Uzodimma tasks politicians on injustice against Igbo

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has challenged the political class and other patriots to rise up and address the Igbo question of marginalisation and injustice, as part of their contribution to national unity.

According to Uzodimma, the time to wipe the tears of Ndigbo is now, and the Patriots, who can do so, having done the same in 1999 in the wake of the Yoruba’s outcry over the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election won by Chief Moshood Abiola, are still around and politically active.

In his remarks, on Saturday night, at a reception organised for the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prof. George Obiozor, at the Banquet Hall of Imo Government House, Owerri, Uzodimma was optimistic that the storm in the South-East would soon be over.

He stated: “I am happy to behold the cream of Igbo leaders who could find the time to be here today for this solidarity reception we have organised in honour of our father and son, our leader and servant and, indeed, our cross-bearer, Prof. Obiozor.

“I perceive a degree of commitment tinged with anxiety and concern over the future of the Igbo race. Also palpable in the house today is a genuine concern about the political fate of Ndigbo in Project Nigeria. By your presence here today, you have assured me that I am not the only one who thinks Obiozor deserves our respect, appreciation and best wishes. This is because he is the arrowhead of an organisation at the forefront of the battle to defend and protect the socio-economic and political interests of Ndigbo.”

For Uzodimma, it was a huge sacrifice for Obiozor to accept to serve the Igbo race in this capacity.

His words: “As a former ambassador to the United States, Obiozor is a household name across the country and beyond. It is to our advantage that a man of such pedigree accepted to serve us in this capacity. It is heart-warming that the Igbo have turned up in good number to honour and celebrate him.”

“It beats my imagination, therefore, that those who conspired and burnt down his house were also Igbo. What a paradox!”
Uzodimma, who used the opportunity provided by the reception to reiterate his condemnation of insecurity in the South East, appealed to the Igbo leadership to join hands with government and security agencies to end the unfortunate situation.

Earlier in his speech, Obiozor thanked Uzodimma for his support for Ohanaeze Ndigbo and, more importantly, for his commitment to a peaceful, united, prosperous and developed Imo.