The Igbo people of Delta State also known as Ndi Anioma has reiterated commitment to produce the next President of Ohaneze Ndigbo , Lagos State Chapter.
The Anioma Indigenes of Lagos also expressed interest to ensure that any leader that would emerge in the forthcoming elections later in the year must be passionate ,humble; with strong believe in values and culture of Ohaneze Ndigbo home and abroad.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday in Lagos ,former Vice President General of Ohaneze, Chief Sylvanus Ebigwei MON, noted that over the years, religiously,humbly and honestly, the Anioma clan have served at the apex body of the socio cultural leadership pointing out that a good followers would turn out to become a good leader as at when due .
Dr. Ebigwei said the Delta Igbos have contributed immensely to the growth and development of Ohaneze over the years , but added that the minority group of Ohaneze has not been able to lead the Lagos Branch.
According to him, equity and fairness is the key word because of the zoning system that have abolished shenanigans and rancour in election processes, even as he seek for rotational presidency based on zoning system for the office of president, Lagos Chapter or a fiat order .
He said’: “To this end, it is our humble proposition that Lagos chapter bylaws be amended including the rotational presidency based on zoning systems for the office of the president, Lagos Chapter. Or a fiat order for your office (President General) should be issued to save Ohaneze Lagos chapter now.
“The upcoming national politics is the reason for all these do or die actions . For us Anioma it’s an issue of justice and fairness.
While listing some of the states that are yet to grab the top spot as recognised by the constitution in Lagos, he noted that Delta, Enugu and Rivers are the only states that are yet to ascend the number one position due to its alphabetical order.
The elder states man who expressed confident on the emergence of Apostle Patrick Nwaneze as part of the electioneering process would be based on pure democracy and not imposition of candidates on anybody.
He said imposition of leaders by any group should be seen as despotic style which must not be encouraged by anyone.
While endorsing the candidate suitable for the presidential post, he said three candidates have emerged for the top position but maintained that Apostle Patrick Nwaneze is passionate with the right qualities of leadership .
“Don’t assume leadership, it is your people that will come out to say that you are a leader.”Dr. Ebigwei noted.
On her part, Publicity Secretary, Ohaneze Lagos State chapel, Mrs. Evelyn Onyung , who also endorsed Apostle Nwanze, stressed the need for rotational presidency adding that three states, namely, Delta, Enugu and Rivers are yet to produce the next president of the branch.
She commended leaders of the Ohaneze Ndigbo for the efforts put in place to ensure peace and tranquility in the socio cultural group.
” I am standing in support for Apostle Patrick Nwanze and the reason is this; in fighting for an opportunity for oneness, working together from different state.
“We are looking at character, educational background of the individual that will emerge and we are going to change the narratives this time around because this time we need the spirit of oneness of those that will take the right decision for our people.
“Nwanze is intelligent, humble, innovative, a consultant to different companies, insightful and this time the Ohaneze campaign will be different.
Anioma Indigenes will pick out someone and I know Patrick Nwanze will come out successful and he will give us the desired results.
” I want to make it categorically clear that am backing Patrick Nwanze and his team because we don’t want strange birds with same fellows, they must work together for progress.” Onyung noted.
By Roland Ekama
