Ignore call to boycott 2019 elections, IWA tells Ndigbo

Ahead of 2019 Nigerian general elections, the umbrella body of Igbo organizations globally, Igbo World Assembly, IWA, has urged the Igbo extractions to ignore call from quarter to boycott the presidential elections.

While lamenting what the group described as discord orchestrated by the enemies of Ndiigbo both internally and externally, the diaspora group in a world press conference yesterday jointly addressed by Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze, Chairman, IWA, Christian Onuorah, IWA, Vice Chairman and Oliver Nwankwor, Secretary General insisted that Igbos should come out to participate in the democratic election without fear or favour.

“supports Ohanaeze Ndiigbo as it works very closely with other socio-cultural groups across Nigeria including Afenifere, Northern Elders Forum, Pan-Niger Delta Forum and the Middle Belt Forum in endorsing the People’s Democratic Party presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi for the 2019 Presidential elections.

“IWA supports decisions taken by Ohanaeze Ndiigbo in the pursuit of Igbo interest and not political interest. The decisions may not be acceptable to some individuals, groups, State Governments, etc. for their selfish politics”, the group noted.

Rejecting any attempt to suggest that Ohanaeze Ndiigbo is divided, IWA said, ” Far from it. Ohanaeze Ndiigbo is intact under the leadership of our able President General, Bar Nnia Nwodo.

“IWArecognizes Ohanaeze Ndiigbo led by President General, Bar Nnia Nwodo as the mouthpiece of Ndiigbo worldwide.

“Therefore, any group or State governments or individuals who claim to represent or speak for Ndiigbo does so for their selfish interest and should be condemned”.

For IWA, Ohanaeze Ndiigbo has not for once deviated from condemning any government both past and present that doesn’t have Igbo interest especially marginalization.

The group said that Ohanaeze Igbo has been pursuing Igbo agenda in many issues including, restructuring of the Country, Federal Character appointments which have not been reflected in this present government, the insecurity in the country and the killing of innocent citizens by the Herdsmen, the politically motivated fight against corruption and flagrant abuse of rule of law, among others.

The group said that they will support whoever will be elected by Nigerians in the free and fair election.

“IWA Igbo will support and takes a strong position in matters of interest for Ndigbo and Nigeria in general in the areas of good governance, rule of law, security of lives and property, equity and fairness in corporate Nigeria, youth development, among others”, the group assured.

The group disclosed that they represent Ohanaeze Ndiigbo Diaspora Committee.

“It is very important to bring to your attention this structural fact to Ndiigbo Hlhome and abroad.

” It is also important to note that IWA has been working very closely with Ohanaeze Ndiigbo for years both in normal times and in every turbulent and challenging time to this present status whereby Ohanaeze Ndiigbo is accepted as the mouth piece of Ndigbo globally”, the diaspora Igbo explained.