ABUJA, Federal Republic of Nigeria. Following overwhelming votes cast by the South East zone for ousted President Goodluck Jonathan in the last general elections, the Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, a Pan-Igbo group, has said the region has no regrets for not voting in favour of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The group said the voting pattern in the last elections, which appears tilted towards the Southern region as opposed to the northern candidate, was a demonstration of the will of Ndigbo to speak in one voice.
Speaking yesterday in Abuja at a press conference to kick-start the 2015 Igbo Day celebration, President of the group, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mazi Odozi Elijah Nwodozi, stated that the voting trend might also have put to rest, insinuations that Igbos lack unity of purpose, adding that the people voted their conscience rather than for pecuniary gains.
“In the 2015 elections, Ndigbos made a clear choice; it was decisive. We made the best choice, as known to us. So, we have no regrets — whether, or not, we are being punished for that choice. We are in a democracy. The president is the president of all, irrespective of how any region voted.
“This simply shows character, that if an Igbo man decides to support you, he does so no matter the consequence. That shows we are unwaivered,” he said.
According to him, the region realises that the government of the day is undermining Ndigbos by virtue of appointments so far made, but said the region remains unperturbed.
“Ndigbo are strong people. We are like a phoenix; we always rise from our ashes. We cannot be broken as a people. We will surely get to the promised land,” he added.
While saying that September 28 and 29 have been earmarked for the celebration of the Igbo Day in Abuja, Nwodozi added that the voting pattern in the 2015 general election had many implications.
“Ndigbo, without doubt, made a bold statement through the ballot box on March 28, 2015.We achieved three major milestones, namely, a true reconciliation with our brothers in the old eastern region — an exhibition of the readiness of Ndigbos to allow minority ethnic group play active roles in the leadership of the nation. It was also a major achievement in that it showed unity of purpose. And the voting pattern also debunked the age long insinuation that Igbos have no unified voice,” Nwodozi said.
In his remark, Vice President of the Pan-Igbo group, Chief Anayo Arinze, also stated that the Igbos were prepared to work with anyone who would cater for the needs of the region, but said mutual respect must first be established. He added that Igbos are law-abiding, industrious, and peaceful people who seek justice and equity in all facets of deliverable amenities in the country.
Meanwhile, the World Igbo Day, the group re-iterated, would be celebrated in Abuja. It would be attended by notable Igbo leaders from all walks of life in and outside the shores of the country, said the group.
Credit: Guardian (Nigeria)
