Ohanaeze parleys British High Commission

As clamour for President of South East extraction in 2023 intensifies,  President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor has taken the Igbo cause to the British High Commission in Abuja.

According Dr Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze in a statement made available to journalists, the engagement took place on the invitation of the High Commission.

He disclosed that Ambassador Obiozor used the occasion to  reiterate that the 2023 presidential election is a defining moment for the Igbo in Nigeria.

Obiozor made  the remark when Ohanaeze Ndigbo honoured an invitation by the British High Commission, Abuja on Thursday, May 12, 2022.

Earlier, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing had welcomed the Ohanaeze Ndigbo delegation and stated that the essence of her invitation to the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation was to seek clarifications on the agitations in the South East, clamour for a president of Nigeria from the South East, Nnamdi Kanu saga and general wellbeing of Nigeria.

In her introductory remarks, the High Commissioner used the opportunity to debunk the news that the United Kingdom has designated the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist organization adding that the activities of IPOB in Nigeria do not meet the UK specifications for a terrorist organization.

Professor Obiozor in his presentation thanked the High Commissioner for extending the invitation to Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, reminding her that Ohanaeze is the umbrella body for over 60 million Igbos, resident in all parts of the world.

Obiozor pointed out that the Igbos are committed to the unity of the country, more than any other ethnic group in Nigeria, citing that Igbo are the next in population to the host community in all parts of Nigeria.

 He thanked the High Commissioner for clarifying the UK position on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Obiozor who had been the Nigerian Ambassador to the State of Israel, Cyprus and the United States of America, stated that the Igbo aspiration for leadership in Nigeria started long before the Nigeria’s independence and that over 50 years after the Nigerian civil war, the Igbos have not been fully integrated in the country.

 “It is self-evident that there is an existing rotation of power and zoning principles, aimed at ensuring equity and sense of belonging to the six geo-political zones in Nigeria.

“The British are aware that it is the turn of the South East to produce a president for Nigeria, yet, a group of people is plotting to change the goal post at the middle of the game. The time has come for us to know what Nigeria wants to do with the Igbo”.

On the political structure of Nigeria, Obiozor told the High Commissioner that it is paradoxical for the British to be silent on the implosive unitary structure of Nigeria while they are liberalizing structures of governance in the UK.

“Nigeria was conceived a federal system by the Founders and the 2014 National Constitutional Conference and the El Rufai Committee reemphasized the need for true federalism in Nigeria, yet the leadership of the country has paid a deaf ear to such salient recommendations.

“The elated High Commissioner who listened with rapt attention expressed immense delight for the intimate discussions with the Igbo leaders”, the statement said.

The UK envoy commended the Igbo for their spirit of entreprise all over the world  adding that Britain is interested in the lasting peace and unity of the country.

She thanked and assured the delegation that the High Commission will do everything within their power  to promote justice, equity and peace in Nigeria.

Others on the delegation include Ambassador Okey Emuchay, MFR, the Secretary General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide; Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former Governor of Anambra State; HRH Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, Prince Gary Igariwey, former President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo; Chief S.N Okeke, OFR, former Chairman, Police Service Commission; Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Professor Charles Nwekeaku.