Southeast Governors Shun Enugu’s 2013 Igbo day Celebration

Posted by African Examiner Enugu, Featured, Ignatius Okpara Sunday, September 29th, 2013

Ignatius Okpara, Enugu

Governors of the five states of south- east geo political zone of Nigeria and other political leaders in the region on Sunday shunned the 2013 Igbo day celebration held in Enugu.

The annual event, which is the brainchild of the apex Igbo socio cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo, was initiated by the body many years ago, with a view to uniting the entire Igbo nation.

But for millions of Igbo sons and daughters scattered across the globe, the essence of setting up the Igbo umbrella body has since been defeated, as its leaders have failed to live up to expectation.

However, this years celebration with the theme: Ojemba chetakwa Ala Igbo, meaning “Traveller, always remember Igbo land” suffered a major set back as governors of the five states of Abia, Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu shunned the event.

Aside the governors, members of the National and state Assemblies as well as other leaders from Igbo land were no where to be found at the Michael Okpara square, venue for the celebration.

Apart from minister of power, professor Chinedu Nebo, who claimed to be representing president Goodluck Jonathan, and Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu state who was represented by his commissioner for culture and Tourism, Joe Mmamel, non of the four south east governors were represented at the occasion.

Rather than attending the Igbo day celebration, governors of the zone resolve to participate in a meeting of south- east and south- south governors which took place at the Enugu state government house same Sunday.

In his speech at the event, former minister of Aviation in the first Republic, Hon. Mbazulike Amaechi, had lashed out at Igbo political leaders on their non-challant attitude towards issues concerning Igbos.

He regretted that Igbo leaders failed to attend the important gathering, saying Igbo land may continue to experience political marginalisation until the people resolve to come together and work in one accord in the interest of the Igbo nation.

President Jonathan, who spoke through the power minister, had in his remarks, thanked the Igbo nation for its support to his administration since inception, appealing to the people to continue with such cooperation.

In his brief remarks, president- General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, chief Gary Enwo Igariwey, stressed the need for the Igbos to always be their brothers keeper.

He however, used the forum to announce Ohaneaze’s endorsement of president Jonathan for a second term in office.

Igariewey, said no Igbo man would indicate interest for the presidential office, until president Jonathan completes his tenure in office.