Eze Amaechi joins Ohanaeze Ndigbo Presidential race, pledging to bring unity, stability and peace to the apex Igbo socio-cultural group if elected
By Jude Nzennaya, Port Harcourt
As the election of the next President-General (PG) of the Igbo apex socio-political organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo draws nearer, an aspirant, Eze Fyneface Amaechi has promised to bring unity, peace and stability to the body and by extension Igboland, if elected President-General.
This is in line with the organization’s constitution which zoned the position to Rivers State.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Association of Great Minds New Yam Festival in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital over the weekend, Eze Amaechi said his aspiration to become the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo was borne out of a desire for service.
Eze Amaechi, who is currently the Chairman of United Igbo Elders Council (UIEC) Worldwide, Rivers State Council, debunked insinuations that he was not a member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, pointing out that he has actively been involved in Igbo activities both at home and abroad, over the years.
Amaechi who hails from Ozuzu, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, said the contest is not just about himself, but that of Rivers State interest.
Responding to a question on his position over the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu and what he will do if elected President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in January 2025, he said he believes in dialogue, stressing that only dialogue could resolve Nnamdi Kanu question.
On insecurity in the South East, he urged Igbo businessmen and women to invest in Igbo land to create jobs for the teeming unemployed youths of the region, adding that this will reduce, if not eradicate insecurity in the zone.
“The Igbo should bring back home their businesses, so that the youths can be employed. When they are gainfully engaged, crimes will reduce if not eradicated, “Eze Amaechi said.
Commenting on the identity issue of Rivers State not being Igbo State, the Royal Father said it is an open secret that Rivers State has Igbo speaking tribes like Delta State.
He named Etche, Ahoada, Ikwerre, Ogba, Obigbo and Opobo as such tribes in Rivers State, which he said is not in dispute.
Eze dismissed insinuations that Igbo are marginalized in Nigeria, but rather agreed that they have been short-changed all this while.
Adding his voice to the issue, the Rivers State Coordinator of United Igbo Elders Council (UIEC), High Chief (Dr) O.Z Ubah urged everybody to support Amaechi to emerge as the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
