Chinedum Elekwachi
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Anambra State Chapter has cautioned members against partisan politics ahead of November 8 governorship election in the state.
State President, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, gave the warning at a one-day enlightenment retreat and seminar meant to galvanize its various organs for greater efficiency.
The retreat was themed, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo as a mechanism to galvanize and uphold the core values of the Igbo race/nation with special reference to Anambra State.”
Okpalezeukwu said Ohaneze Ndigbo is a non-partisan organization established to champion political welfare, development and promotion of Ndigbo as a nation in Nigeria.
“This is an election year and we are urging our excos not to tilt to any political party. We should champion the Igbo interests.
“We should look at manifestoes of the candidates, the individuals and personalities that will serve the Igbo interest, not along political or religious lines.
“Also have a duty to ensure that there is no voter apathy and that the people come out in their numbers to carry out their civic responsibility.
“In addition, we will ensure a stable environment to enable the people to participate in the elections.”
Speaking on the retreat, Okpalezeukwu explained that the enlightenment programme was to enable the new exco appreciate the group’s mandate and expectations.
He reassured the organization’s commitment under his leadership to ensuring that its organs were alive to their responsibilities, to be able to fulfill their mandate.
“Ohanaeze in Anambra has activated its organs especially at the community level for greater performance.
“We’re hopeful that the retreat will make positive impact in its operations,” he added.
Former National Vice President, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, charged the apex Igbo organization to carry itself as the leader of the Igbo nation.
“Ohaneze leadership must begin to carry itself as the leader of the Igbo nation. We must lead by example,” he said.
The immediate past President-General, Anambra State Association of Town Union, (ASATU), Barr Titus Akpudo called for support for the new leadership which emerged recently.
