pray for forgiveness as well as seek the face of God for the emergence of God’s chosen people in all aspects of leadership of our homeland.” (The Guardian)