‘We are cheated and marginalized as one section of the Igbo nation’

The Ebonyi government and the state’s traditional rulers council on Monday, endorsed Chief Nnia Nwodo for the post of National president of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo socio-cultural organisation. The state branch of the organisation among other groups, endorsed Nwodo for the position in the election slated for Tuesday, Jan.10 (FILES)- A March 2, 2012 file photo shows an Ohafia cultural troupe entertaining bystanders during the burial of Nigeria’s secessionist leader Odumegwu Ojukwu at his native Nnewi country home, in Anambra State eastern Nigeria. Odumegwu Ojukwu, who
championed the campaign for an independent Republic of Biafra in eastern Nigeria in the 1960s culminating in a 30-month civil war which left more than a million dead was buried at his Nnewi family home in Anambra State. Its name is synonomous with the declaration of independence and updates on the brutal conflict that followed, but nearly 50 years after Nigeria’s civil war, Radio Biafra is again making headlines. AFP PHOTO The motion for endorsement of Nwodo, a former Minister for Information and National Orientation was moved by the Ebonyi Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Augustine Nwankwagu and seconded by the state’s Traditional Rulers Council Chairman, HRH Eze Charles Mkpuma. The endorsement was made during Nwodo’s visit to Gov. David Umahi as he was accompanied by his elder brother and former Governor of the old Enugu, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo among other stakeholders from Enugu. Umahi described Nwodo as God-send who would wipe tears from the eyes of the Ibos. “You have the wisdom of Solomon that is needed to lead us as we should always talk of unity of the Ibo race. “We are cheated and marginalized as one section of the Igbo nation”, he said. Umahi noted that traditional rulers in Ebonyi suffered neglect in the past with their monthly allowances amounting to N40, 000. “My administration has however increased this allowance to N100, 000 as we are determined to provide vehicles to them. “We have given 21 of them brand-new made in Nigeria jeeps and would give the remaining 61 such vehicles by the end of February,” he said. Nwodo in his remark, explained that the Igbo nation was divided and pledged to unite it for its overall upliftment. “I want to give Ohaneze–Ndigbo the desired unity and when the Igbos unite, our potentials would be effectively harnessed. “We would also power any form of industrialization as I will speak for my people and represent them effectively. “The Ebonyi governor has demonstrated in strong terms his disposition to peace and implacable ability to manage resources,” he said. Mr Alex Okimiri, an indigene of Ebonyi and aspirant for the National Publicity secretary position, assured that he will work towards the sustenance of Ibo culture. “I will also ensure the rejuvenation of economic trade and overall growth and development in the area,” he said.