The pan-Igbo socio-political organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has hinted at zoning the position of the President-General to Rivers State in its group election scheduled for 2025.
The apex Igbo group also reiterated the need for the people to embrace democracy rather than meritocracy for better service delivery.
In a press statement issued on Monday to commemorate the 2024 Easter Igbo retreat, tagged the “Asaba Declaration,” which was held in Asaba, Delta State, between March 24 and 25, 2024, the group said the gathering aimed to challenge the misconceptions and misrepresentations held by the world, especially Nigerians, about the Igbo people.
The statement signed by Prof Nwokojie Ambrose, Prof Thomas Ella; Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Chief Chidi Ibeh, and Prof Chukwuemeka Ananamba held that the retreat allowed them to redefine their identity as progressive Nigerians seeking a fair, equitable, and conducive environment in which to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s greatness.
It read, “We reiterate our commitment to upholding the 2004 Ohanaeze Ndigbo constitution and calling for free and fair elections in 2025. The zoning of the President’s General position to Rivers State is non-negotiable and must be respected.
“Therefore, in commitment to that duty, we owe Ohanaeze great people from Rivers like Senator Francis Ellah, Eze C.C Nwuche, and Chief Emma Aguma. We hereby announce the countdown to the January 2025 Ohanaeze elections, which shall produce a President-General from Rivers State.
“As such, we urge Rivers State presidential hopefuls to commence consultations for the upcoming elections.”
The statement added, “Despite facing unjust brutality, humiliation, and ostracism after the civil war in 1970, the industrious spirit, vibrant energy, and entrepreneurial acumen of the Igbo have driven us to resurgence as a tribe.
“We have reclaimed our position as a leading light in Africa, particularly Nigeria, surmounting challenges and defying the negative labels imposed by past military leaders.”
Reaffirming its identity and vision, Ohanaeze said, “We aim to replicate the economic success of Dr Michael Okpara’s era when the Eastern Region was known for its rapid growth in the 1960s.
“We are committed to self-help, communal efforts, and sustainable economic projects to propel the Igbo community forward.”
Some of the resolutions of the Asaba declaration, the statement noted, included the evolvement of a ‘Think Home Philosophy’, which commends the efforts of individuals such as Prof. Bath Nnaji and past and present governors of Abia State for spearheading the initiatives like the Enyimba City power plant in Aba.
It further read, “We call on Igbo and non-Igbo governors to collaborate with Prof Bath Nnaji to replicate such projects across Igbo-speaking states and Nigeria as a whole. Furthermore, we urge Igbo businesses to consider relocating their headquarters back to the homeland to facilitate growth and development.”
Another gain of the retreat, according to Ohanaeze, was the highlighting of issues about regional economic and infrastructural development, talks on freedom for the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, Igbo security, state police, and the achievements of the President Bola Tinubu administration, among others.
“We appreciate the Federal Government’s progress on various projects in the South-East, such as the completion of the Onitsha Dry Seaport and the ongoing construction of the Second Niger Bridge.
“We encourage the utilisation of the Onne Seaport for economic activities and advocate for regional railway connectivity to enhance trade and reduce costs.
“We also commend and urge the governors of the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones to collaborate for common large-scale infrastructural projects like monorails,” the statement added.
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