Chinedum Treasure
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Anambra State Chapter has vowed to interrogate governorship candidates for the November 8 election to ensure emergence of only the best candidate.
State President, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu gave the assurance during a one-day enlightenment retreat and seminar, as part of measures to galvanize its various organs for greater efficiency.
The retreat held in Awka, attracted Ohanaeze Ndigbo elected executives from the local government to the state level, as well as the leadership of the women and youth wings.
Okpalaezeukwu explained that the organization by its formation, was designed to champion the political welfare, development and promotion of Ndigbo as a nation in Nigeria, but on a non-partisan basis.
He said, “This is an election year and we are urging our excos not to tilt to any political party. Rather, we should champion Igbo interests.
“We should look at manifestoes of the candidates, the individuals and personalities that will serve the Igbo interest, not along political or religious lines.
“We also have a duty to ensure that there is no voter apathy and that the people come out in their numbers to participate in their civic responsibility.
“We will also work to ensure a stable environment that will enable the people to participate in the elections.”
According to the Ohaneze boss, the idea behind the enlightenment programme was to enlighten the new excos to understand the expectations and the mandate of the organization.
“Ohaneze under my leadership is committed to ensuring that the functionaries are alive to their responsibilities, to be able to fulfill their mandate,” he noted.
While noting that the the apex Igbo organization has activated its organs for greater performance, especially at the community level, Okpalaezeukwu expressed optimism that the retreat would make positive impact in the workings of the group.
Former National Vice President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene said Ohanaeze must begin to carry itself as the leader of the Igbo nation,
He urged the leadership in the state to lead by example and to avoid controversial statements that could destabilize the organization but to follow its hierarchy to ensure unity of purpose.
“Ohaneze operates as a family and any internal crisis must be settled amicably. The success of the present Ohaneze Anambra leadership is solely dependent on your support,” he stressed.
Immediate past State President of the Organization, Chief Chukwuemekalum Udodeme enjoined the organization to focus on strengthening of the group at the grassroots.
“As is the policy of the organization, we must respect the government of the day and shun programmes capable of undermining the image of the group,” he said.
Also speaking, immediate past Chairman of the State Association of Town Union, ASATU, Barr Titus Akpudo maintained that the new Ohaneze leadership in Anambra State has emerged and the organization’s officials have a duty to rally support for it.
He called for unity among the organization’s ranks, advising against divisive tendencies that can destroy the growth and progress of the association.
The retreat provided the opportunity for the leaders of the group to ask questions and get clarifications on some grey areas of their offices.
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