Group calls for caution in choice of new Ohanaeze president general

An Igbo group, Njiko Igbo Forum (NIF), yesterday, called for caution in the choice of an acting president general for Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who would serve out the tenure of the late President General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Prof. George Obiozor.

Obiozor, who was elected in 2020 to serve the turn of Imo State, died last Wednesday from undisclosed illness.

NIF’s advice followed reported moves to announce Obiozor’s replacement by Imo State Government.

In advising against any hurried decision on the successor of the late Ohanaeze leader, NIF, in a statement, yesterday, by its National President, Rev. Okechukwu Obioha, warned proprietors of the idea to avoid it until there is properly constituted meeting of Ohanaeze.

The statement reads: “ NIF, an affiliate body of Ohanaeze, after extensive consultations with other prominent Igbo leaders, including past Ohanaeze National Executive Council (NEC) members, strongly advise that the alignment, agreement and adoption of the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for 2023 presidential election by the Ohanaeze, led by late Obiozor, Afenifere, led by Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by Pa Edwin Clark, and the President of Middle Belt Forum, led by Bitrus Pogus, must be sustained and not compromised by anybody or means.

“While we reflect on the death of Obiozor, we advise that caution and restraint should be exercised by the Secretary General, NEC of Ohanaeze and the five governors of the South East states, in announcing a replacement until a properly consulted and constituted Imeobi of Ohanaeze.”

The statement urged Ndigbo, particularly those living in Nigeria, and, mostly, in South East, to ensure they collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and be ready to vote in the 2023 General elections, saying the exercise would provide a litmus test for continued unity of the country.