Ohanaeze Disappoints Igbo PDP Stalwarts As Group Refuses To Endorse Jonathan

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines Sunday, November 9th, 2014

The apex Igbo socio cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo Sunday disappointed some prominent Igbo politicians in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who attended its Imeobi (caucus meeting), with expectation that the body will endorse president Goodluck Jonathan for a 2nd term in office in 2015.

Ohaneze, had during the Imeobi meeting, which is the highest decision making organ in the Igbo umbrella body, refused to deliberate on 2015, or endorsed Jonathan, as expected by the PDP chieftains present at the meeting.

Those canvassing for the Jonathan’s 2nd term endorsement from the Igbo umbrella body includes, two of the party’s Board of Trustee (BOT) member, Senator Hope Uzodinma, and Publisher of moribund Champion Newspapers, chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

But the PDP stalwarts were totally disappointed when president General of Ohaneze, Chief Gary Igariwe, in his remarks had reiterated the earlier position of the organization that it has not, and will not endorse any presidential aspirant.

He said for now, the organisation is still making consultations with all the relevant stakeholders, adding that at the appropriate time it would make position of Igbos public.

According to him, “Ohanaeze has not endorsed anybody and that is the truth, we are still consulting. Candidates have not even emerged from any political party after all” he stated.

Igariwe, said that he deliberately included Ndigbo and 2015 Presidential Election in the agenda of the meeting so as to attract prominent Igbos to the meeting.

On the insecurity challenges facing the Nigeria, Igariwe said there was need to look into the plight of Igbos in the areas captured in some parts of the North.

African Examiner recports that it was the same Iwuanyanwu, and some Igbo PDP politicians that stampeded Ohaneze to endorse president Jonathan during the last presidential election in 2011.

Senator Uzodinma, had in his remarks, insisted that Ohanaeze should not completely avoid partisan politics.

Our Correspondent reliably gathered that some PDP chieftains have been seriously mounting pressure on the leadership of Ohanaeze to endorse Jonathan for the 2015 Elections.

Former governor of Anambra state, and serving senator, Chris Ngige who also spoke at the meeting had advocated the insulation of OHANAEZE from partisan politics.

He recalled that Ohanaeze suffered in the past when a candidate is supported for the presidential election failed. He therefore, advised Imeobi members not to make a similar mistake.

Ngige insisted that since the body has Igbo sons in the various political parties, there was need for the apex igbo body to be insulated from partisan politics.

Also opposing the moves to endorse Jonathan, founder and National Chairman of the United Progressive Party, Chief Chekwas Okorie hailed the Ohaneze helmsman, for the matured way he handled the issue, adding that though, political parties and their candidates have rights to express their opinions, Ohanaeze should not do same.

Also present at the meeting were, ex- President General of Ohaneze, Dr. Dozie Ikedife, first republic parliamentarian and Minister, Chief Mbazuruike Amechi, among others.