By Jude Michael
The Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ichie Damian Okeke-Ogene, says the people of Imo State will produce or nominate the next President of the Apex Igbo Socio-Cultural Organization, adding that they are to serve out their tenure following the death of the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who died at the age of 82.
Addressing newsmen in Awka, Chief Okeke-Ogene thanked all Nigerians, including various socio-cultural organizations in the country, for their support, collaboration and encouragement throughout the preparation and burial of the late Ohaneze Ndigbo President.
‘We appreciate the well-deserved honour and respect accorded to him in recognition of remarkable and enduring legacies in nation building and human capital development.
‘There is no doubt that his death created a very vast vacuum but I can assure you that Ohaneze Ndigbo, as an Institution of repute, remains intact as one indivisible entity with no leadership crisis.
The leadership structure and processes of being elected into any position in all arms and organs of the Ohaneze Ndigbo are clearly specified in the Ohaneze Ndigbo Constitution.
‘All leadership positions in every wing and organ of the Ohaneze Ndigbo are zoned to states, not individuals. Presently, the position of the President is zoned to the state (Imo) because the late Chief Iwuanyanwu did not complete his tenure. We are waiting for the Imo State Chapter of the Ohaneze Ndigbo to elect or appoint a replacement for the Ime-Obi, which is the highest decision-making body of the socio-cultural group, to consider and possibly approve the completion of Imo State.
‘I want to use this opportunity to appeal to all organs of the Ohaneze Ndigbo and other stakeholders to remain calm and allow the Ime-Obi to handle the situation peacefully, according to the Constitution of the Ohaneze Ndigbo.
‘I equally want to use this opportunity to urge the Federal Government to take more proactive measures towards the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The present lip service on the issues is seriously impeding security of life and property in the entire Southeast Region. Effective security and stability are necessary for socio-economic growth and development.
‘I want to urge the Southeast Governors to synergize and collaborate more in putting in effective security apparatus that will enhance efficiency and sustainability in crime fighting. Once again, we assure you that Ohaneze Ndigbo is not relenting in protecting and promoting the collective interest of Ndigbo,’ Chief Damian Okeke Ogene said.
When quizzed about Finland Based Simon Ekpa, the immediate past Ohaneze Ndigbo Chairman, Anambra State Chapter and the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), said they knew nothing about Ekpa, even as he strongly condemned his modus operandi, especially in fueling insecurity and senseless killings of Igbo people in Southeastern Nigeria.
