By Damian Duruiheoma, Owerri
Leaders of some pan-Igbo groups have hailed elder statesman and business mogul, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu for rallying support from eminent Igbo leaders in the emergence of the newly elected President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, George Obiozor.
The groups also commended southeast governors for leading by example by being united in the Ohanaeze Ndigbo election last Sunday.
Speaking in separate interviews with The Nation, the president-general of an umbrella body of all the youth organizations in the southeast geopolitical zone, Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), Hon. Goodluck Ibem, and director-general of Concerned Imo Stakeholders Forum Worldwide, Comrade Edede Franklyn, lauded Iwuanyanwu for acting as a true Igbo statesman by ensuring that primordial sentiments did not deny Ndigbo the quality of leadership Prof. Obiozor would offer them through Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
According to Ibem, “We, in the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders are happy that at this stage in the life of Ndigbo in Nigeria, people like Chief Iwuanyanwu did not abandon their people. He stood firm to ensure that Ndigbo will chart a new way forward. We’re happy he led personalities, irrespective of their political leanings, made up of religious leaders, traditional rulers and other groups, to ensure that Obiozor, who possessed intimidating credentials, emerged victorious in that election on Sunday.
READ ALSO: Ohanaeze youths to Obiozor: extend olive branch to opponents
“We want to also appreciate our governors and ministers for being on one page for the first time over the affairs of Ndigbo. If they continue like this, there’s nothing Ndigbo cannot achieve politically,” Ibem said.
He added that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo election was proof that Ndigbo had many more victories ahead.
According to the director-general of Concerned Imo Stakeholders Forum, Edede Franklyn, the election was a test of the Igbo’s strength ahead of future outings especially as it concerns 2023 elections in Nigeria.
The Igbo, he stated, needed direction from such an experienced diplomat like Obiozor as a leader going into 2023
The outcome of the election, he added, had proven that Ndigbo remained strong, united and had leaders who continuously think for the future of their people.
“The seat of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo president general is not like that of a political party or youth organization. It’s a fraternity that the highest masquerade should be allowed to dance it. So, I commend Igbo leaders and all who made the choice of Obiozor possible,” Edede said.
Leave a Reply