By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
Countdown to next year's general elections, the newly elected Niger state chapter President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr. Orji Martin has declared that the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization under his leadership has its doors open for dialogue with interested political parties and their candidates as next year's general elections draws nearer.
"The first step is to create good atmosphere between all the Igbos and their host communities, create a good environment for us to coexist. Our direction will be based on whether they need you or not. If they need us, then we dialogue with them".
The new Ohaneze ndigbo leader in Niger state spoke to some journalists shortly after he and 20 others were inaugurated to pilot the affairs of the organization in the next couple of years.
Politicians’ interests must be for the entire populace and not for the fewer elites, Orji Martins said, adding that the focus of the new Ohanaeze executive would be mainly building bridges of understanding amongst not only the Igbo people but with their host communities during this political campaign year.
“The first step as we take off is to create a good atmosphere for all the Igbos and our host communities, create good environment for us to coexist. Our direction will be based on whether they need you or not. If they need us, then we dialogue with them, and we move forward".
Orji however emphatically declared that, “Our support is open when we see the people we are supporting. To know that their interests must be for the people and, not for the elites".
According to Orji Martin, "The interests of the politicians or aspirants for the various elective offices must be for the overall good of the common man”.
Orji who said he is not unaware of minor skirmishes amongst his kinsmen in Niger state also promised that part of the agenda or mission of the new executive is to strengthen unity among the Igbos, promote and protect their welfar and as well forster peaceful coexistence with respective host communities.
Acknowledging that, “Niger state has been home to many of us for decades. We must, therefore, continue to build bridges of cooperation, mutual respect, and understanding with the government and people of this great state”.
Also speaking, the founding President of the apex Igbo socio-cultural association, Chief Ezeugo Emmanuel recalled the numerous challenges faced while struggle to have a voice for the Igbo people in Niger state which led to years of legal tussle.
While the several incidents which made many misunderstood to be that he was not ready to relinquish power continued Chief Ezeigo told journalists that he is happy that truth prevailed over the lies and misconceptions about his person.
Ezeugo said he is also proud that his efforts and that of others saw that, “Ohanaeze structures was established across the 19 northern states and the FCT, Abuja and in all the local government areas of Niger state. We did also strengthen traditional authority and cultural identity for our people". NNL.
