On February 6, 2015, the endorsement of the incumbent President and the PDP presidential candidate, Dr Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, by Ohanaeze Ndigbo, was published in five or more national newspapers. Entitled: Presidential Election, 2015 – The Stand of Ndigbo, the endorsement echoed the powerful sentiments of Ndigbo by stating:
As a people, we believe in the principles of fairness, equity and justice. These are the essential ingredients for peace and stability without which our country cannot advance or survive as a united entity. It is our belief that peace is important for the security and wellbeing of our people, particularly as they are dispersed in all the nooks and crannies of this republic. Given the peculiar nature of our experience and history as a people, it is quite clear that our interests are better served and protected when we act and speak with one voice.
In my capacity as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, this compelling statement as well as the entire fundamental basis for the endorsement carries my unconditional affirmation.
It is in that connection therefore, that I must deplore and dismiss as pointless distractions the efforts of a few misguided Igbo citizens who have sought to elevate their personal political preferences and pecuniary ambitions over and above the collective will of a united people propelled by a community of aspirations and hopes.
As the President-General of Ohanaeze, I am thoroughly versed in the constitution of the body and in the dynamic rules and regulations that guide and underpin its day-to-day operations. I also have complete knowledge and full understanding of the composition of the Ohanaeze Elders Council and the rare circumstances that might throw up a Caretaker Committee scenario.
It is important to highlight this point because Chief Ralph Obioha and one Dr Zed Chukwujama are parading themselves as chairman and secretary, respectively, of Ohanaeze Caretaker Committee. No such Committee is in existence and their statements are not only baseless and mischievous but are ultimately inconsequential because Ndigbo have spoken loudly and with a united voice.
Chief Mbazuluike Amaechi who parades himself as the chairman of Ohanaeze Elders Council knows full well that he is a mere usurper and an interloper who by the stipulations of the Ohanaeze Constitution does not even qualify to be a member of the Ohanaeze Elders Council . I remain the Chairman of Ohanaeze Elders Council by virtue of my constitutional position as the elected President-General.
On Monday the 2nd of February, 2015, the General Assembly of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which includes the Council of Traditional Rulers and key Imeobi members, as well as the Ezes and the masses, met at its National Secretariat in Enugu and unanimously took the decision to endorse President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for re-election in 2015 for a second-term in office.
The full statement of that endorsement was published in at least five national newspapers on February 6, 2015. I therefore do not need to rehearse the points canvassed therein. My present purpose is to affirm it as the authentic and united voice of Ndigbo and to make clear that the meeting was attended by almost a full complement of Igbo leaders and elders, including:
- The Chairman of South-East Council of Traditional Rulers;
- The State Chairmen of State Chapters of the Council of Traditional Rulers from the Southeastern States and the representatives of the Asagba of Asaba as well as Rivers State;
- Leaders of all major Igbo Organisations both from within and the diaspora;
- Leaders of Ohanaeze State Chapters from the 36 States and the FCT;
- Igbo traditional leaders across Nigeria;
- All the key Imeobi members.
I shall remain resolute and focused in the discharge of the great responsibilities of my office as the President-General of Ohanaeze. Therefore, by endorsing Dr Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan for a second-term in office, Ndigbo have consequently mandated me to lend action to their decision. This is precisely the duty to which I will dedicate myself over the next days and weeks to ensure it is carried out in a successful manner for the particular interests of our great people and the general interests of Nigerians.Long live Ohanaeze Ndigbo!
Chief Gary N. Enwo-Igariwey President-General
Signed: Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria! (Credit: AfricanWorldForum).