Culture
See how Igbo Governors are insulting Ndigbo
BY: Mazi Omife I. Omife
See how Igbo Governors have remained cowards and made South West Governors heroes!
See how Igbo Governors have remained slaves to Myetti Allah leaders because they, not Buhari, promised one of the governors to become the next President!
Imagine how aggressive and militant OPC has been. Nobody stopped them till today. When Yorubas felt that OPC was not enough, their Governors created Amotekun without taking permission from anybody.
Imagine how eminent Yoruba heavyweights such as Femi Falana, Wole Soyinka, Odumakin, Femi Kayode and others came out fully in support of their Governors.
Imagine the Northerners establishing their own security network in the name of ‘Shege ka Fasa’ security outfit, without taking permission from anybody.
But Igbo Governors had pretended to be sleeping until pressure from Ndigbo forced them to hold an emergency meeting with only one agenda. After the meeting, the chairman of the Igbo Governors Forum, Governor Umahi announced the only agenda of their meeting. And that was to write a letter to President Buhari through the Secretary to the Federal Government
asking for permission to create their own security apparatus!
Before then, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi had surprised everybody and formed the intuitive and innovative Forest Guards security project in Enugu State which has been yielding positive results.
One had expected that the South East Governors would immediately follow the example of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi by adopting his Forest Guard model. But this did not happen. Instead, the Igbo Governors went back to the usual game they best know how to play by resorting to letter writing.
Somebody told me, not yet confirmed, that Igbo Governors letter has not even reached the desk of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation but still lying around the table of one of the Special Assistants to the President at Aso Rock.
This negative and servile course of action by South East Governors against the general interest of Ndigbo is not new to most Ndigbo as it has been their stock in trade from day one of the Buhari administration.
The South East Governors did a similar thing on the issue of IPOB when the Igbo governors proscribed IPOB at the behest of the Federal Government even when they lacked the powers to do so.
This was in contrast to other geo-political zones. For instance, the OPC leader, Gani Adams, was conferred with one of the highest titles in Yoruba land, Aare Kankafo of Yoruba land by his people and all the South West Govnors were present during the conferment.
Erstwhile leader of Niger Delta militants, Tompolo was also celebrated by Bayelsa people and was rewarded with juicy contracts even by the Federal government.
The South East Governors did similar thing it during 2019 election campaign when a quintessential son of Igbo land, Peter Obi was tipped as running mate to the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. The issue of a running mate for Atiku had stirred up a hot debate and controversy among PDP leaders from various geo-political zones as to which region should produce the vice presidential candidate.
But Atiku expressed preference in the South East, arguing that Igbos have suffered for the PDP more than any other region and eventually won the support of PDP leadership against intense pressure by the South West.
But Igbo governors would have none of it and rose in unison to oppose the choice of their brother and kinsman. We all know the story, how the South East governors called an emergency meeting to declare their opposition to Obi’s candidature, insisting that Atiku must explain to them the parameter for choosing Peter Obi as his running mate.
When their protest came under heavy fire by Igbos across the country, the governors changed course and manufactured another reason for opposing Obi’s nomination, this time, the failure of Atiku to consult them before making his choice of running mate. This triggered lot of criticism from Igbos against the Igbo governors.
As further reaction by Igbos against the opposition of Igbo governors to Peter Obi’s nomination, several Igbo groups across the country and the Diaspora began to put pressure on Ohaneze Ndigbo to adopt Atiku/Obi ticket as the Igbo choice candidates in the coming elections, in line with the long tradition of Ohaneze to adopt particular candidates every election season.
After a long period of deliberations and consultations, the apex Igbo organization finally bowed to pressure by adpting the PDP as a party, based on the party’s promise to restructure the country. By adopting PDP, rather than individuals, Ohaneze wittingly covered the interest of Igbo PDP governors who by implication were direct beneficiaries of the Ohaneze declaration. But the Igbo governors refused to see it that way.
Expectedly, the Ohaneze declaration triggered another round of protests by Igbo governors, again led by Obiano and Umahi. While Obiano from Awka, called the Ohaneze leader, Nnia Nwodo, on phone to call him an “idiot”, over the Ohaneze declaration (Obiano later denied he called Nwodo an idiot), Umahi from Abakaliki berated Nwodo for scheduling Ohaneze meeting on the same day Buhari was visiting the South East. This was an Ohaneze meeting that is usually fixed several weeks in advance to enable all stakeholders across Nigeria and the Diaspora to make necessary adjustment to their programmes.
Obiano and Umahi believed that the entire Igbo leaders should suddenly cancel a meeting that had been fixed weeks before to discuss the affairs of Ndigbo because of Buhari’s less than 4-hour visit to the South East or because Buhari was commissioning the decoration of a tomb in Onitsha, call it a mausoleum or what you will, which took Buhari four years to complete as the only visible Federal project in the South East in his four years of administration.
But Obiano and Umahi would rather have Ohaneze Ndigbo cancel a very crucial meeting that touches on the destiny of Igbos to run down to Onitsha to watch Buhari commission a mausoleum when he should be commissioning the second Niger bridge or the Onitsha-Enugu express that had been a death trap for many years, the same road through which Ohaneze members were expected to travel to Onitsha to witness the opening of a tomb.
Then came the count down to the election when Buhari went to Ebonyi State on campaign. Umahi mobilized over 200,000 rented crowd to give a semblance of mass support to the APC. He later turned around after the rally to insult the intelligence of Igbos by publicly announcing how he mobilized people for APC rally so as to prevent APC from being disgraced for lack of supporters. Can you imagine?
Umahi did not stop there. As soon as Buhari left Ebonyi, Umahi showed that his hiring of a crowd for Buhari was not just a joke but a manifestation of his support for APC candidate. He summoned all traditional rulers in his State and ordered them to endorse Buhari, under risk of dethronement. Yet not in one State of the North did traditional rulers endorse either Buhari or Atiku, not even in Buhari’s Katsina home State.
On his part, Obiano also summoned all major stakeholders and APGA ward chairmen in Anambra State and directed that they must deliver their respective communities to APC for the presidential candidate and to APGA for the Senatorial ballot.
On the day of the Presidential election, Igbos in all the states of the South East and all parts of the country trooped out to vote massively for Atiku and Peter Obi including Anambra State where most communities defied Obiano’s directives by making sure that not one single APGA Senatorial candidate was elected and that Atiku and Peter Obi won by landslide against Buhari.
For one thing, the massive Igbo vote against Buhari was a clear indication that Igbo governors had no followers and supporters and on the contrary, that Igbos have nothing but contempt for their governors.
This is where I doff my heart for our indefatigable Igbo political patriots par excellence whose last minute pep messages to Igbos helped do the final magic of calling out Igbos to the election battle ground to declare their Igboness without fear.
These included Hon. Ugochukwu Agballah and his Igbo Improvement Union who toured all Igbo speaking states and rounded it up at Shoprite. There was also the Osisioma Igbo Dr. Chike Obidigbo, one of the founders of the Anambra State Elders Forum, which met at the Amos House Awka, few days to the election with the attendance of who is who in Igboland to mobilize Anambrarians to vote Atiku/Obi ticket. Then there was the Enugu born political juggernaut, Chief Maxi Okwu who also stormed various parts of the country with his ‘Otu Nkwado Atiku na Obi group’ to awaken Igbos to action.
It is amazing that Igbo Governors in the face of the critical security situation in the South East cannot join other geopolitical zones to defend their people by establishing their own security networks.
This where I commend the wisdom and patriotism of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in his Forest Guard initiative which has made tremendous positive impact on the security situation in Enugu State.
If only the other South Governors will show similar zest for the lives and property of their people by towing the path of Governor Ugwuanyi without all the groveling to Abuja to seek permission that may come very late or never be granted.
Mazi Omife I. Omife [Mbuze Mbaukwu]
Culture
Chief Edozie Imah Honoured As UN Peace Ambassador
—For Remarkable Conflict Resolution Efforts
Engr. Chief Richard Chukwuedozie Imah was on Wednesday recognized with an ambassadorial award as a United Nations Ambassador for Peace, acknowledging his remarkable contributions to conflict resolution and community harmony.
He was presented with the Chartered Fellowship Award by the International Association of World Peace Advocates of the United Nations Peace Volunteers at a ceremony that took place at the palace of Ezeigbo Ejigbo, Eze Nicholas Emenike Njoku.
By this award, Chief Richard Chukwuedozie Imah, who is also the Onowu (traditional prime minister) of Ndigbo Ejigbo becomes an Eminent Peace Ambassador of the United Nations and a Global Diplomat.
His long-standing reputation as a peacemaker, both within his community and the palace, played a pivotal role in his selection for the prestigious honour.
Presenting the Award to Chief Chukwuedozie Imah before a distinguished audience comprising of family members, friends, business associates, the Eze-in-Council of Ezeigbo Ejigbo, and well-wishers, Bishop Amb. Dr. Prince C. Nkemakolam, representing Ambassador Per Stafsen, World Peace President, said by this position, Ambassador Chukwuedozie Imah is now a symbol of power and strength.
“The newest ambassador, from today, God has added power to your power. God has added authority to your authority. God has added strength to your strength. Wherever you find yourself, you are expected to exhibit the life of an ambassador, speaking for your community with authority as well.
“You will reign as a king that God has made you. Be a peacemaker wherever there is crisis. As an Ambassador, wherever you show off, peace is bound to reign; wherever there is confusion and you show up as an ambassador, peace takes over. What is happening now is that God has supernaturally, given you a new seat. And we pray that this seat will not hurt you,” he prayed.
Bishop Nkemakolam said that Ambassador Richard Chukwuedozie Imah has consistently worked to resolve disputes between families, communities, and even landlords, demonstrating a proactive approach to fostering peace, noting that his dedication to ensuring harmonious coexistence has earned him widespread respect and admiration.
In his acceptance speech, Ambassador Chukwuedozie Imah thanked God for the Award and noted that he has always been a peacemaker. “I have always liked making peace wherever I am, whether in the palace or in the community. People know me as someone committed to ensuring that peace reigns.”
The new ambassador highlighted his efforts to mediate conflicts in various contexts, including resolving issues among landlords and tenants and emphasized the importance of maintaining peaceful relations, noting, “No matter what happens, we try to calm things down and ensure there is no problem. People have recognized me as a peacemaker because of these efforts.”
With his new role, Ambassador Imah plans to redouble his efforts in promoting peace. He aims to bridge divides between different groups and tribes, using his position to improve lives and foster harmony in Ejigbo community. “As an ambassador of peace, I will work even harder to ensure continued peace among people and communities. Making peace saves lives, and I am committed to that mission,” he stated.
He also assured that his ambassadorial position would be a tool for good, saying, “This position is not for personal pride or humiliation of others. It is to better the lives of people. When you make peace between two people, you save lives. That is what I will continue to do.”
Ambassador Imah expressed gratitude for the recognition and pledged to remain steadfast in his commitment to peace, its core values, crisis intervention, and community service.
High Chief Ambassador James Agom, representing the International Association of World Peace Ambassadors and Advocates, outlined the significance of the inauguration ceremony held to induct Chief Richard Chukwuedozie Imah as a new member of the association.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Agom explained that the association is dedicated to fostering peace and addressing crises, particularly in rural communities and emphasized their proactive approach to identifying and resolving local issues, underscoring the organization’s mission to create harmony and stability at the grassroots level.
The ceremony also highlighted the association’s charitable focus, showcasing its commitment to humanitarian efforts, noting that the induction process for new ambassadors is highly selective, requiring individuals to demonstrate a history of impactful charitable work and a proven dedication to supporting those in need.
“Membership in this association is not just a title but a responsibility,” Ambassador Agom stated. “A genuine charitable heart is essential. Successful candidates must exhibit a strong humanitarian spirit, a willingness to assist communities facing hardship, and a track record of addressing local challenges.”
The award ceremony underscored the significance of Ambassador Imah’s work and serves as an inspiration for others to prioritize harmony and understanding in their communities. It also serves as a call to action for individuals who aspire to join the organization, emphasizing the importance of selfless service in creating a better world.
The funeral rites of renowned community leader, late Ogbuefi Dominic Udegbunem Nweke, have been announced by the family in memory and celebration of his life after 91 years sojourn on earth.
A public statement by the family endorsed by the son and Group Executive Editor, ITREALMS Media group, Sir Remmy Nweke, indicated that his late father’s final funeral rites would commence on Thursday, October 24, 2024, with a wake at the family compound, Umuokpe village, Awba-Ofemili in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
On Friday, October 25, 2024, he said, the main funeral day would start with a requiem mass by 10am at St. Paul’s (Anglican Church) field Oye-Agu, beside the Central School, Umuokpe Village, Awba-Ofemili to be led by the Parish Priest of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Joseph Nwilo, with condolence visits thereafter by religious groups, in-laws, friends, well-wishers, and associates.
Nweke also said that Saturday, October 26, 2024, has been dedicated for condolence visits by the Ndi Nze n’Ozo, Lolos and Age Grades, whereas on Sunday, 27th October would be for the thanksgiving mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Awba-Ofemili by 10am.
He recalled that his late father, also known as Ozo Sopuluchukwu of Awba-Ofemili, passed on Friday, August 9, 2024, at the age of 91 years at the Regina Caeli Hospital Awka, in Anambra State.
Sir Nweke said that until his late father’s death, Ozo Sopuluchukwu was the patriarch of Ozo Nweke kindred of Umuosite village, Awba-Ofemili.
Reputed for his hardwork and frankness to matters, Ogbuefi Dominic Udegbunem Nweke adopted his Ozo Sopuluchukwu title in reverence to God Almighty in all that concerned him with peaceful disposition.
Until his demise, Ogbuefi Dominic Udegbunem Nweke was the famous sibling of the direct Ozo Nweke dynasty.
Late Ogbuefi Dominic Udegbunem Nweke is survived by his wife, Princess Christiana Nweke, sons, daughters, in-laws, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Young people of Enugu State have smiled home with various cash prizes and commendation letters, as winners in the art competition to depict the transition from Monday sit-at-home to productive Monday emerged.
The joint winners are Mstr. Nwachukwu Sunday and Ms. Ukeje Olubebe Victory, while Ms. Nkiruka Ogbonna is the runner-up.
The competition, according to the Special Assistant to Governor Peter Mbah on Visual Communications, Mr. Great Okeke, was put together to allow the youth of the state to tell their stories during and after the sit-at-home.
“The governor came in and made that declaration that there was no longer sit-at-home in Enugu State. So, after one year, we tried to put the art competition together for the youth of Enugu State to tell us their own stories about the sit-at-home.
“For instance, you know the students were among the most hit because they did not go to school on Monday before now. They lost 52 days out of the 365 days in each year that it lasted. And, at the end of the day, those in secondary school would still compete with others in Lagos or other states in the same examinations such as JAMB UTME and WAEC,” Okeke stated.
Presenting the prizes, the Secretary to State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, expressed happiness over the restoration of the entrepreneurship, productivity, and studies in all parts of the state on Monday, saying the sit-at-home was a sad and shameful part of the state’s history it wants to put behind it.
“One of the key things the governor said at the very beginning was that the sit-at-home syndrome that had lasted and changed what we are as a people, who are entrepreneurial and fearless, was over in Enugu.
“Before that, activities in Enugu State dwindled and you can see the first drawing here shows the very basic things that happened: people going out to sell, but they could not anymore because they were scared of the confusion, the chaos, the running around, and of course the syndrome that when you moved around and you saw the Sienna and it was tinted, that something bad was going to happen.
“So, I am happy that I can see the transition you depicted and that joy and order have come back. You were selected because you really reflected the thinking of this administration. In your storyline, you expressed the desires of the governor for Ndi Enugu to feel that level of safety, for commerce to come, for our people to live in joy and peace, and for our state to be great again,” Prof. Onyia stated.
Speaking, the winners, Nwachukwu Ozoemena and Ukeje Oluebube, said they were motivated by the theme of the competition, especially given the frustrations they suffered as students and youth while the sit-at-home lasted.
“The theme says “The echoes of sit-at-home”. So, immediately I saw the theme, I was very thrilled and it encouraged me to say yes, I need to do that which I have been keeping in mind. I said let me express myself.
“The message here is that anybody should move around and do his or her businesses because Enugu State today is free on Monday as other days of the week. Normalcy has returned because this current administration has actually helped us by keeping up with the promise to protect lives and property,” Ozoemena said.
On her part, Ms. Ukeje said, “My first painting depicts the dark part of the sit-at-home where I used the tomato seller as a topic. From the picture you see Sienna and whenever people see Sienna they will scamper for safety because of fear of the unknown gunmen.
“From the second painting, you could see her sitting at home and peeping through the window, seeing the unknown gunmen with their Sienna and no one is moving because of fear. “But the third picture depicts the return of normalcy on Monday after the emergence of Dr. Peter Mbah as the governor of Enugu State. The woman can now take her perishables to the market and sell since there are security personnel everywhere. She is now happy.”
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