GROpinion
Time to rescue Ohaneze by Mazi Omife I. Omife
I have heard people say that the incumbent President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, is weak; that he doesn’t do this and that he does not carry the entire Igbos along. When I say Igbos, I mean Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, Abia and some parts of Delta, Rivers and probably Kogi States. But Ohaneze officially includes five core Igbo States and Igbo speaking parts of Delta State, since the Igbo speaking parts of Rivers State have dissociated themselves from Ohaneze.
Ohaneze Ndigbo is a successor to the defunct Igbo State Union which was banned in May 1966 by the military regime of General J. T. U. Aguiyi-Ironsi along with all political parties, tribal, cultural and social organizations in the country. The Igbo State union dates back to December 1948 when a pan-Igbo conference was held at Port Harcourt to organize the Igbo linguistic group into a political unit. At the conference a new Igbo union called Igbo State Union was inaugurated with membership opened to all towns and clans in Igboland and which became a voice for Igbo and whose objectives were mainly for the political interests of the Igbo in Nigeria.
At the conference,Dr. Azikiwe was elected president of the Igbo State Union but he did not stay long in the post and resigned, his reason being that his national view of a Nigerian leader conflicted with his leadership of a tribal organization. He was succeeded by Chief Z. C. Obi as the new president of the Igbo State Union.
In those days, every Igbo man and woman were fond of Igbo State Union and it had a lot of influence on the generality of Igbo people. I believe that was what late Akanu Ibiam and other great Igbo men and women had in mind when they formed Ohaneze. But then, some people have described Ohaneze as presently constituted as a toothless bulldog, the simple meaning being that the organization lacks the financial and logistic wherewithal to perform, hence the need for us to come to its rescue.
1.We have to give it full financial support. Without a strong financial base, Ohaneze cannot stand on a firm footing and be in position to serve the purpose for which it was formed. We need a system whereby every adult Igbo man or woman with a means of income can pay in something, no matter how little, into the coffers of Ohaneze, through their respective town unions. With a population of over 35 million, if every individual can pay as little as five hundred naira every year, it will go a long way to sustain Ohaneze financially.
2. We need to make Ohaneze active at the State, local government and community levels. In my own assessment, as of today, although Ohaneze is working in all the five States of the South East and Delta State, but not as actively as in Anambra and Enugu States. Enugu State chapter of Ohaneze under the leadership of Chief Alex Ogbonna has organized many major events that were estimated at millions of naira.
Ditto for Anambra State where the State chairman of Ohaneze, Chief Damian Okeke, Ogene Nnaka, has effectively restructured Ohaneze, including the introduction of regular payment of office rent as well as salaries to Ohaneze secretariat and ad hoc workers, something that was impossible for years before he became chairman.
3. The five governors of main Igbo States should be officially committed and mandated to provide financial support to Ohaneze as a matter of obligation and not voluntary donation, the same way the governors of the South West region and Northern governors, including the Middle Belt do to Afanifere and Arewa respectively. It is unfortunate that most of Igbo governors have been reluctant in giving their annual financial support to Ohaneze with the exception of Enugu and Anambra States which have been paying regularly, although the annual subvention needs to be doubled or even tripled if we really want Ohaneze to be strong and perform effectively.
In spite of his shortcomings as former governor of Imo State, we need more Rochas Okorochas who personally bulit a modern secretariat for Ohaneze as well as the Ojukwu Center in Owerri. It is equally instructive that a non-Igbo governor, far from Igboland (let me not mention names for strategic reasons) recently promised to build a secretariat for Ohaneze chapter in his State. If this could happen, why would Igbo governors lag behind in giving support to their own?
4. In order to enhance the relevance and impact of Ohaneze, the use of English language in Ohaneze meetings at all levels, including ‘ime obi’ should be stopped forthwith. It is absurd that an organization such as Ohaneze Ndigbo should conduct its business in English language.
This is unlike its counterparts like Afenifere and Arewa organizations where all meetings are conducted in their respective cultural languages which makes it difficult for non-natives to know what they are discussing. The use of English language in Ohaneze meetings is like a meeting held in the market square for everybody.
One reason that has been adduced for the use of English language in Ohaneze meetings is that some sections of Igbo people do not understand the common Igbo language. But as far as I know, the recommended central language for Igbos is Owerri and Onitsha languages. If a Calabar or Ogoja man can speak and understand these Igbo central languages but an Abakaliki man cannot, is that reason enough for an entire tribe to adopt a foreign language as official language?
5. Urgent steps should be taken to rescue the national image of Ohaneze by arresting the paroliferation and bastardization of Igbo titles by Igbos living outside Igboland in form of Eze-Igbo titles by every Tom, Dick and Harry in most States. These fake Eze-Igbos even have their cabinets and confer chieftaincy titles to other Igbos in their domains. And these are people who have not attended their respective home town union meetings for one day.
What is happening in a State like Lagos will make every Igbo man cry, what with several Eze Igbos here and there and even down to local government levels. In Igbo land, we all abhor and protest non-Igbos posing as traditional rulers such as Emir. Why should we allow Igbos in other lands to do the same, thereby desecrating and trivializing our sacred institution? This shameful practice should be proscribed and stiff penalty stipulated for contravention.
6. In the same vein, steps should be taken to check and or streamline the proliferation of Igbo associations which creates the impression of a disunited and disjointed Igbo nation. If these mushroom Igbo associations cannot be proscribed, they should be streamlined and made subservient to Ohaneze and take directives from it.
A situation where various Igbo associations make public statements on behalf of Igbo people, often at variance with the policy statement of Ohaneze simply makes nonsense of Ohaneze in the eyes of other tribes and belittles its worth and integrity.
Any Igbo association that makes public statement in the name of Igbos must get clearance from Ohaneze, otherwise, Ohaneze should publish a disclaimer to such statements in addition to sanctioning the leaders of such associations. While there can be a father and his children, you just cannot have two or three fathers in one house. That would be an aberration. We cannot have two parallel Igbo organizations. You don’t see such things in the South West or Northern States.
7. In similar vein, there is a need to also check and streamline the activities of Ohaneze Youths. Like various Igbo associations, we cannot allow the situation where Ohaneze is saying one thing and Ohaneze youths are saying a different thing, worse still, contrary to what Ohaneze is saying.
I remember during the leadership of late Justice Eze Ozobu when Ohaneze adopted Odumegwu Ojukwu of APGA as presidential candidate and asked all Igbos to vote for him, but Ohaneze Youths would not take it and issued a counter statement endorsing the candidature of Olusegun Obasanjo of PDP. There have been similar confrontations of Ohaneze decisions by Ohaneze youths. It is either the youth is scrapped entirely or re-organized.
8. The practice of Ohaneze endorsing individual presidential candidates should be stopped because it helps to destroy the organization. For instance, Ohaneze was the first tribal organization to endorse late Yar’Adua through the then President, Joe Irukwu, even when Arewa Consultative Assembly had not given a thought to adopting a candidate. So also did late Ralph Uwechue from Delta State and Iduma Igariwey from Ebonyi State adop presidential candidates without due consultation.
In all these cases, the Ohaneze leaders did not make proper consultation with Igbo mainstream. The only Ohaneze leader that did not adopt any presidential candidate was late Dozie Ikedife. In all, while Joe Irukwu performed below average which some people said was because he was a known establishment man, Ralph Uwechue’s tenure was nothing to write home about, but the worst of them all was Igariwey whose tenure marked the worst period of Ohaneze in history
This calls to question the wisdom of rotational leadership of Ohaneze which has thrown up some incompetent Ohaneze leaders whose tenures ended up doing more harm than good to Igbos. Rather, we should always go for the best perceived person to lead Ohaneze through a democratic general election in every election year.
It turns out that the two best Ohaneze leaders so far both come from Enugu State, namely late Eze Ozobu and the incumbent Nnia Nwodo. Ozobu’s achievement as first Ohaneze President have been unequalled, including his leadership style which was based on wide consultation and democratic decisions which he adopted during the endorsement of late Ojukwu. It was also Ozobu who gave Ohaneze its first constitution and introduced rotational State by State leadership of Ohaneze.
On his part, Nnia Nwodo made nationwide consultation of all State chapters of Ohaneze across the country before the adoption of Atiku/Peter Obi presidential ticket, more so given that it was the nearest chance for Igbos to be at Aso Rock which had eluded them since the second republic. Nnia Nwodo has the requisite courage, just like Eze Ozobu, to speak out against injustice against Igbos which he has done several times now. He was also bold enough to speak against the proscription of IPOB as a terrorist organization by the Federal government while Fulani herdsmen are absolved.
This is why it is necessary for Igbos to rally round Nnia Nwodo-led Ohaneze at this point in time and give him all the support and solidarity so we can rescue Ohaneze from the vampires.
[Mazi Omife I. Omife, Mbuze Mbaukwu posted this article on his Facebook page]
Columnists
Atiku Abubakar’s Coalition on a Path to Failure after Struggles
By: Prof. Ojo Emmanuel Ademola
In Nigeria’s political landscape, Atiku Abubakar’s coalition stands as a significant challenger to the status quo but faces challenges like internal disputes, regional divides, and distrust among stakeholders. To succeed, the coalition must present a clear economic vision resonating with an informed electorate. Fostering unity, transparency, and inclusivity while addressing internal conflicts and regional disparities will enhance trust and strengthen its position in Nigerian politics.
Atiku Abubakar is leading a coalition of major political parties, including the APC, PDP, and Labour Party, to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. The coalition aims to tackle regional insecurity and economic issues, which Atiku believes the current government is mishandling. In response, President Tinubu is employing a carefully crafted strategy, termed a divide-and-rule approach by some analysts, to weaken this coalition. However, analysts suggest that Nigerians are increasingly focused on economic solutions rather than divisive politics.
Political analysts assert that Atiku Abubakar’s coalition faces immense challenges, indicating it is “dead on arrival.” Atiku Abubakar’s coalition is plagued by internal conflicts, particularly between him and Peter Obi over leadership and the presidential candidacy. Regional divisions have weakened the coalition, with the PDP losing influence in the South-South and South-East to Obi’s Labour Party. Trust issues persist as members question Atiku’s motives and whether the coalition serves a collective purpose. Amid Nigeria’s economic and political instability, the coalition struggles to gain support and maintain unity, highlighting the need for cohesion to navigate upcoming challenges, especially ahead of the 2027 elections.
Public opinion plays a crucial role in the success of political coalitions like Atiku Abubakar’s, influencing political dynamics significantly. Support from the public can enhance a coalition’s credibility and momentum, making it a stronger alternative to the current government. As politicians are attuned to public sentiment, aligning coalition goals with public concerns can motivate them to join or support the coalition. Positive public opinion leads to greater media coverage and supporters while mobilising essential resources for campaign efforts. Ultimately, electoral success depends on the coalition’s ability to connect with voters, making it imperative for Atiku’s coalition to engage with and address public concerns effectively.
Prioritising youth engagement, economic growth, and sustainability is essential for any administration aiming for progress. With Nigeria’s large youthful population, active involvement can enhance political participation, spark innovation, and build a strong workforce. Addressing the youth’s needs through targeted policies on education, job creation, and inclusivity is crucial.
Additionally, focusing on economic development is vital to tackle unemployment, poverty, and regional disparities, requiring policies that promote entrepreneurship and attract foreign investment. Emphasizing sustainability ensures economic progress while protecting the environment; this includes investing in renewable energy and eco-friendly technologies. President Tinubu’s commitment to these areas is key to fostering a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable Nigeria.
It’s an interesting perspective that Atiku Abubakar’s coalition might be seen as a distraction rather than a genuine attempt to address Nigeria’s challenges. In the digital age, where information flows rapidly and citizens are more informed, such strategies can indeed face significant hurdles. Here’s an expanded view on why this approach might struggle and what could be more effective:
Challenges of Distraction Politics in the Digital Age:
In today’s digital age, Nigerians have greater access to information through social media and online news, making traditional political diversion tactics less effective. This increased transparency allows citizens to monitor government actions closely and hold officials accountable. The youth, who are active online, prefer practical solutions over distractions, highlighting the need for meaningful policies to drive genuine progress and change.
Effective Strategies for Democratic Development:
Focusing on economic empowerment through sustainable initiatives such as job creation, small business support, and investment in technology can significantly improve citizens’ well-being. Enhancing education and skills for youth prepares them for the job market and strengthens the economy. Inclusive governance that addresses regional disparities fosters national unity and stability. Additionally, promoting environmental sustainability through green technologies and renewable energy ensures long-term prosperity and a healthier future for everyone.
Inspiring Examples:
Digital innovation has transformed governance and public services in Estonia, highlighting transparency and efficiency. Nigeria should adopt similar strategies to enhance its performance. Youth-led initiatives are crucial for economic growth and support young entrepreneurs. The tech industry in Nigeria is booming, with start-ups gaining global recognition.
Community engagement is vital for effective political movements, requiring grassroots involvement to address diverse needs. Leaders who connect with communities foster strong support, essential for successful governance. Nigeria can build a brighter future by embracing innovation, empowering youth, and engaging communities.
Distraction politics may have worked in the past, but the digital age requires more transparency. By focusing on real solutions and engaging with an informed electorate, leaders can foster democratic development and a brighter future for Nigeria.
Atiku Abubakar and his coalition have faced challenges in developing winning strategies. Let’s examine some democratic perspectives on the reasons behind this and potential alternatives.
Challenges Faced by Atiku Abubakar and His Coalition:
Progress in Nigeria’s political landscape hinges on overcoming formidable hurdles such as the lack of a unified vision, deep-rooted trust deficits, and intricate regional and ethnic divides. The coalition must navigate complex agendas and historical disappointments to present a cohesive front and inspire confidence among voters. Addressing Nigeria’s diverse societal scope requires inclusive strategies that bridge demographic disparities and deliver tangible solutions to pressing economic and social woes. By forging a unified vision, rebuilding trust, and fostering cohesion among varied communities, the coalition can chart a path towards transformative change and sustainable development in the nation.
Engaging Democratic Views:
To succeed, a coalition must first establish a unified vision that transcends individual ambitions and resonates with the broader public. Rebuilding trust is key, requiring transparency, accountability, and consistent communication to demonstrate a commitment to democratic principles. Inclusivity in policymaking is vital, necessitating engagement with diverse groups to address regional and ethnic needs effectively. A strong focus on the economy, with clear and practical plans for job creation and infrastructure investment, is essential for garnering voter support. Additionally, prioritizing youth engagement through education, skills development, and political participation initiatives can ensure a more inclusive and sustainable political strategy.
Inspiring Examples:
Building grassroots movements is essential for a coalition’s success, as local networks create strong support. Digital campaigns via social media and online platforms can broaden the coalition’s reach. Collaborative leadership fosters voter confidence, as united leaders convey solidarity and commitment.
Atiku Abubakar and his coalition have struggled to meet essential foundational criteria. Despite the challenges they face, there are effective strategies they could implement to enhance their prospects. However, various reasons limit their ability to adopt these strategies. Instead, they should foster unity, trust, inclusivity, and economic development. By doing so, they can craft a compelling vision that truly resonates with the Nigerian public.
In conclusion, Atiku Abubakar’s coalition is at a pivotal moment, with the potential to either reshape Nigerian politics or struggle with its challenges. To succeed, the coalition must present a unified vision that resonates with all Nigerians. It needs to rebuild trust through transparency and accountability while addressing the diverse needs of the country’s various regions and demographics. By focusing on economic empowerment, youth engagement, and sustainable development, the coalition can provide a compelling alternative to the current administration. In a time when voters seek genuine solutions and meaningful change, the path to success lies in tackling the real issues facing Nigeria and engaging the public in a transparent and inclusive manner.
GROpinion
Insecurity In Zamfara – Hold Lawal Accountable, Not Matawalle
Writes Nasiru Aliyu, Media Advisor to the Hon. Minister
The recent protest organized by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Akida Forum raises significant questions about political motivations and accountability.
Led by Musa Mahmoud the APC AKIDA group staged a demonstration at the Abuja headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS), demanding an investigation into the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, amid allegations linking him to banditry in the state.
The protest, predominantly featuring hired women and youths from Abuja, was framed as a response to escalating security concerns in Zamfara.
However, the underlying motives appear to be rooted in political rivalry rather than genuine concern for public safety.
The leader of the APC Akida Forum Tijjani Ramallan claims that Governor Dauda Lawal has accused Matawalle of collusion with bandits, suggesting that such ties have perpetuated the insecurity plaguing the region.
A critical point overlooked by Mahmoud and his supporters is that Matawalle is no longer the executive governor of Zamfara.
The current governor, Dauda Lawal, now holds the title of the state’s chief security officer, and therefore, he bears the primary responsibility for addressing the security crisis.
Instead of engaging in a blame game, Lawal should focus on implementing effective strategies to combat the rampant insecurity and provide the dividends of democracy to the people of Zamfara state.
The animosity towards Matawalle seems to stem from his previous role as the Director General of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign in the Northwest, where he played a pivotal role in securing significant electoral support for the current president.
This success has reportedly fueled envy among some political figures like Tijjani Ramallan, including Musa Mahmoud and others who may feel threatened by Matawalle’s rising profile.
It is noteworthy that allegations against Matawalle have been investigated by the National Security Adviser’s office, which found no evidence to support claims of his involvement in banditry.
This investigation contributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to retain Matawalle in his ministerial position, where he has reportedly managed security matters in the Northwest with professionalism.
Adding to the complexity of this situation, a Kano High Court recently issued a restraining order against Governor Lawal and others, prohibiting them from continuing their smear campaign against Matawalle. This legal development underscores the court’s recognition of the potential harm caused by unfounded allegations and the need for accountability in political discourse and the state government has found an ally in APC AKIDA led by Tijjani Ramallan.
Despite the court’s intervention, Governor Lawal continues to leverage media platforms to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation, linking him to banditry and corruption without substantiating evidence.
Such tactics appear to be desperate attempts to undermine Matawalle’s credibility, likely motivated by Lawal’s desire to solidify his political standing.
The ongoing campaign against Matawalle by Lawal and his associates raises serious concerns about the integrity of political discourse in Zamfara.
It is imperative for the public to remain vigilant against misleading narratives and to recognize the broader implications of such political maneuvers.
The Kano High Court’s ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of due process and the need for responsible governance.
In conclusion, the focus of accountability in Zamfara should shift towards Governor Dauda Lawal, who now holds the reins of security in the state.
Instead of casting blame on former officials, Lawal must take ownership of the security situation and work towards tangible solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of the people of Zamfara.
Furthermore, since Matawalle operational visit to sokoto led to the elimination of Bandit leader Halilu Sububu who is alleged to have died with the treasure of the sponsors of banditry in zamfara state, the pain propelled them to further embark on campaign of calumny.
The recent activities of some individuals with one Davids Iyida attempting to sabotage the MoMo Payment Service Bank project intended to benefit, especially Enugu Ezike people, have raised significant concern and outrage within the community.
Such actions aimed at undermining a project with immense potential to uplift and empower the people of Enugu Ezike can only be described as malicious.
The MoMo PSB project is designed to bring financial services closer to the people of Enugu Ezike, facilitating easier access to banking and financial transactions.
This project is expected to create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy. In a region where such opportunities are rare, the MoMo PSB project represents a beacon of hope for many residents.
It is particularly baffling and disheartening to witness a member of the community collaborate with outsiders to hinder the progress of their own people.
The reasons behind such alliances remain unclear, but the impact of these actions is evident and deeply troubling. Working to obstruct the project is not only delaying progress but also actively working against the welfare and advancement of Enugu Ezike.
The efforts to destroy Kingsley Ifeanyi Adonu’s good intention, despite all the positive contributions he has made, are nothing short of wickedness.
Adonu, a visionary entrepreneur and the leading MTN Partner in the South East, has dedicated significant resources and efforts to bring the MoMo Payment Service Bank project to fruition.
His vision for the community includes economic growth, financial inclusion, and overall development. Attacking his vision is an attack on the progress and future of Enugu Ezike.
The question that lingers in the minds of many is: Why sabotaging our own benefits? In a time when unity and collective effort are paramount for the community’s advancement, such actions of sabotage are counterproductive and harmful. The community needs all hands on deck to drive development and improve the quality of life for its residents. Internal conflicts and malicious actions only serve to set back these efforts.
Despite the challenges and the malicious attempts to derail the project, it is important to reaffirm that S Mobile Group vision for establishing a MoMo Payment Service Bank in Enugu Ezike will prevail.
The community stands behind this vision, recognizing the immense benefits it promises to bring. Efforts to hinder progress will ultimately fail in the face of collective determination and support.
The actions of these ungrateful individuals, aimed at sabotaging the MoMo PSB project, are grave disservice to the community of Enugu Ezike.
In a time when progress and development are desperately needed, such malicious activities are deeply regrettable.
However, the vision and determination of Kingsley Ifeanyi Adonu and the community’s support ensure that the project will succeed, bringing much-needed growth and prosperity to Enugu Ezike.
Let it be known that no amount of sabotage can dim the light of progress and unity.
Nwodo, a public commentator writes from Enugu State
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