Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has stressed the need for a strong and united front by Ndigbo, urging all to put the Igbo interest above narrow interests and partisan politics.
Mbah noted that the socio-political circumstances that gave birth to the pan-Igbo body remained relevant in present-day Nigeria as they were in the 1970s.
He extolled the leadership pedigrees of Igbo leaders such as Dr. Michael Okpara, whom he said demonstrated how so much could be achieved when patriotism, altruism, and sense of brotherhood are at the core of leadership.
The governor made the call during the election of new national leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Enugu on Friday,
“We may be gathered here for the crucial task of electing members into the National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, but this epic event yet offers a room for introspection, regarding the noble vision that inspired our forebears towards its founding.
“The ties that bind us run deep and transcend geographical boundaries, for we are bound by a common history and cultural heritage. Our forebears clearly understood this. They understood, as well, that unity is a formidable force.
“From the Igbo Federal Union to the Igbo State Union and the Igbo Forum that would later become Ohanaeze Ndigbo in 1979, the motivation had always been the desire to forge unity and deep brotherhood amongst the Igbo.
“For them, the collective interest was all that mattered; not narrow interest shaped by party affiliation and boundary lines.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo represents the soul of our people, and is firmly anchored on the conviction that we are stronger together. That soul of the people is our unifying force.
“The socio-political circumstances that gave birth to Ohanaeze Ndigbo are as relevant today as they were in the 1970s. So, we’d never needed this group more than we do today.
“Our founders and forebears were great men and women ahead of their time. They left for us a glimpse of how much that can be achieved when fostering brotherhood is the defining essence of leadership.
“The Premiers of the old Eastern Region, who governed from here, left indelible imprints visible in Enugu as much as in towns like Port Harcourt, Abakaliki, Owerri, Aba, Onitsha, Umuahia, etc.
“That is the definition of statesmanship. Our forebears were statesmen, who appreciated the expediency of rising above partisan politics when the call of unity beckoned.
We will certainly achieve far more when we fully embrace the value of speaking as a collective voice – not as lone, discordant voices,” he stated.
Reiterating the place of unity in achieving the Igbo collective interest, Mbah added, “One of the simplest – but most profound – lessons that best convey the importance of unity is the quiver of arrows metaphor. A single arrow can be broken with much ease. But a stack of arrows stays firm even under an intense squeeze.
“The summary is that failing to unite leaves us prone as a single arrow. Standing as a unit imbues us with the resilience of the entire stack. Let us be like a stack of arrows.
“It is in our collective interest to work towards that goal – not by mere wish but through our actions.”
Meanwhile, at the peaceful election, a lawyer and former lawmaker representing Rivers East Senatorial District, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, emerged the new President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, while a former deputy governor of Anambra State, Chief Emeka Sibeudu, was elected as the new Secretary-General.
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