Controversy As Obiozor Emerges New Igbo Leader

Former Nigeria ambassador to the United States, Prof. George Obiozor is set to become the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo following the consensus of stakeholders from Imo State.

The stakeholders led by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and including Governor Hope Uzodinma chose Obiozor over several other aspirants from the state at a meeting in Government House, Owerri on Monday night.

The office is zoned to Imo State according to the rotational principle of Ohanaeze.

However, the process that led to Obiozor’s emergence has been dogged with controversy with a number of stakeholders alleging that the process was skewed to project Obiozor.

The incumbent, Chief Nina Nwodo is expected to step down in early January.

Those who indicated interest in the office besides Obiozor included former governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim; former presidents of Igbo Think-Tank group, Aka-Ikenga, Chiefs Chris Asoluka, and Goddy Uwazurike; former Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, Dr. Joe Nwaogu

Others who also showed interest were former Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University, Professor Ukachukwu Aloysius Awuzie; Professor of Law, and former Dean, Faculty of Law, Imo State University, Dr. Nnaemeka Onyeka Obiaraeri.

Speaking to newsmen on the consensus choice on Obiozor,  Iwuanyanwu said:

“So many prepared for the position; we didn’t want to be put in an awkward position, so we organised ourselves.

“That is why over 200 Igbo leaders, cutting across political parties, came together to arrive at one consensus candidate.” Governor Uzodinma who hosted the meeting on his part said:

“Igbo is beginning to be aggrieved, but we can speak with one voice.

“I thank you for speaking with one voice; every generation has its own challenges and Ndigbo must navigate with the wisdom of Solomon.

“To achieve this we must be diplomatic and accommodating. A point can be achieved without firing a shot in the air.

“The Yoruba did it without war; they did it with diplomacy. Igbo will not go to war, but will pursue it with diplomacy.”

“The decision of the Imo State chapter of Ohanaeze to present the consensus candidate of this organisation is very laudable.

“I was taken unawares by their actions. I had no choice but to follow their part.

“By the constitution, it’s the turn of Imo State to produce the President-General. The choice of Professor Obiozor is welcomed as he is eminently qualified by his wealth of experience.

“His adoption is coming at a critical time in the history of Ndigbo in Nigeria. He would seek justice for Ndigbo not by confrontation but by persuasion. Our tomorrow is still bright.”

However, not all were sharing the same perspective as they felt that it was a move by the governors to take control of Ohanaeze.

Among the issues being raised is the claim that Ohanaeze’s constitution requires that at three nominees must be presented for validation by Ime Obi council of Ohanaeze.

The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) in disagreeing said that it was not the tradition for a few stakeholders to choose the leaders of Ohanaeze.

National President of OYC, Igboayaka O. Igboayaka thus warned the outgoing leadership not to take the people for granted in railroading its choice as the next leadership.

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