In its group election set for 2025, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a pan-Igbo socio-political organization, made hints about zoning the President-General post to Rivers State.
In order to improve service delivery, the Igbo group at the top also emphasized that democracy must be adopted by the populace in place of meritocracy.
The group said in a press release released on Monday in honor of the Easter Igbo retreat in 2024, known as the “Asaba Declaration,” that the event’s goal was to refute false beliefs and stereotypes about the Igbo people that the world, particularly Nigerians, hold. The retreat took place in Asaba, Delta State, on March 24 and 25, 2024.
In a statement, Chief Chidi Ibeh, Prof. Chukwuemeka Ananamba, Prof. Nwokojie Ambrose, Prof. Thomas Ella, Secretary-General Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Chief Chidi Ibeh all stated that the retreat gave them the opportunity to rethink who they are as progressive Nigerians looking for a just and equitable environment in which they can meaningfully contribute to the greatness of their country.
It read, “We reiterate our commitment to upholding the 2004 Ohanaeze Ndigbo constitution and calling for free and fair elections in 2025. The zoning of the President’s General position to Rivers State is non-negotiable and must be respected.
“Therefore, in commitment to that duty, we owe Ohanaeze great people from Rivers like Senator Francis Ellah, Eze C.C Nwuche, and Chief Emma Aguma. We hereby announce the countdown to the January 2025 Ohanaeze elections, which shall produce a President-General from Rivers State.
“As such, we urge Rivers State presidential hopefuls to commence consultations for the upcoming elections.”
The statement added, “Despite facing unjust brutality, humiliation, and ostracism after the civil war in 1970, the industrious spirit, vibrant energy, and entrepreneurial acumen of the Igbo have driven us to resurgence as a tribe.
“We have reclaimed our position as a leading light in Africa, particularly Nigeria, surmounting challenges and defying the negative labels imposed by past military leaders.”
Reaffirming its identity and vision, Ohanaeze said, “We aim to replicate the economic success of Dr Michael Okpara’s era when the Eastern Region was known for its rapid growth in the 1960s.
“We are committed to self-help, communal efforts, and sustainable economic projects to propel the Igbo community forward.”
The statement mentioned that one of the resolutions of the Asaba declaration was the development of a “Think Home Philosophy,” which honors the work of people like Prof. Bath Nnaji and the current and former governors of Abia State for leading projects like the Enyimba City power plant in Aba.
It further read, “We call on Igbo and non-Igbo governors to collaborate with Prof Bath Nnaji to replicate such projects across Igbo-speaking states and Nigeria as a whole. Furthermore, we urge Igbo businesses to consider relocating their headquarters back to the homeland to facilitate growth and development.”
Ohanaeze claims that another benefit of the retreat was the emphasis placed on issues related to the development of the regional economy and infrastructure, as well as the accomplishments of the Bola Tinubu administration, Igbo security, state police, and discussions regarding the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra’s freedom.
“We appreciate the Federal Government’s progress on various projects in the South-East, such as the completion of the Onitsha Dry Seaport and the ongoing construction of the Second Niger Bridge.
“We encourage the utilisation of the Onne Seaport for economic activities and advocate for regional railway connectivity to enhance trade and reduce costs.
“We also commend and urge the governors of the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones to collaborate for common large-scale infrastructural projects like monorails,” the statement added.
