“Biafra Struggle is My Struggle” – Newly Elected Ohaneze President, Nwodo
THE President General of the apex Igbo social-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, John Nwodo, has said the pro-Biafra agitators, Indigenous People of Biafra,IPOB and MASSOB, by virtue of his position, are his children, and for this reason, if need be, he might even die for Ndigbo.
He said: “As President General of Ohanaeze, I intend to extend my warm hand of paternity to IPOB and MASSOB. They are my children. I shall never desert them. Their struggle is my struggle even if we do not completely agree with their methods.” Nwodo stated this at a press conference held at Ohanaeze National Secretariat, Enugu. He said that in warfare, there are two types of approaches, coercion and diplomacy but that he would toe the path of diplomacy to achieve their objective. He acknowledged that the Igbo people are marginalised in Nigeria in various ramifications but stated that since Buhari has extended his hands of fellowship to the Ohanaeze leadership, he would meet with him to discuss cause. Nwodo, however, said that Ndigbo should not lament their woes but think home like the Jews in order to survive at all odds.
“My people, the time for lamentation is over. Our continued cry of marginalisation has become stale. No one is listening to us anymore,” Nwodo noted and said that Ndigbo should be more resourceful and invest in Igboland for them to prosper in the face of neglect. Adopts Igbo Editors In another development, the apex Igbo organisation is set to amend its constitution to make room for the formation of youths and women wings of the organisation, the President General said.
According to Nwodo, Ohanaeze had made it compulsory for governors of Igbo states to attend the Ime Obi (inner caucus) meetings of Ohanaeze to ensure that Igbo people speak with one voice on issues affecting them in the country. “When the Yoruba meet, they do so with their governors and former governors and other leaders. All Igbo Editors of national newspapers are also to become automatic members of Ime Obi of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.” According to him, “There is no reason why we cannot recognise our editors, who have been found worthy to edit national newspapers in this country.
We have to accord them their due respect.” Group urges support for new leadership Meantime, the South-East Revival Group, SERG, has called on all Igbo leaders to support the new leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, urging those in court to withdraw their matter and embrace the Chief Nwodo leadership in the interest of unity of purpose.
SERG spoke while reacting to the inaugural speech of the new president who extended a hand of fellowship to all Igbo sons and daughters to join his inclusive leadership. Their reaction was contained in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Chief Willy Ezugwu, which also warned saboteurs that the era of using Ohanaeze as a meal ticket is over for good.
