As President Bola Tinubu prepares for his state visit to Enugu on Saturday, 4th January 2024, the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has made one key demand of the Commander-in-Chief.
Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, urged the President to facilitate the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, asserting that such an action would ensure “Tinubu’s name is inscribed in gold in the hearts of Ndigbo and all well-meaning Nigerians.”
In a statement issued by Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the organisation expressed “immense delight” at the federal government’s gradual positive shift towards the Igbo community. It stressed that “Ohanaeze firmly believes that national peace, unity, patriotism, and sustainable economic development stem from equitable treatment and social justice. No society can thrive in the face of significant existential threats, such as orchestrated marginalisation, relative deprivation, and external instigation of insecurity, conflicts, and crises.”
Nze Chukwu further noted that the President is already reshaping the narrative through initiatives such as the inauguration of the South East Economic Commission, the appointment of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla as Chief of Naval Staff, and Senator David Umahi as Minister for Works, as well as the inclusion of notable Igbo figures in various federal boards and parastatals.
He also took the opportunity to commend His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Governor of Enugu State, for his transformative, innovative, and extensive infrastructure projects, including the Enugu International Conference Centre, Enugu Smart Schools in all electoral wards, improved hospitals, the revitalisation of Hotel Presidential Enugu, Flour Mills, Nigergas, and the construction and rehabilitation of numerous roads across the state, all achieved in a short period.
“We also extend our gratitude to His Excellency, Senator Hope Odidika Uzodimma, CON, Chairman of the South East Governors Forum and the All Progressives Governors Forum, for the life-saving installation of Night Landing Equipment at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri.”
“Finally, we wish President Tinubu a safe, joyous, and fruitful visit as he enjoys the warm hospitality of the Igbo people in Enugu State.”
