* Deplored Alleged Irregularities In The Poll
By Valentine Nnamani (Bureau Chief South East)
IZUNWANNE, a group of Editors and senior journalists of the Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria origin, has called for unity, peace and reconciliation of all aggrieved interests following the conclusion of the Ohaneze elections last Sunday in Owerri, the Imo state capital.
The group said it was necessary to heal the wounds in the interest of unity of purpose and the need to get all hands on deck to bring peace among the Igbos of the southeast zone. It also said that Izunwanne has "followed with keen interest the contending developments leading to the election", which was the reason for its call for amity among the Igbos and also within the Ohaneze body.
In a post-election statement by the Chairman, Sir Abuchi Anueyiagu, and the Secretary, Elder Ngwuoke Ngwuoke, IZUNWANNE expressed strong worries that what ordinarily should have been a seamless game of brothers was unnecessarily let to turn to dangerous rivalry, divisions, bitterness and rancor by people obviously driven by inordinate selfish political motives and gains.
The group pointed out that "We feel deeply concerned about the turn of events and wish that it never happened because of the primus position of OHANEZE among Ndi Igbo".
According to Izunwanne, Ohaneze is supposed to be a non-partisan and non-political but a socio-cultural umbrella body galvanizing Ndi Igbo together, with an eminent pride of place among similar groups in the world," but it regretted that "unfortunately, politicians try to meddle in its internal affairs for their selfish motives, which is unfortunate, condemnable and should not continue".
Izunwanne however notes that the position of Ohaneze on burning issues in Nigeria was very important, especially when Ndi Igbo were in search of credible leaders now.
"In recent times Ndi Igbo have suffered a lot of marginalization in the national scheme of things, insecurity, banditry and all manner of things and cannot compound their situation by having avoidable bickering among themselves over nothing when they ought to be strengthening their unity and common purpose", IZUNWANNE stated.
The Igbo Senior Journalists group stated that the alleged cases of irregularities, such as the imposition of candidates, manipulation, and hijack of the election by politicians and other extraneous bodies with unbridled intentions, which resulted in having of factions and parallel elections, withdrawal of candidates, etc, were clear indications that all was not well with the Ohaneze.
However, with the election over and winners declared by the electoral committee, IZUNWANNE called on all the warring parties to sheath their swords and return under one umbrella for the sake of Ndi Igbo in general.
"As we congratulate the winners, we urge them to demonstrate love for one another, a large heart and extend a good hand of fellowship to the aggrieved by immediately commencing the process of healing of wounds, fence-mending and having of true reconciliation with all aggrieved parties and return Ohaneze to the right and honorable path.
This, Izunwanne said, can be achieved by offering the desired responsible, quality, focused and exemplary leadership to position the body as a model socio-cultural umbrella organization worthy of its mission and vision", IZUNWANNE declared. NNL.